How Do You Know When It Might Be Time for Hospice?
Few words in healthcare carry as much emotion as the word "hospice." For some, it brings feelings of fear. For others, sadness. Many people associate hospice with giving up hope or believe it is only appropriate during the final days of life.
Writing an Ethical Will: Passing Along Your Values and Life Lessons
When most people hear the word "will," they think about legal documents, financial assets, and the distribution of property after death. But there is another type of will that has nothing to do with money. It is called an ethical will.
Choosing a Healthcare Representative: What to Consider
One of the most important decisions you can make as part of your end-of-life planning has nothing to do with medical treatments, legal documents, or funeral arrangements.
What Is a Death Doula? Bringing Comfort, Clarity, and Peace During Life's Final Chapter
Most of us spend years preparing for life's biggest milestones. We plan weddings. We prepare for the arrival of children. We save for retirement and dream about future adventures. Yet one of life's most certain experiences—death—is often the one we prepare for the least.
Anticipatory Grief: Grieving Before Death Occurs
When most people think about grief, they think about the loss of a loved one after death. What many people don't realize is that grief often begins long before death occurs.
The Complete Indiana End-of-Life Planning Checklist
Most people understand the importance of creating a will or completing an advance directive. Yet when a serious illness occurs—or when a death unexpectedly happens—families often discover that important information is missing.
Why End-of-Life Planning Is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give Your Family
Taking time to document your wishes can provide clarity, reduce stress, and offer tremendous peace of mind to the people who love you.
When Talking About Death Feels Impossible: Conversation Tools That Can Help Families Start
Most people understand the importance of documenting their end-of-life wishes. The challenge isn't knowing these conversations are important. The challenge is starting them.
What Happens When Someone Receives a Terminal Diagnosis?
“You've been told there is no cure."
Whether those words were expected or came completely out of the blue, a terminal diagnosis has a way of dividing life into two chapters: before and after.
Understanding the Dying Process: What Families Can Expect
One of the greatest fears surrounding death is uncertainty. For many families, the dying process is something they have never witnessed before. As changes begin to occur, loved ones often find themselves asking questions such as: