#CommunityCare Archives

Women’s Love & Legacy

Let’s talk about something deeply meaningful: our stories and what we leave behind. Not long ago after I started doing this work, I came across this beautiful idea with roots in Jewish tradition called an ethical will. An ethical will, sometimes called a legacy letter, goes beyond legal documents and estate plans. This isn’t about […]

Tough but necessary questions

When we are faced with taking care of someone who has received a terminal diagnosis or the need to help an aging parent or family member who is having a slow mental and/or physical decline, we often do not know what to do first. It is often time (sometimes past time) that we begin to […]

Let us eat cake and talk about death

I started a virtual Death Cafe shortly after starting my practice. I discontinued after a about a year due to other obligations, but I’m starting them again. I will host another community Death Cafe-style virtual event on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM ET. It is free and open to anyone, and the conversations can be about anything that you feel you need to talk about. Holding these conversations by Zoom allows everyone to participate and gives us all a sense of togetherness, but if you’re not ready to share with strangers, I’m available for private chats as well. I’m still looking for a location to do an in-person event locally where I can also livestream for those who want to attend remotely. A few people have asked about Instagram or Facebook Live, but those venues don’t facilitate conversations between each other, which is the benefit and foundation of a Death Cafe. I also am available in my private group Solace Sanctuary if people would feel more comfortable carrying on discussions or continuing discussion that way. It is a safe and sacred space where anyone can talk about death, dying, aging, grief and other “big” life and death stuff.

The Tradition of National Wreaths Across America

Saturday was National Wreaths Across America. I donated a wreath and spent some time at the National Cemetery in New Albany last weekend in honor of the occasion. National Wreaths Across America is a heartfelt and patriotic tradition that takes place annually, bringing communities together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in every branch of the United States Armed Forces. This poignant event, marked by the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, symbolizes gratitude, remembrance, and a collective commitment to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom, but I believe it can be a wonderful opportunity to honor and remember our own beloved deceased loved ones, whether or not they were veterans.

The American Healthcare System and End of Life Care

Hey there, folks! Today, let’s talk about something that’s been a topic of discussion for quite a while – the good ol’ American healthcare system. Now, we’re all familiar with the infamous saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to the US healthcare system, it seems like the saying might need a little tweaking – “If it’s broke, let’s talk about fixing it!”

The Unseen Plight of Caregivers

Most caregivers provide support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, walking, standing, using the toilet, dressing, cooking, eating and other household chores. The caregiver also provide care for a broad range of issues – chronic, disabling or terminal illness, physical or mental illness and decline – and often as the caregiver and the person being cared for age the care required intensifies. From more simple daily tasks, caregivers may also need to assist with more complicated and complex medical care such as giving injections, or facilitating tube feedings, and care for catheters or colostomies. All of this caregiving taxes the caregiver’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. We’re going to talk about “Caregiver Syndrome” today and explain how it impacts those around us with some eye-opening statistics and insights from experts.

Are our families ready to care for our aging population?

An overwhelming majority, three-quarters, of respondents think that it is a natural duty of children to care for their parents as they age. (Although only 58% of those who are aged 65+ believe their children have a duty to care for them.) Almost as many people who stated they believed it was a child’s duty to take care of their parents – 71% – reported they wanted to die at home. (It is assumed from the natural decline of old age.)

Cycles of Life Women’s Retreat

Co-hosting a one day women’s retreat with this beautiful soul on June 17. Why do you want to be there? Because in a chaotic world that defines success as busyness and overwork, we all need a break. Step away from the routine stress and get a new perspective with a clear head. There are many […]