Death and Dying: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Dying Process
The dying process usually starts well before death actually occurs. Learn how to recognize the signs of approaching death.
The dying process usually starts well before death actually occurs. Learn how to recognize the signs of approaching death.
Writing a Condolence Letter
A sympathy or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort to someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Here are tips on writing your own condolence letter.
A sympathy or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort to someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Here are tips on writing your own condolence letter.
How to Write a Eulogy
Tips to help survivors write and deliver a eulogy.
Tips to help survivors write and deliver a eulogy.
Stress
Definition of stress.
Definition of stress.
Tasks of Dying
There are five tasks that a dying person should accomplish to have closure at the end of life.
There are five tasks that a dying person should accomplish to have closure at the end of life.
Caring for a Dying Loved One
Information and tips for those caring for the dying. Includes information on the dying process and steps to take to ensure comfort. Focus on safety, comfort, eating and drinking, and restlessness.
Information and tips for those caring for the dying. Includes information on the dying process and steps to take to ensure comfort. Focus on safety, comfort, eating and drinking, and restlessness.
Interacting with the Dying
Talking to a dying person may feel awkward and uncomfortable. Find out why talking about death can be so difficult.
Talking to a dying person may feel awkward and uncomfortable. Find out why talking about death can be so difficult.
Grief Quotes
Inspirational quotes on death, dying, and grief.
Inspirational quotes on death, dying, and grief.
Dying of Kidney Failure
When dialysis is no longer an options,
When dialysis is no longer an options,
Dying of Lung Cancer
What is like to die of lung cancer? Many lung cancer patients and their loved ones want to know what to expect when dying of lung cancer.
What is like to die of lung cancer? Many lung cancer patients and their loved ones want to know what to expect when dying of lung cancer.
Morphine
Of all the medications used to treat pain, morphine sulfate is perhaps the most misunderstood and feared.
Of all the medications used to treat pain, morphine sulfate is perhaps the most misunderstood and feared.
Talking to the Dying
Common beliefs about talking to the dying and tips for talking to a dying friend or loved one.
Common beliefs about talking to the dying and tips for talking to a dying friend or loved one.
Planning a Meaningful Goodbye
Find out how to plan a meaningful funeral or memorial service for yourself or your loved one with these simple steps.
Find out how to plan a meaningful funeral or memorial service for yourself or your loved one with these simple steps.
Survivor's Checklist
Checklist of responsibilities for survivors after a loved one's death.
Checklist of responsibilities for survivors after a loved one's death.
Grief and Mourning
What is grief and why do we mourn? Find out what's normal and what's not.
What is grief and why do we mourn? Find out what's normal and what's not.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Hospice care is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing symptoms for many palliative care and hospice patients. Find out how you can help manage nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing symptoms for many palliative care and hospice patients. Find out how you can help manage nausea and vomiting.
Ceasing of Eating and Drinking
End of life decisions for hospice patients may include voluntary stopping of eating and drinking.
End of life decisions for hospice patients may include voluntary stopping of eating and drinking.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a common symptom in palliative care patients. Find out why it happens and what you can do to help.
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a common symptom in palliative care patients. Find out why it happens and what you can do to help.
End of Life Symptoms
Recognize and help manage common end of life symptoms.
Recognize and help manage common end of life symptoms.
Phases of Grief and Mourning
Understanding the four phases and tasks of grief and mourning is first step to moving through the grieving process.
Understanding the four phases and tasks of grief and mourning is first step to moving through the grieving process.
DABDA
Definition of DABDA, the five stages of coping with death.
Definition of DABDA, the five stages of coping with death.
Life Support Decisions
Life support is any treatment intended to prolong life without curing or reversing the underlying medical condition. The decision of when to withdraw life support or if to begin it at all is a sticky one, muddled with confusing terms and strong emotions.
Life support is any treatment intended to prolong life without curing or reversing the underlying medical condition. The decision of when to withdraw life support or if to begin it at all is a sticky one, muddled with confusing terms and strong emotions.
Nearing Death Awareness
Many patients going through the dying process may experience a phenomena known as "nearing death awareness".
Many patients going through the dying process may experience a phenomena known as "nearing death awareness".
7 Ways to Whet an Appetite
Seven tips and tricks to increasing an appetite that has been diminished by illness.
