Author Archives: Amy Getter

About Amy Getter

MS, RN, CHPN

WHO WILL PROVIDE THE CARE?

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Amy Getter

I finally read something, in the NY Times, about The Zen Hospice Guest Home* in San Francisco, which closed down last summer.  Though The Zen Home was known to many workers in end-of-life care, others may not consider this significant … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, caregiving, dying at home | 1 Comment

A FAREWELL IN 2018

Posted on December 29, 2018 by Amy Getter

As 2018 comes to a close, I am remembering a friend who died this year.  Over a period of many months, we had these wonderful talks that seemed a lot like Tuesdays with Morrie,* with moments of her insight shared … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | 1 Comment

HOSPICE ROLES

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Amy Getter

I will be happy if I never hear or read of another palliative or hospice-trained person saying something like, “she should just be the wife (or whatever the role is) and let us be the caregivers”.  “Should’s” are often not … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving, daughter, end of life care, family of the dying | 5 Comments

ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Amy Getter

What will you do with your one wild and precious life?  Mary Oliver. I was thinking about legacy, and how the world shapes us.  There have been so many lives shared with me over the years: some people I have … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | 1 Comment

WHY HOSPICE, WHY NOW?

Posted on May 26, 2018 by Amy Getter

There is a question suggested for hospice staff to consider when they talk with people about hospice services.  “Why hospice, why now?”  Ask yourself, what makes this moment in time the reason someone might decide on hospice; what about this … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy; patient rights; hospice nurse, end of life care | Tagged , | 3 Comments

SIBLINGS

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Amy Getter

J. can no longer easily get out of her recliner, and her adult sisters have arrived to help her manage these last days so she can remain in her home.  She tells us at our nursing visit:  “When they (the … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | 3 Comments

BEHIND THE WORDS

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Amy Getter

Words can relay many things, but they only share a part of the message.  Even when words aren’t understood, or are unspoken, we can still communicate.  I recently made a visit to a patient who lay in his bed, able … Continue reading →

Posted in communication, end of life care | 2 Comments

A NEW YEAR

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Amy Getter

Perhaps because I heard a blessing, perhaps because I remembered a tune, perhaps because some I loved are gone, and perhaps because another year has gone by…I send this wish to you: May You Always… walk in sunshine Slumber warm … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | 4 Comments

WHO’S SORRY NOW

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Amy Getter

Bullies might be sorry some day. Who doesn’t have a story about being bullied? I remember being in grade school when there was a bigger girl who always lurked on the sidewalk with a couple of her friends. The three … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, family of the dying | Tagged | Leave a comment

THE ALIEN

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Amy Getter

We should never become immune to surprise. Too many things can stop us midstream and make us think about the novelty of our experiences. Every person who has been touched by the loss of someone they love has their own … Continue reading →

Posted in daughter, end of life care | 2 Comments