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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

2024-03-08T10:52:43-05:00December 21, 2023|

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 [...]

2024-03-08T11:07:22-05:00August 24, 2023|

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 [...]

2024-03-08T11:00:06-05:00July 28, 2023|

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 [...]

2024-03-08T11:01:58-05:00July 7, 2023|

The End-of-Life Doula: A New Approach to Death Positivity

Francis Bacon once said, “It is as natural to die as to be born.” Does the thought of that make you uncomfortable? If it does, you are not alone. Death is a very uncomfortable subject for many people. The fact that we will die someday is one thing we all have in common, so why are we so uncomfortable thinking and talking about death? As a care coordinator at Rothkoff Law Group, I work with many clients and families around end-of-life issues. I recently completed the End-of-Life Doula course through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). One of [...]

2024-03-08T11:23:44-05:00September 16, 2022|

Death with Dignity: New Jersey’s Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act

Oregon has ended its residency requirement for the state's physician-assisted suicide law, known as the Death with Dignity Act, as a result of a pending lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of its residency requirement. Previously, you must have been a citizen of Oregon in order to avail yourself of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Law. The lawsuit, filed in October 2022 on behalf of Dr. Nicholas Gideonse, a Portland, Oregon physician, contended that restricting the right to die by state lines violated Oregon's Death with Dignity Act and the U.S. Constitution. Gideonse was working with the nonprofit organization Compassion & Choices, which [...]

2024-03-08T11:30:44-05:00April 5, 2022|

Pixar’s Coco Reveals the Importance of Remembering Family Members

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my family and I saw the new Pixar movie, Coco.  The result of which is now I recall crying watching two animated Pixar films.  Up, my all-time favorite Pixar movie, and now Coco.  Like so many Pixar films before it, Coco indulges the belief that kids know best, while it’s up to adults to come around.  In the case of Coco, a misunderstood child attempts to convince his family of humble shoemakers to allow him to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing the guitar.  Only trouble is, the child’s family has forbidden any form of music in their household for the past [...]

2024-03-08T12:41:54-05:00November 26, 2017|
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