“Everyone gasped as the comatose patient slowly lifted her hand from the bed and began moving it in time to what I was singing.”
A family practice physician explains why she changed her mind about Medical Aid in Dying.
“Everyone, including and perhaps even especially Mom, are going to be concerned and frightened about what the future is bringing. Through being open, sharing, together, and supportive of one another comes the opportunity to love each other.” — Barbara Karnes, RN
The article contrasts the end-of-life experiences of Grandma Lilly, who suffers in ICU, with Grandpa Joe, who dies peacefully surrounded by loved ones, highlighting the choices in dying.
Psilocybin therapy reduced anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer, showing promising long-term results. Therapy access is limited in the US but growing.
Dr. Marlaine Figueroa Gray advocates for a new, compassionate language around death, emphasizing the importance of legacy, personhood, and meaningful connections in the dying process.
“Nature is an access point for everyone, of any age, to contemplate and understand the rhythmic ebb and flow of seasons, growth, change, transformation, life, and death.”
“Many agencies, home health providers, churches, and physicians are reluctant to recommend services that address end of life issues. It is sad and confusing why anyone would not give their friends, clients, or customers the guidance and comfort that trained professionals can offer.”
“Does the contract allow you to have access to your own doctors? What is the facility’s position on VSED? If you enter hospice, will they commit to providing adequate pain relief? If you live in a state with MAiD, will the facility cooperate?”
“Many of the individuals around the bedside barely know each other, and this becomes an environment of misinformation, mistrust, and hidden agendas about substantial financial and estate issues … as ex-wives and ex-husbands, half siblings who never knew each other, long-time same-sex partners (surprise, who knew?), in-laws, out-laws show up at the bedside.” — Dr. Edward T. Creagan, M.D.