Seven tips and tricks to increasing an appetite that has been diminished by illness.
Cheyne-Stokes
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are defined by irregular breathing.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are defined by irregular breathing.
Marijuana Allergy
How to recognize and treat a marijuana allergy.
How to recognize and treat a marijuana allergy.
Medical Marijuana
A list of the pros and cons in the debate over medical marijuana.
A list of the pros and cons in the debate over medical marijuana.
Palliative Care
Description of palliative care, including goals, the palliative care team, and settings of care.
Description of palliative care, including goals, the palliative care team, and settings of care.
Hospice Nurse
Considering hospice nursing? Here is a profile of a typical hospice nurse.
Considering hospice nursing? Here is a profile of a typical hospice nurse.
Decreased Appetite
Loss of appetite and weight loss are common with many life-threatening illnesses. Find out why and how you can help...
Loss of appetite and weight loss are common with many life-threatening illnesses. Find out why and how you can help...
Delirium and Restlessness
Delirium and terminal restlessness are distressing symptoms that may occur in dying patients. Find out what they are, how to recognize them, and how you can help manage them.
Delirium and terminal restlessness are distressing symptoms that may occur in dying patients. Find out what they are, how to recognize them, and how you can help manage them.
Fear of Death
Overview of the reasons many people fear death, including healthy and unhealthy fears and tips for overcoming fears.
Overview of the reasons many people fear death, including healthy and unhealthy fears and tips for overcoming fears.
Artificial Nutrition
Artificial nutrition and hydration with feeding tubes and IV's is often not recommended in dying patients.
Artificial nutrition and hydration with feeding tubes and IV's is often not recommended in dying patients.
What is Palliative Chemo?
Palliative chemotherapy is the use of chemical substances to slow the progression of cancer and prolong life.
Palliative chemotherapy is the use of chemical substances to slow the progression of cancer and prolong life.
Reasons for PAS
Why would anyone seek physician assisted suicide? Find out here.
Why would anyone seek physician assisted suicide? Find out here.
Pain Assessment
Recognizing and assessing pain is essential to the proper treatment of it. Find out how you can assess pain properly.
Recognizing and assessing pain is essential to the proper treatment of it. Find out how you can assess pain properly.
Death Rattle
Definition and discussion of the death rattle at the end of life.
Definition and discussion of the death rattle at the end of life.
Dying from Dementia
What to expect when dying of dementia or Alzheimer's.
What to expect when dying of dementia or Alzheimer's.
Comfort Care
Definition of comfort care.
Definition of comfort care.
Medication Safety
Medication safety is important when your caring for a loved one. Find tips on giving medications safely.
Medication safety is important when your caring for a loved one. Find tips on giving medications safely.
Euthanasia
What is euthanasia? Find the definition of euthanasia here.
What is euthanasia? Find the definition of euthanasia here.
Demerol
Demerol is a narcotic pain reliever, also called an opioid. Learn about Demerol's uses and it's side effects.
Demerol is a narcotic pain reliever, also called an opioid. Learn about Demerol's uses and it's side effects.
Anticipatory Grief
Explanation of Anticipatory Grief.
Explanation of Anticipatory Grief.
Inurnment
Definition of inurnment
Definition of inurnment
Hospice Myths
Myths about Hospice are still prevalent despite recent advances in public awareness.
Myths about Hospice are still prevalent despite recent advances in public awareness.
Leading Causes of Infant Death
An explanation of the five leading causes of infant death or mortality.
An explanation of the five leading causes of infant death or mortality.
Most Likely Ways of Dying
The leading causes of death are combined with the person's odds of dying from a particular cause to determine which the various ways a person is likely to die. This type of information is helpful in modifying lifestyle behaviors e.g. wearing seatbelts, helmets or life jackets to increase the odds of surviving motor vehicle, motorcycle and water accidents and taking care when crossing the street to minimize pedestrian accidents.
The leading causes of death are combined with the person's odds of dying from a particular cause to determine which the various ways a person is likely to die. This type of information is helpful in modifying lifestyle behaviors e.g. wearing seatbelts, helmets or life jackets to increase the odds of surviving motor vehicle, motorcycle and water accidents and taking care when crossing the street to minimize pedestrian accidents.
Itching
Learn about why many seriously ill patients itch, and how you can treat their itching.
