Approaching End-of-life Conversations
“No further treatment is available.” Is there a sadder, more overwhelming statement a doctor can make to a patient? In an article published in Life Matters Media, LMM President and co-founder Randi Belisomo provides empathetic and thoughtful advice to physicians on how to change the focus of a bedside conversation with a terminally-ill patient from […] Read more »
What if you’re ready for hospice, but your family isn’t?
Sure, easy enough for us to say. If you’re terminally ill, you may be ready to forego curative treatment and choose hospice’s palliative or comfort care — treatment that will neither extend your life nor shorten it, but will improve your day-to-day quality of life. But what if those you love will have none of […] Read more »
What if you’re ready for hospice, but your doctor isn’t?
Your illness is terminal. You have just six months to live. Your doctor recommends curative treatment, such as chemotherapy, saying it might give you a bit more time. You just feel sicker. Severe symptoms send you to the emergency room or hospital too many times. You just want to be comfortable for whatever time is […] Read more »
A Mother’s Vigil
By Michelle Miller Hospice by the Bay Bereavement Intern This past March 25, I celebrated my daughter Carolyn’s 21st birthday. I had been anticipating this event and when it finally arrived, I decided I wanted to spend it doing something that she would enjoy doing. Since a trip to Paris wasn’t in the budget, I […] Read more »
Hospice Myths That Harm
Some myths are harmless. Others misconceptions get repeated enough to become commonly held beliefs that can even be harmful at times. There are many common myths about hospice care; do any of those sound familiar? “Hospice is a place you go to receive care.” (even though most hospice care is provided in the patient’s home) […] Read more »