The Hard Conversations

Organ and tissue donation — the decision and the conversation

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Organ and tissue donation — the decision and the conversation Some people know immediately. They've thought about it already, or they know from their

The Hard Conversations

Planning a funeral while they're still alive — the gift of their input

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Planning a funeral while they're still alive — the gift of their input Most families plan the funeral after someone dies. In the chaos

The Hard Conversations

Talking to children about grandparent death — age-appropriate honesty

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Talking to children about grandparent death — age-appropriate honesty Your mother is sick. The children know something is wrong. They see you making phone calls in

The Hard Conversations

The conversation about resuscitation — DNR decisions explained

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. The conversation about resuscitation — DNR decisions explained What most people imagine when they think about CPR is what they've seen on television. A

The Hard Conversations

Having the conversation with a parent who has dementia — timing and capacity

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Your mother has been diagnosed with dementia. She still understands most of what you say, still knows who you are. But you know this will

The Hard Conversations

When family members disagree about end-of-life care — navigating conflict

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. When family members disagree about end-of-life care — working through conflict Your mother is dying. That's the truth you're all holding. But

The Hard Conversations

When they won't talk about it — respecting their limits while protecting their interests

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. You've tried. You've asked gently. You've brought it up at different times. You've tried to make it

The Hard Conversations

Cultural and religious considerations in end-of-life planning

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Your mother wants her children around her. Not for comfort, though that too, but because in her culture, family presence at death is essential. Your

The Hard Conversations

Starting the conversation about end-of-life wishes — how to begin

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. You've been meaning to have this conversation for months, maybe years. You know you should ask your mother what she wants if she

The Hard Conversations

What they want to know vs. what they don't — following their lead

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Your father asks you what dying will feel like. Your mother asks you nothing at all, but you wonder if she's thinking about

The Caregiver

When to call hospice — recognizing the transition

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about hospice and when it might be appropriate. It does not constitute medical advice. Decisions about hospice should be made in consultation with your parent's healthcare team, your family, and your parent if they are able to participate. Only a physician can

The Caregiver

Hiring and supervising paid caregivers — the management role you never wanted

Disclaimer: This article provides guidance on working with paid caregivers. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney about employment laws, tax obligations, and proper hiring practices in your jurisdiction. Always verify credentials and references before hiring any caregiver. You're suddenly an employer. You never trained