Learn about why many seriously ill patients itch, and how you can treat their itching.
Marinol vs Marijuana
A discussion of the pros and cons of both smoked medical marijuana and Marinol, a synthetic form of THC.
A discussion of the pros and cons of both smoked medical marijuana and Marinol, a synthetic form of THC.
10 Grief Tips
10 Tips to help yourself through times of grief from About.com's Guide to Palliative Care.
10 Tips to help yourself through times of grief from About.com's Guide to Palliative Care.
What is Pain?
Pain is a unique symptom that varies person to person.
Pain is a unique symptom that varies person to person.
Levels of Hospice Care
There are four distinct levels of hospice care based on a patients needs: routine care, continuous care, inpatient care, and respite care.
There are four distinct levels of hospice care based on a patients needs: routine care, continuous care, inpatient care, and respite care.
Dementia
When is palliative care appropriate for patients with dementia? Find information about dementia and hospice criteria for dementia.
When is palliative care appropriate for patients with dementia? Find information about dementia and hospice criteria for dementia.
Smoking Alternatives
The use of medicinal marijuana is increasing but smoking pot may not always be a healthy choice. What is the healthiest way to use medical marijuana?
The use of medicinal marijuana is increasing but smoking pot may not always be a healthy choice. What is the healthiest way to use medical marijuana?
What is Palliative Care?
What is palliative care? Your palliative care questions will be answered here.
What is palliative care? Your palliative care questions will be answered here.
Comfort Kit
What is the hospice comfort kit?
What is the hospice comfort kit?
Remembering Veterans
World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, November 11th, 1918 on Armistice Day. Different countries observe Remembrance Day, Remembrance Sunday or Veterans Day as ways of commemorating the end of World War I. Some countries, like Australia and Canada, honor those who died serving their country in November each year on Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday, like Britain. The United States honors all of their Veterans in November and their war dead in May.
World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, November 11th, 1918 on Armistice Day. Different countries observe Remembrance Day, Remembrance Sunday or Veterans Day as ways of commemorating the end of World War I. Some countries, like Australia and Canada, honor those who died serving their country in November each year on Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday, like Britain. The United States honors all of their Veterans in November and their war dead in May.
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Tips to help you prevent the development of pressure sores on your loved one.
Tips to help you prevent the development of pressure sores on your loved one.
DNR and No Code
What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, and how can you decide whether a DNR is right for you?
What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, and how can you decide whether a DNR is right for you?
Good Death
Twelve principles of a Good Death were identified in The Future of Health and Care of Older People by the Debate of the Age Health and Care Study Group. These principles of a good death are included in the article.
Twelve principles of a Good Death were identified in The Future of Health and Care of Older People by the Debate of the Age Health and Care Study Group. These principles of a good death are included in the article.
Organize a Eulogy
After collecting all of the information about the person's life, the next task is deciding how to organize the facts, stories, memories and notable details into a eulogy or memorial, memorial speech.
After collecting all of the information about the person's life, the next task is deciding how to organize the facts, stories, memories and notable details into a eulogy or memorial, memorial speech.
Advantages & Disadvantages
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hospice care? Find out here.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hospice care? Find out here.
Myths and Truths
Grief myths and the truth behind them.
Grief myths and the truth behind them.
Palliative Care for Stroke
A stroke, or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is the third leading cause of death making palliative care for stroke essential.
A stroke, or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is the third leading cause of death making palliative care for stroke essential.
Karen Ann Quinlan
A profile of Karen Ann Quinlan, a pioneer case in the right-to-die movement.
A profile of Karen Ann Quinlan, a pioneer case in the right-to-die movement.
Helping a Grieving Friend
Tips for helping a grieving friend and offering your condolences.
Tips for helping a grieving friend and offering your condolences.
Methadone vs Morphine
Overview of methadone's pain-relieving properties and comparisons with morphine and other opiates.
Overview of methadone's pain-relieving properties and comparisons with morphine and other opiates.
Letting Go
Tips to help you overcome and let go of grief from About.com's Guide to Palliative Care.
Tips to help you overcome and let go of grief from About.com's Guide to Palliative Care.
Killer Number Three
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death making palliative care programs for stroke mortality essential.
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death making palliative care programs for stroke mortality essential.
