Imagine being John McCain and told you have an incurable brain tumor. What thoughts run through your mind? What’s your main priority? How would you want others to treat you? “I don’t know” is the most likely answer. Without question, John McCain served his family and country with distinction and deserved to be treated with dignity. But what … [Read more...] about Was John McCain Free to Die with Dignity?
Paying Long-Term Care Costs Medicare Can’t Cover
Medicare is a federal insurance program that covers certain health care costs for qualified Americans, generally those age 65 and older or those with disabilities. According to survey data from the National Retirement Institute, approximately 90 percent of older Americans are either enrolled in Medicare or plan to sign up for coverage as health … [Read more...] about Paying Long-Term Care Costs Medicare Can’t Cover
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out What It Means from Aretha Franklin’s Vantage
“What you want – Baby, I got it” were the lyrics that showcased Aretha Franklin’s famed life and virtuous death. Like a song that becomes an anthem, her life had a resounding impact on others. “We’re goin' ridin' on the freeway of love,” was Aretha’s invitation to this gay, white boy to join her in solidarity. Her use of the universal language of … [Read more...] about R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out What It Means from Aretha Franklin’s Vantage
Begin Advance Care Planning with Strategic Aging in Mind
At 90, Ben appeared to be complacent with age and content having others tell him what to do. Every morning Ben experienced transient vertigo while getting out of bed. He happened to tell his visiting nurse about it and she detected an irregularity to his heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. She recommended Ben go to the emergency … [Read more...] about Begin Advance Care Planning with Strategic Aging in Mind
Be Willing to Fail Patients
“I remember you,” said Gracie with the look of having found a long-lost friend. “You gave my husband the option to be treated aggressively in the hospital or return home with palliative care. He chose to go home.” I hesitated to ask, “How did he do?” Gracie went on to say that her husband had passed in the last month, yet lived nine months … [Read more...] about Be Willing to Fail Patients
Aging in Arizona – Hospice and Final Wishes
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
Zero Tolerance for Family Separation
Josh was carrying his 78-year-old mother, Amelia, from her wheelchair to a stretcher when the emergency physician walked in. Seven years ago, Amelia had a stroke that paralyzed her right side. Her husband had been her primary caregiver until he died of a heart attack four days ago. Amelia was trying to do for herself despite Josh’s best intention … [Read more...] about Zero Tolerance for Family Separation
Sex, Drugs and PALLIATIVE CARE 2.0: The Next REVOLUTION for Baby Boomers
Cue the Beatles . . . You say you want a revolution: Baby Boomers were born to start revolutions. They enacted the greatest change in history during the 1960’s and never stopped. “Flower Power: gave them the freedom to love, not hate. Now we can not only love the one we’re with – we can marry them. Legalized marijuana is all but … [Read more...] about Sex, Drugs and PALLIATIVE CARE 2.0: The Next REVOLUTION for Baby Boomers