Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Hospice/End of Life

Monica Do Coutto Monni is the executive director of Near North Palliative Care Network, a non-profit organization which provides one-stop palliative care, bereavement and grief, and end-of-life free volunteer-based services and training in Northern Ontario. We had a chance to talk with Monica about how our culture views end-of-life issues and why quality hospice and palliative care are becoming more important as the population ages.

Many people who have been diagnosed with chronic, life-threatening illnesses are not yet ready for end-of-life hospice. Until recently, they may have felt "in between" in terms of the options available to serve their needs. A relatively new medical specialty known as "palliative care" has emerged as a response to this void. Focused on enhancing quality of life for the chronically or severely ill, palliative care offers new hope for patients, families and caregivers.

Sorting through the many different types of care available for aging loved ones can be tricky territory. And it’s not going to get easier anytime soon: As the senior population skyrockets with the coming of (retirement) age of the baby boomers, demand for these services will continue to rise. Two oft-confused industry terms? Hospice and home health care. Here’s a closer look at both, aimed at enriching understanding and ensuring that individuals receive the best and most appropriate care.

Death and dying are difficult subjects. But they’re also very much a reality -- particularly for older people, those managing terminal diagnoses, and caregivers. And while the phrase “good death” may sound like an oxymoron, the truth is that dying well usually comprises several key elements, according to experts.  

Dying is one of the most common fears among people young and old. Thoughts of everything from will it hurt to the impact on loved ones can be frightening -- particularly as the prospect of dying grows closer with age. However, recent research published in the journal, PLOS ONE, reveals that thinking and talking about dying may not be as hard as we think for people of advanced age, AKA the "oldest old." Let's take a closer look at the findings, along with tips for supporting loved ones at the end of life.

Stephan Baldwin is the Director of Business Development for AssistedLivingCenter.com, a resource for senior care communities.

More than likely, if you're reading this, you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one who is nearing the end of their life. Unless you are a professionally trained nurse, you've probably never done this before. It is normal to feel scared, confused, even a little angry or resentful.

The end of life experience is different for everyone. This guide was written to help you navigate common issues and concerns that many people face as a caregiver. 

When most people hear the word "doula," they think of mothers, babies and childbirth. However, a growing group of healthcare professionals and volunteers are choosing to specialize in a very different -- and yet equally important -- area of practice: end-of-life care. Read on to learn more about "death doulas," along with the invaluable services they provide to the dying and their families.

Grief is a fact of life: nearly everyone has to deal with loss during their lifetime. Grief doesn't just pertain to the death of a loved one, it can occur in response to the loss of anything dear to a person -- from a family pet to a job, to divorce or the loss of a home. Unfortunately, seniors are particularly vulnerable to grief...and its complications.

While grief is natural, it's also largely individualistic: there's no right or wrong way to grieve, although some methods can help the grieving process while others can hinder it. If your aging loved one is experiencing the sadness associated with loss, here are some things you can do to help facilitate the grieving -- and healing -- process.

Caring for a loved one living with and dying of a terminal illness is a challenging yet worthwhile experience. Offering physical, mental and emotional comfort during this difficult time is a significant responsibility, but a worthy one. Read on to learn more about end-of-life care, along with how you can best help your loved one have a peaceful transition.

All people, especially ones living with disabilities, benefit from long-term care and support programs. Programs that provide medical care, support services like personal home care aides, and more contribute to overall well-being.

In a study by AARP, it shows the Americans lack a national solution for adequate home and community-based long-term care services. We depend on the state governments to fulfill the need. But few of states are prepared to handle the upcoming surge of older adults.

The study driven by AARP is called Long-Term Care Services and Support Scorecard, and it’s funded by the Commonwealth Fund and the SCAN Foundation.