Pressure Ulcer Risks
Information on risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.
Information on risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.
Stopping Dialysis
Stopping dialysis will eventually lead to death in patients with advanced renal failure but may improve the quality of life of a patient who is seriously ill. Making the decision to stop dialysis is a difficult one. Here are some tips to help.
Stopping dialysis will eventually lead to death in patients with advanced renal failure but may improve the quality of life of a patient who is seriously ill. Making the decision to stop dialysis is a difficult one. Here are some tips to help.
Grieving Parents
What do you say to a parent who has lost a child? Find out helpful things you can say and learn what NOT to say.
What do you say to a parent who has lost a child? Find out helpful things you can say and learn what NOT to say.
Life Review
A dying person may prepare for death by using a life review or life reconciliation. These are the five stages of life review.
A dying person may prepare for death by using a life review or life reconciliation. These are the five stages of life review.
Physiologic Age
Definition of Physiologic Age
Definition of Physiologic Age
POLST
A POLST paradigm (sometimes referred to as a MOLST) is a Physician's Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. Do you need one?
A POLST paradigm (sometimes referred to as a MOLST) is a Physician's Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. Do you need one?
Treating Constipation
Constipation is a common symptom for patients near the end of life. Preventing and treating constipation is vital to ensure comfort.
Constipation is a common symptom for patients near the end of life. Preventing and treating constipation is vital to ensure comfort.
Terminal Restlessness
Delirium and terminal restlessness are distressing symptoms in dying patients. Learn how to help manage delirium and terminal restlessness.
Delirium and terminal restlessness are distressing symptoms in dying patients. Learn how to help manage delirium and terminal restlessness.
Bindi's Eulogy for Steve Irwin
On on September 20, 2006 Bindi Iwrin delivered one of the most moving memorials in recent memory--her final tribute to her Dad, Steve Irwin who died suddenly and unexpectedly on September 4, 2006. The text of her memorable and inspiring tribute is included.
On on September 20, 2006 Bindi Iwrin delivered one of the most moving memorials in recent memory--her final tribute to her Dad, Steve Irwin who died suddenly and unexpectedly on September 4, 2006. The text of her memorable and inspiring tribute is included.
Obituary Defined
An obituary is a notice or announcement, especially in a newspaper, of a person's death, often with a short account of their life. It is often the first thing many people read in the news each day and may be the last word written about a person's life.
An obituary is a notice or announcement, especially in a newspaper, of a person's death, often with a short account of their life. It is often the first thing many people read in the news each day and may be the last word written about a person's life.
Grieving Children
Learn about how children deal with grief. Find out what myths about childrens grief could be keeping them from getting the support they need.
Learn about how children deal with grief. Find out what myths about childrens grief could be keeping them from getting the support they need.
Obituary or Death Notice
There are several things to consider before deciding to place an obituary or death notice. Many of the considerations involve the fact that an obituary notice is a classified advertisement and as such require fees to submit. Also include are a few more cost effective, unique and creative alternatives to the traditional death notice.
There are several things to consider before deciding to place an obituary or death notice. Many of the considerations involve the fact that an obituary notice is a classified advertisement and as such require fees to submit. Also include are a few more cost effective, unique and creative alternatives to the traditional death notice.
Recognizing Death
Signs of a death are provided for visitors to have an idea of what to expect and anticipate when a death occurs. These signs of death are general guidelines for telling a death has occurred. Not all people go through all the signs and some die suddenly. The criteria used by healthcare professional qualified to pronounce a death is included in parentheses.
Signs of a death are provided for visitors to have an idea of what to expect and anticipate when a death occurs. These signs of death are general guidelines for telling a death has occurred. Not all people go through all the signs and some die suddenly. The criteria used by healthcare professional qualified to pronounce a death is included in parentheses.
Cancer
Find out how palliative care can help cancer patients.
Find out how palliative care can help cancer patients.
John Cleese's Humorous Eulogy
In 1989 John Cleese delivered a memorable memorial speech for his friend and former Monty Python partner Graham Chapman at a memorial service held in the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's Hospital. This humorous eulogy for Chapman has become a classic in which Cleese advantage of "this glorious opportunity to shock you all on his behalf," which he proceeded to do.
