When someone is very sick and nearing the end of their life, doctors and nurses use special words to talk about care. But sometimes, these words can make the experience feel less personal. On the other hand, books written by people who are sick can help us understand what dying is really like. These books don't have easy answers. They show the messy, emotional side o...
When someone is nearing the end of their life, making decisions can be tough. They might not be thinking clearly or feeling their best. So, how can we help them make choices that feel right? It's not just about letting them decide alone. It's about working together and giving them the support they need. One way to do this is by combining two ideas: shared decision-m...
Dementia is becoming more common, and so is the need for care. But what does good care look like, especially at the end of life? This is a big question. Right now, care often focuses on helping people stay active and independent. This works well in the early stages of dementia. But what about when people are nearing the end of their lives? At this stage, decline and ...
Caring for someone with terminal cancer is tough. It's not just about medical needs. Family bonds can make a big difference. But how exactly do these relationships affect caregivers? This study looks into that. Family dynamics are complex. They can bring comfort or add stress. Caregivers often feel a heavy load. This is called caregiver burden. It's not just about p...
There's a lot we still don't know about helping people spend their final days at home. A recent study tried to figure out what makes it possible for patients to stay home and even pass away there when they're receiving palliative care. First, let's talk about why this matters. Many people prefer to be at home when they're nearing the end of their life. It's familiar...
When teens are very sick, it's not just about medicine. It's also about who gets to decide what happens. Parents usually have the final say, but what if they don't agree with the doctors? This can make things really hard, especially when the teen is at the end of their life. Doctors have a tough job. They want to do what's best for the teen, but sometimes parents wa...
Mrs. MacNeil was a strong, independent woman who had lived a full life. She had traveled the world, made many friends, and had no regrets. She had decided it was time to say goodbye. She wanted to end her life on her own terms, with dignity and comfort. She was tired of fighting her illnesses and wanted to avoid more suffering. Her doctors and loved ones supported he...
The way people with Parkinson's disease and related disorders (PDRD) are cared for at the end of their lives isn't fair. Men and people of color often end up in hospitals more than others. Yet, they are less likely to get hospice care. This is a big problem, but why it happens is a mystery. Hospice care is supposed to make the end of life more comfortable. It fo...
In remote regions, providing end-of-life care for cancer patients at home can be quite tough. This is especially true in countries like Norway, where 16% of the population lives in rural areas. These areas often face significant hurdles due to their distance from medical facilities and the scarcity of healthcare resources. Family members often take on the role of pr...
When someone suffers a severe brain injury, decisions about their care often fall to family or friends. This is because predicting the outcome of such injuries is incredibly difficult. A recent study looked into how these decisions vary among different racial and ethnic groups. The study focused on two key areas: stopping life-sustaining treatments and referring pat...