Musical Chairs: A Solo Ager's Story
In December 1970, I celebrated Christmas with my family, unaware of the loss that lay ahead. After losing my brother, parents, and husband, I now face the holidays alone as a "solo ager." While I enjoy holiday gatherings, returning to an empty home can feel like being the last one chosen in a game of Musical Chairs, isolated in my grief.
A Better Way to Support Family Caregivers
One thing that frustrates me in caregiving is when people suggest, “There’s got to be a better way.” Instead of judging, let's offer support. I recently found SupportNow.org, which combines resources to help caregivers, grievers, and friends in need. It's truly a game-changer!
So about that hospice article in the New Yorker...
This holiday season, I couldn't stay quiet about the misleading article from ProPublica and The New Yorker. Instead of highlighting the real work of over 6,000 hospices, it focused on sensational fraud cases. Hospice care is essential, and we need to understand its complexities, not just sensationalize scandals.
5 Things I Would Never Do: The Griever’s Edition
I never thought I'd be a micro-influencer on death, but here I am. My recent Twitter post caught people’s attention, sparking conversations about grief that we often avoid. It’s crucial to support friends through loss, offering understanding, presence, and patience, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Someone is “Expecting”…
About 33 years ago, I started teaching doctors about practice management and developed the first Procedure and Diagnosis Coding course for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Fast forward to my recent reflections on life’s beginnings and endings. I wrote a poem, “Expecting,” published in Intima: Journal of Narrative Medicine.
Authentic, inclusive, creative, joy, tears & learning - just for you
I missed my March update, but it's been a wonderfully busy time! Our Caregiver As CEO campaign was a huge success, and I'm already planning our next steps. I’ve also been speaking to groups about family caregiving, sharing insights that really resonate. It’s amazing to open up these important conversations!
I've got a new series coming!
In my 35 years in healthcare, I've learned that caregiving can be as demanding as being a CEO. After meeting Lucinda Koza from i-Ally, I was inspired by her advice to young family caregivers: think like a CEO! Join me for my upcoming series, "Caregiver As CEO," where I'll explore helpful strategies for caregivers.