The Hard Conversations

The Hard Conversations

The words that help and the words that don't — what to say at the bedside

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 words that help and the words that don't — what to say at the bedside You're sitting at their bedside and

The Hard Conversations

When the dying process is long — living in the in-between

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 the dying process is long — living in the in-between Your mother has been dying for three months. Or six. Or a year. At some

The Hard Conversations

Legacy projects — capturing their story before it's too late

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. Legacy projects — capturing their story before it's too late Your mother has a story. A life that contains things you'll never

The Hard Conversations

Spiritual care at end of life — honoring their beliefs

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. Spiritual care at end of life — honoring their beliefs For some people, the spiritual dimension of life becomes more vivid as the body fails. For

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

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

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

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

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

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 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