“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.
“One of the most common types of stories we hear about caregiving at The Conversation Project is the ‘seagull effect.’ I’ve been teaching others about this. Yet this past year, it hit me like a brick … I am the seagull!”
“Proponents of this approach emphasize that it’s not about circumventing the grieving process but rather providing a complementary avenue for healing. Grief doesn’t adhere to a linear timeline, and there’s no universally ‘right’ way to grieve.”
“One of our team nurses shared that her only training on caring for the dying involved a lecture from a funeral home manager.”
“I dislike the phrase, ‘They failed treatment.’ The amount of judgment within this phrase is damaging.”
Research points to rise in deep grief as more families are left wondering what more could have been done.
“Once you come up with a few items that bring comfort and involve the senses, it becomes easier to construct an individualized plan to share with those who are near and dear to our hearts.”
“If we are trying to design a ‘good death’ we could well cause ourselves more suffering.” — Roshi Joan Halifax
“To be ‘death positive’ doesn’t mean that you are happy about dying.”
“What do you consider critical for your own GOOD DEATH CHECKLIST? What about those in your community of support? What would they want you to add (if you dare)?”
