Your Guide to End-of-Life Planning During a Terminal Illness
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Your Guide to End-of-Life Planning During a Terminal Illness

End-Of-Life

Your Guide to End-of-Life Planning During a Terminal Illness

End-of-life planning is extremely important for people with terminal illnesses. It offers a structured way to manage the final stages of life, ensuring your wishes are respected and your family is spared from making tough decisions. Filling out advance directives lets you share your medical preferences, making sure your care matches your values. Having plans in place brings emotional relief, allowing you to focus on quality time with loved ones and keep dignity throughout the process. This compassionate step offers clarity and peace during a challenging time. This blog is here to help you and your loved ones understand the [...]

Jill McClennen2024-11-07T09:24:43-05:00November 7, 2024|

Grief after Loss: Muted but Never Gone
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Grief after Loss: Muted but Never Gone

End-Of-Life

Grief after Loss: Muted but Never Gone

Grief after the loss of a loved one can be funny when you think about it. We all face it at some point in our lives. Death and grief are universal experiences, yet they affect each of us individually. There are times when grief can consume us, making us feel that the pain will never ease, and other times when it’s a dull ache, serving as a reminder of who we have lost. There can be times we feel ok, and then it comes out of nowhere, hitting us like a truck. I have been a Geriatric Social Worker for [...]

Chelsea Duckers2024-08-09T13:24:32-04:00August 22, 2024|

A Guide to Starting Conversations about Death and Dying
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A Guide to Starting Conversations about Death and Dying

End-Of-Life

A Guide to Starting Conversations about Death and Dying

Starting conversations about death and dying, especially with loved ones, can be challenging. It is okay to feel scared about having this conversation, whether sharing your thoughts or asking others about theirs. However, having conversations about death and dying can be made easier with understanding, empathy, and a few tips. Death is a natural part of life, yet it remains taboo in many cultures. Normalizing conversations about mortality breaks down barriers and encourages people to speak openly about end-of-life care, their end-of-life wishes, and preparations. Encouraging these discussions promotes acceptance and understanding, helping you approach the end of life with [...]

Jill McClennen2024-07-26T13:25:32-04:00July 25, 2024|

Reflections of a Death Doula: Rethinking End of Life
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Reflections of a Death Doula: Rethinking End of Life

End-Of-Life

Reflections of a Death Doula: Rethinking End of Life

National Death Doula Day holds so much excitement and anticipation for me this year. I look back on the past two years and, while it feels like a lifetime ago, I still remember every step of the journey to get to where we are today. Working as an Elder Care Coordinator with Rothkoff Law Group, we acknowledge there have always been challenges within the healthcare system, but the pandemic intensified these challenges, particularly for our clients, the healthcare community, and me. Too many of our clients were dying alone. Their families were scared and turned to us for answers that [...]

Chelsea Duckers2024-04-19T11:43:50-04:00April 18, 2024|

Elder Law and Digital Assets Planning for the Digital Afterlife
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Elder Law and Digital Assets Planning for the Digital Afterlife

End-Of-Life, Estate Planning

Elder Law and Digital Assets Planning for the Digital Afterlife

Estate planning has evolved beyond physical assets and financial accounts. Digital assets, including social media accounts, digital currencies, and online identities, have become integral parts of our lives. Yet, many overlook these assets in their estate plans, leading to complications and confusion for heirs. Understanding elder law and digital assets planning is important in ensuring that all aspects of your estate are managed according to your wishes after you pass away. Including Digital Assets in Your Estate Planning Digital assets encompass a range of online and digital accounts and properties, from email and social media accounts to digital music libraries, [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-03-14T11:18:59-04:00March 14, 2024|

The Death with Dignity Act
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The Death with Dignity Act

End-Of-Life, Health Law

The Death with Dignity Act

The Death with Dignity Act often sparks controversy and brings to the forefront important questions about the role of doctors in end-of-life care. The American Medical Association defines “death with dignity” or “medical aid in dying” (MAID) as when a physician offers "the necessary means and/or information" to assist a patient in choosing to end their own life.” Throughout this blog the terms “death with dignity” and “medical aid in dying” will be used interchangeably. What constitutes dying with dignity varies from person to person. It is a highly personal perspective. For instance, if someone believes that dying in a confused [...]

Jill McClennen2024-03-08T10:52:43-05:00December 21, 2023|

How Beautiful It Can Be To Let The Dead Go
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How Beautiful It Can Be To Let The Dead Go

End-Of-Life

How Beautiful It Can Be To Let The Dead Go

October has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I allow fall to remind me that things come to an end and that they can still be beautiful. I always think of the quote, “The leaves are about to show us how beautiful it can be to let the dead go.” It also helps that Halloween is my favorite holiday. As the excitement of Halloween has come to a close this year, I can’t help but think of another holiday our neighbors to the South have just celebrated. In the United States, we typically mourn loved ones, [...]

Chelsea Duckers2024-08-26T15:23:00-04:00November 2, 2023|

Dying at Home Versus in a Hospital: Making Informed End-of-Life Care Decisions
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Dying at Home Versus in a Hospital: Making Informed End-of-Life Care Decisions

End-Of-Life

Dying at Home Versus in a Hospital: Making Informed End-of-Life Care Decisions

In the final stages of life, the decisions about where a loved one should spend their last moments become both deeply personal and profound. The transition from life to death is a delicate journey, and making informed choices about end-of-life care is crucial. One of the most important decisions to consider is whether to have the person die at home or in a hospital. This article will explore the details of this choice, looking at the benefits and drawbacks of dying at home versus a hospital. The goal is to help individuals and families decide the best choice for their [...]

Jill McClennen2024-03-08T11:07:22-05:00August 24, 2023|

End-of-Life Support: Caring for a Loved One Facing Death
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End-of-Life Support: Caring for a Loved One Facing Death

End-Of-Life, Caregiver

End-of-Life Support: Caring for a Loved One Facing Death

Supporting a loved one facing death is a challenging and emotional journey. It can bring uncertainty, fear, and sadness, making the situation overwhelming. However, with some preparation, this experience can become more manageable and a time of connection and closeness. Watching someone you care about nearing the end of their life can trigger various emotions like helplessness, grief, and even anger. Dealing with your feelings of loss while providing end-of-life support and strength to your loved one may be tough, as emotions can change from day to day. It takes strength and resilience to work through this difficult time [...]

Jill McClennen2024-03-08T11:00:06-05:00July 28, 2023|

Understanding the Role of a Death Doula in End of Life Care
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Understanding the Role of a Death Doula in End of Life Care

End-Of-Life

Understanding the Role of a Death Doula in End of Life Care

The role of a death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula, is to support and improve the end-of-life experience for individuals and their families. Death doulas have been around for a long time, and their practices have deep historical roots. However, in recent years, the role of a death doula has gained recognition for providing support and comfort during the aging and dying process, and many people are still unaware of what a death doula is and what we do. A death doula is a non-medical professional who offers compassionate holistic care at the end of life. We provide [...]

Jill McClennen2024-03-08T11:01:58-05:00July 7, 2023|