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...
Understanding what people want at the end of their lives is tricky. It's even more complicated when culture, religion, and personal beliefs mix together. In Israel, the Arab community makes up about 21% of the population. Yet, their views on end-of-life care are often overlooked. This is a big problem. Everyone deserves to have their wishes heard, especially when it ...
Psychedelics have been making waves in the medical world. They are being studied for their potential to ease nonphysical pain. This includes spiritual and existential distress. It is a big deal for people nearing the end of their lives. The focus is on how these substances can help with spiritual and existential suffering. This is a hot topic in medical, ethical, an...
Gender plays a huge role in how people receive care at the end of their lives. This isn't just about physical help, but also social, spiritual, and emotional support. Throughout history, gender has shaped many choices people make. Now, there's a growing need for palliative care worldwide, and this need looks different in low-and middle-income countries. Peop...
Medical aid in dying, or MAID, is a significant topic in the United States. It's legal in many states, covering over one-fifth of the population. However, the majority of people who choose MAID are white and well-educated. This raises some important questions. Does everyone understand what MAID is? Do people's personal preferences align with how MAID is actually use...