From the category archives:

End of Life

Employers Offering Support to Caregiver Employees

by Randall P Ryder August 12, 2010

Experiencing the end of a loved one’s life can be a tremendously difficult experience. For many individuals, they are acting as a caregiver during the last part of a loved one’s life.
By itself, that can be an overwhelming experience. Many caregivers, however, still have to balance working at the same time. Fortunately, some companies are [...]

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Elder Suicides Rising

by Randall P Ryder April 5, 2010

As the percent of the population that is 65 years or over increases, so too does the number of suicides among the elderly.  In Minnesota, the highest suicide rate since 1990 is for white men over the age of 75.

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Directives Help Elders Die With Dignity

by Randall P Ryder March 16, 2010

As people begin to grasp their own mortality, they develop strong feelings about which medical procedures they are willing to undergo in order to stay alive. Many individuals discuss their feelings about life-support, feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining procedures, with their spouses and family members. Many of these people, however, do not take the time to [...]

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Why Hospice Care Matters

by Randall P Ryder January 15, 2010

Guest post by Bill Kern
At the end of my Mom’s life, I took a leave of absence to permit her to stay in her home. The support that hospice gave to her and to me convinced me that I wanted to volunteer when I had the opportunity, and have now been doing so for over 4 years.
I [...]

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A Good Death

by Randall J. Ryder December 10, 2009

(Note: Republished original material by David H. Gustafson, see end for cite)
The Institute of Medicine defines a good death a “one that is free from avoidable death and suffering for patients, families and caregivers in general accordance with the patients’ and families’ wishes.”. The current system creates barriers to reducing the stress and suffering [...]

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Losing a Parent

by Randall J. Ryder November 28, 2009

Guest Post by Kathy S.

Whatever their age, I don’t think we are ever prepared for the loss of a parent.  Parents are our world until we can take care of ourselves and they continue to help us throughout our lives. When my mom became terminally ill and she found it difficult to care for herself, [...]

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