In 1989 John Cleese delivered a memorable memorial speech for his friend and former Monty Python partner Graham Chapman at a memorial service held in the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's Hospital. This humorous eulogy for Chapman has become a classic in which Cleese advantage of "this glorious opportunity to shock you all on his behalf," which he proceeded to do.
Social Worker
What does a hospice social worker do? Learn about the hospice social worker from the Guide to Palliative Care.
What does a hospice social worker do? Learn about the hospice social worker from the Guide to Palliative Care.
Pain Management
Pain management options in palliative care.
Pain management options in palliative care.
Renal Dialysis Definition
Renal dialysis is the process of filtering the blood, the way kidneys normally do, using a machine.
Renal dialysis is the process of filtering the blood, the way kidneys normally do, using a machine.
Managing Anxiety
Tips for treating anxiety in dying patients.
Tips for treating anxiety in dying patients.
Book Review: Final Gifts
Final Gifts, a book about the needs and communications of the dying, claims that you will discover gifts of wisdom, faith, and love that the dying leave us. Find out what the About.com Guide to Palliative Care thinks about the book here.
Final Gifts, a book about the needs and communications of the dying, claims that you will discover gifts of wisdom, faith, and love that the dying leave us. Find out what the About.com Guide to Palliative Care thinks about the book here.
Palliative Sedation
An overview of palliative sedation to alleviate suffering, also known as terminal sedation.
An overview of palliative sedation to alleviate suffering, also known as terminal sedation.
Hunger and Thirst
Hunger and thirst are often a concern of dying patients and their loved ones but are rarely problems at the end of life
Hunger and thirst are often a concern of dying patients and their loved ones but are rarely problems at the end of life
Interment
Definition of Interment
Definition of Interment
Medicare Benefit
Medicare was the first health care system in the U.S. to cover hospice related services, leading the way for Medicaid and private insurance companies. Medicare covers a wide range of services to provide the most comprehensive care as possible.
Medicare was the first health care system in the U.S. to cover hospice related services, leading the way for Medicaid and private insurance companies. Medicare covers a wide range of services to provide the most comprehensive care as possible.
Ways of Managing Distress
This article provides practical and postive ways of managing stress and distress.
This article provides practical and postive ways of managing stress and distress.
Constipation
Constipation is a common symptom for patients with chronic and terminal illnesses. Find out what it is and what causes it.
Constipation is a common symptom for patients with chronic and terminal illnesses. Find out what it is and what causes it.
Hospice
Short definition of Hospice.
Short definition of Hospice.
Breakthrough Pain
Tips for recognizing and treating breakthrough pain.
Tips for recognizing and treating breakthrough pain.
Angina
Angina definition
Angina definition
A Good Death
Definition of a Good Death
Definition of a Good Death
Advance Directives
Make your wishes known and plan ahead using an advance directive. Find out what it is and how to use it.
Make your wishes known and plan ahead using an advance directive. Find out what it is and how to use it.
Help for a Dying Loved One
If your loved one is dying, you might be wondering how you can help. Here is a list of helpful actions you can take to help your dying loved one.
If your loved one is dying, you might be wondering how you can help. Here is a list of helpful actions you can take to help your dying loved one.
Methadone Information
Find answers to your questions about the pain medication Methadone, including uses, side effects and precautions.
Find answers to your questions about the pain medication Methadone, including uses, side effects and precautions.
Making Difficult Decisions
Making difficult health care decisions begins by evaluating your goals of care.
Making difficult health care decisions begins by evaluating your goals of care.
Palliative Chemotherapy
When deciding if palliative chemotherapy is right for you, it's important to have as much information as possible.
When deciding if palliative chemotherapy is right for you, it's important to have as much information as possible.
Elton's Memorial for Diana
On September 6, 1997 Sir Elton John sang a moving, memorable, musical tribute to his dear friend, Diana the Princess of Wales as part of her funeral service. He has only performed this version of Candle in the Wind, 1997 once--at the funeral.
On September 6, 1997 Sir Elton John sang a moving, memorable, musical tribute to his dear friend, Diana the Princess of Wales as part of her funeral service. He has only performed this version of Candle in the Wind, 1997 once--at the funeral.
Preparing for Death
Most people, if given the choice, want to die at home. Find tips to help you prepare for a death at home.
Most people, if given the choice, want to die at home. Find tips to help you prepare for a death at home.
