11/06/2012
On Saturday I spoke at the MB Care4U conference, a one day conference for caregivers and people with dementia. This was a new experience for me, and quite honestly I was worried that I might offend or upset people with my presentation. This was interesting, for me, as I am not usually worried about using
Read More11/06/2012
The information is fascinating, but the fact that they have gathered the information and then used it to direct medical students to hospitals where they might learn addressing needs at the end of life is even more fascinating! “The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care uses Medicare data to understand differences in medical care across U.S.
Read More10/29/2012
While studying for my thanatology certification exam with ADEC, I discovered one of my all time favorite books, “The Heart of Grief: Death and the Search for Lasting Love”. Little did I know that the author, Tom Attig would later move to Victoria, and that I would get to meet up with Tom and his
Read More10/29/2012
I look forward to meeting with family caregivers on Saturday at the “CARE4U 2012” Manitoba Alzheimer Society Conference. My first presentation “It takes a village” will focus on the benefits of integrating a supportive palliative approach in caring for people with dementia. We will develop a list of resources that caregivers will want to consider
Read More10/27/2012
In the article by Robert Cribb about Assisted Dying, he quotes criminologist Ogden who suggests that those who companion those who die by suicide or planned death, do not need to be trained professionals and that they do not need training. Ogden states, “We don’t see a need for training because the person doesn’t need
Read More10/27/2012
The Liverpool Care Pathway was developed in the UK to provide people dying outside of hospice access to good symptom management and support in the last days and hours. According to Wikipedia : The Liverpool Care Pathway was developed by Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Liverpool’s Marie Curie Hospice in the late 1990s, to translate
Read More10/27/2012
Next week I am presenting at the Manitoba Alzheimers Conference for Family Caergivers, speaking first about using “supportive care” as part of the “village of caregivers”, and then about “living-dying with dementia”. So my interest was peaked when I saw an article tonight addressing “how we introduce palliative care to people without scaring them away”.
Read More10/25/2012
I do not prefer the title “Death’s Midwife” to refer to the role of those who companion or assist with “Planned Death”, AKA Assisted Dying. A professional Midwife specializes in low risk pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum. The term “Death Midwife” suggests a specialty in supporting natural dying, death and bereavement. Though medications may be
Read More10/23/2012
Robert Cribb’s article in The Star addresses Assisted Dying in a five part series addressing how Canadians are dying. It seems unlikely that the Boomers who fought for “Reproductive Rights” will not succeed at legalizing “Death Rights” including the right to chose “Assisted Dying”. As Canadians participate in this discussion and laws change my greatest
Read More10/11/2012
A short but interesting interview with Diane Meir, palliative care geriatrician. Diane addresses how and why she uses twitter to increase the literacy of the public about hospice palliative care, and increases the awareness of the “choir” with current information and resources. Through twitter I discover fascinating articles, keep my fingers on the pulse of
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