Death and Dying March 2011 Archive

All forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, are life-limiting illnesses that will eventually lead to death.  While individuals are living longer with dementia, the end does come eventually.  A lot ... Read More

There's a few conversations most of us dread having with our kids.  Death is one of them, and it's the only one we are faced with as early as toddlerhood ... Read More

April 16 marks National Healthcare Decision Day.  Events are scheduled around the nation and thousands of people will gather to learn about and maybe even sign advance directives. My husband and ... Read More

The Joint Commission announced last week that it will begin offering hospitals advanced certification in palliative care beginning September 1, 2011.  According to the Joint Commission, certification "is designed to ... Read More

Elizabeth Taylor died yesterday, March 23, at the age of 79.  Her cause of death was severe congestive heart failure.  Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in adults, ... Read More

Usually when I tell people what I do as a hospice nurse their response is something like, "Oh, that must be so hard!"  My usual response is something like, "Well, ... Read More

A judge in Virginia ordered artificial nutrition be given to a Rwandan immigrant after her feeding tube was removed three weeks ago against her family's wishes.  Rachel Nyirahabiyambere, 59, has ... Read More

If you are scheduled to meet with a palliative care team for your first time, you want to be sure you are prepared to ask the right questions and get ... Read More