Leading Causes of Death
In 2000 well over a third of all deaths in the United States could be attributed to a limited number of largely preventable behaviors and exposures--tobacco use (smoking), poor diet and physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.
In 2000 well over a third of all deaths in the United States could be attributed to a limited number of largely preventable behaviors and exposures--tobacco use (smoking), poor diet and physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.
Skilled Nursing
Brief definition of skilled nursing.
Brief definition of skilled nursing.
Unhelpful Actions
There are some things that are unhelpful to say and do to a dying friend or loved one. Find out what they are...
There are some things that are unhelpful to say and do to a dying friend or loved one. Find out what they are...
Getting Through the Holiday's
Strategies for surviving grief during the holidays. Information on the holidays and grief.
Strategies for surviving grief during the holidays. Information on the holidays and grief.
Am I Ready for Hospice?
My doctor told me I have a terminal illness and that I should consider hospice care, but am I ready for hospice care?
My doctor told me I have a terminal illness and that I should consider hospice care, but am I ready for hospice care?
Definition of Loss
Definition of Loss
Definition of Loss
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
There six lifestyle behaviors that seem to have the greatest influence on a person's health, longevity and psychological age. What you choose to eat, drink or otherwise ingest, how much you sleep and how active you choose to be can significantly impact both your health and longevity. Health-promoting lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease and the causes of premature death.
There six lifestyle behaviors that seem to have the greatest influence on a person's health, longevity and psychological age. What you choose to eat, drink or otherwise ingest, how much you sleep and how active you choose to be can significantly impact both your health and longevity. Health-promoting lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease and the causes of premature death.
Uses for Medical Marijuana
A list of potential uses for medical marijuana.
A list of potential uses for medical marijuana.
Dementia Causes
Various types and causes of dementia that may be seen in the palliative care and hospice setting.
Various types and causes of dementia that may be seen in the palliative care and hospice setting.
The Four Things
A review of the book The Four Things That Matter Most, by Dr. Ira Byock, from the guide to palliative care and hospice.
A review of the book The Four Things That Matter Most, by Dr. Ira Byock, from the guide to palliative care and hospice.
Does Hospice Mean No Hope?
A frequently asked question about hospice care: Does choosing hospice care mean giving up?
A frequently asked question about hospice care: Does choosing hospice care mean giving up?
Probate
Probate is a legal process that takes place after a death. Find out what it involves here...
Probate is a legal process that takes place after a death. Find out what it involves here...
Anger
Anger is a common stage of coping with a terminal illness. Here are tips for dealing with a dying loved ones' anger.
Anger is a common stage of coping with a terminal illness. Here are tips for dealing with a dying loved ones' anger.
Memorial/Memorial Service
Definition of Memorial/Memorial Service
Definition of Memorial/Memorial Service
Organ Donation Stats
This page provides information to help visitors get their organ donation cards. Several ways of getting cards are available including printing the page, downloading a pdf file or ordering a paper copy.
This page provides information to help visitors get their organ donation cards. Several ways of getting cards are available including printing the page, downloading a pdf file or ordering a paper copy.
Milk and Molasses Enema
A milk and molasses enema can help treat severe constipation. Learn how to make this enema at home.
A milk and molasses enema can help treat severe constipation. Learn how to make this enema at home.
Plan Your Own Funeral
Funeral planning is never fun but planning your own can ensure you get what you want.
Funeral planning is never fun but planning your own can ensure you get what you want.
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is the use of a machine to take over active breathing for a patient.
Mechanical ventilation is the use of a machine to take over active breathing for a patient.
Coping beyond the Basics
Following a loss, death, tragic event or major life challenge, it may be difficult to remember to take care for oneself. After making it through the first few days just focusing on the basics, the grieving person may need some helpful suggestions to keep going. This short list provides additional coping strategies to keep you moving beyond first few days.
Following a loss, death, tragic event or major life challenge, it may be difficult to remember to take care for oneself. After making it through the first few days just focusing on the basics, the grieving person may need some helpful suggestions to keep going. This short list provides additional coping strategies to keep you moving beyond first few days.
CPR
Short definition of CPR
Short definition of CPR
Compassion Fatigue
Definition of Compassion Fatigue
Definition of Compassion Fatigue
Causes of Death
List of leading causes of death in the United States.
