Dr. H in the Media Guests: Dr. Kevin Haselhorst and Rhea Go-Coloma Hosts: Mark Young and Presley Reader … [Read more...] about Aging in Arizona – Hospice and Final Wishes
Hospice
It’s Time to Replace the Word “Hospice” with Palliative Care
There is a stigma to hospice. Patients who qualify for hospice are often considered losers who have given up. It’s a shaming, derogatory word like “retarded,” used to malign those mentally challenged. These people began to receive better recognition and attention when others stopped referring to them as retarded or unworthy. Despite what hospice … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Replace the Word “Hospice” with Palliative Care
End-of-Life Tools
Esther was living in a family group home at age 88. She had advanced dementia and suffered a previous stroke. Leann took care of Esther in her private caregiving home and was alarmed when Esther’s blood pressure dropped suddenly as she became sweaty and unresponsive. Paramedics arrived immediately and started IV fluids on the way to the ER. As … [Read more...] about End-of-Life Tools
IDEO Challenge: Re-imagine End-of-Life Care
“I don’t want to give up,” expressed a heroic 52-Year-old woman who had been battling aggressive metastatic breast cancer for three agonizing years. At one point, Natalie had almost achieved the insurmountable feat of remission, but then the cancer returned with a vengeance. Natalie arrived at the crossroads of a decision point in the emergency … [Read more...] about IDEO Challenge: Re-imagine End-of-Life Care
Advance Care Planning a la David Bowie
While death is a mystery, David Bowie’s timely passage with the release of his the new videos from his album Blackstar left his sympathetic fans wondering and fearful. The graphic shock waves that permeate the characters in the video reflect those of us who shake our boots at the prospect of confronting our own mortality – our own nothingness and … [Read more...] about Advance Care Planning a la David Bowie
END LIFE WITHOUT GUILT
I was inspired by headline posted online by the Los Angeles Times: Pope’s decree on abortion may signal change in practice. The article referenced Pope Francis’ compassion for women who have had abortions with these words: “I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have … [Read more...] about END LIFE WITHOUT GUILT
ARE WE THERE YET?
The end-of-life journey generally has many bumps in the road along with unforeseen calamities. Karl, in particular, had a series of misfortunate illnesses. He was a 62-year-old athlete with an easygoing personality and positive outlook. After undergoing ankle surgery, Karl developed a flesh-eating infection that subsequently led to a below the knee … [Read more...] about ARE WE THERE YET?
FREE AT LAST
It is never easy to go out on a limb with patients and family members when nearing the end of life. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending to Penelope, an endearing elderly woman who was transported by EMS to the emergency department due to a change in mental status. Her distraught daughter rushed into the room within minutes of Penelope’s … [Read more...] about FREE AT LAST