Category Archives: end of life care

A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Amy Getter

A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights I have the right to die the way I  choose to. I have the right to all the information about my disease/condition that is collected by my medical team. I have the right to … Continue reading →

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Laughter IS the best medicine

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Amy Getter

Sometimes humor creeps in when the situation least appears funny.  I suggested to Jean that the rest of the family suffered along with her, and she told me to go away, get the hell out, and said a number of … Continue reading →

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THE WEDDING PLANNER

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Amy Getter

I imagine she looks like she is dying now…..no one other than family members are allowed in to see her these final days.  She was a friend a long time ago, and became more distant over the years, as she … Continue reading →

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EXPERIRI

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Amy Getter

We have a saying in hospice, “Leave your agenda at the door”. This is just a simple way of reminding each other to remember whose death it is that we are following, and who is in charge.  I often tell people, hospice … Continue reading →

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Amy Getter

We marveled that he was still breathing, this shell of a person who had been dying for so, so long. His wife had told him-days ago- it was time to go, she loved him and would miss him, but she would be … Continue reading →

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IN A MIND’S EYE

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Amy Getter

In past years, mental illness has been nearly as taboo to talk about as death, dying and the like.  How about a person with mental illness who is dying simultaneously?  Jane has had a hand full of DSM-IV labels tagged on her … Continue reading →

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THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Amy Getter

I left the home of an elderly man, having just pronounced him truly dead: his wife told me she kept touching his face to feel it, still warm though his breath was long gone.  I pondered her words spoken in reverence, “We had … Continue reading →

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THE TRUTH ABOUT DWD

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Amy Getter

“Thou shalt not kill” in Hebrew means “thou shall not murder”.  Perhaps it seems a moot point, but there is a difference between the two English words. Thou shalt not shed innocent blood unlawfully, via murder, destruction and ruin….an act done to someone … Continue reading →

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Amy Getter

“He’s not usually like this.  He usually is totally in control and has a lot to say.”  Jeff, hearing this comment, opens his eyes briefly to glare at his sister, but with good humor.  He tries to start and finish some thoughts but is … Continue reading →

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GLORIOUS FREEDOM

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Amy Getter

As another New Year approaches, I thought about a patient from last year on New Year’s Day, who had finally stopped drinking-many years too late-but still finding some resolution in his last few months of life. Bondage in the dictionary is defined … Continue reading →

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