List of leading causes of death in the United States.
What is End of Life?
End of life is considered to be the period of time marked by disability or disease that is progressively worse until death. It is also considered to be the final stage of the journey of life. End of Life Care is the care provided to a person in their final stages of life. Also known as comfort care, supportive care, palliative care or symptom management.
End of life is considered to be the period of time marked by disability or disease that is progressively worse until death. It is also considered to be the final stage of the journey of life. End of Life Care is the care provided to a person in their final stages of life. Also known as comfort care, supportive care, palliative care or symptom management.
Committal Service
Definition of Committal Service
Definition of Committal Service
Active Dying
Definition of Active Dying
Definition of Active Dying
Respite Care
Brief definition of respite care.
Brief definition of respite care.
Help a Child Cope with Death
How to Help a Child Cope with Death provides helpful information and suggestions for the important people in a child's life--parents, caregivers, teachers, medical professionals and other significant adults.
How to Help a Child Cope with Death provides helpful information and suggestions for the important people in a child's life--parents, caregivers, teachers, medical professionals and other significant adults.
Fetal Death
Definition of Fetal Death
Definition of Fetal Death
The Argument Against PAS
Those who are in opposition to physician assisted suicide commonly argue four main points. Find out what they are here.
Those who are in opposition to physician assisted suicide commonly argue four main points. Find out what they are here.
Acute Pain
Definition of acute pain.
Definition of acute pain.
Finding Care
Suggestions and resources to help patients and families find palliative and hospice care.
Suggestions and resources to help patients and families find palliative and hospice care.
Sedation vs Euthanasia
Does palliative sedation cause death, like euthanasia? What separates palliative sedation from euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide?
Does palliative sedation cause death, like euthanasia? What separates palliative sedation from euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide?
Do We Need Palliative Care?
Can palliative care help you or your loved one? Find out if palliative care might be right for you.
Can palliative care help you or your loved one? Find out if palliative care might be right for you.
Child Coping with Death
Children tend to be highly resilient even when coping with a death or significant loss. This article provides information for parents, grandparents and other significant adults to provide them with ways to help a child cope with a death or a loss by maintaining routines, reassuring, reactions, reminiscing and remembering.
Children tend to be highly resilient even when coping with a death or significant loss. This article provides information for parents, grandparents and other significant adults to provide them with ways to help a child cope with a death or a loss by maintaining routines, reassuring, reactions, reminiscing and remembering.
Lift a Person Safely
Tips to help you safely lift someone you are caring for.
Tips to help you safely lift someone you are caring for.
Biological Death
Definition of Biological Death
Definition of Biological Death
Hospice Statistics
In 2005 1.2 million people with life-limiting illnesses received care from one of the more than 4000 hospice programs in the United States. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice provided updated facts and figures representing data collected in 2005 as part of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Month celebrated in November.
In 2005 1.2 million people with life-limiting illnesses received care from one of the more than 4000 hospice programs in the United States. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice provided updated facts and figures representing data collected in 2005 as part of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Month celebrated in November.
Traveling with Oxygen
Tips for traveling with oxygen by car, bus, airplane, or cruise line.
Tips for traveling with oxygen by car, bus, airplane, or cruise line.
Voluntary Active Euthanasia
Definition of Voluntary Active Euthanasia
Definition of Voluntary Active Euthanasia
Physician-assisted Suicide
Definition of Physician Assisted Suicide
Definition of Physician Assisted Suicide
Grief Myths & Realities
People in Western society are socialized to believe certain things about the normal grief response; many of these are inaccurate and untrue. These common misconceptions and myths have become part of our cultural beliefs of the grieving process. This section explores the Myths and Realities about the Nature of Grief. This section explores the Myths and Realities about the Emotions and Physical Symptoms of Grief.
People in Western society are socialized to believe certain things about the normal grief response; many of these are inaccurate and untrue. These common misconceptions and myths have become part of our cultural beliefs of the grieving process. This section explores the Myths and Realities about the Nature of Grief. This section explores the Myths and Realities about the Emotions and Physical Symptoms of Grief.
Treatment Options
Six questions for your doctor about treatment options for your terminal illness.
Six questions for your doctor about treatment options for your terminal illness.
Definition of End of Life
Definition of End of Life
Definition of End of Life