One of the many effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic has been the recognition of the necessity for advance care planning and the benefits of doing so. More patients are dying every day in isolation and suffering from serious illnesses.…

Surgeon, a public health researcher, and author Atul Gawande is inspiring end-of-life conversations with his bestselling book, Being Mortal. The book, which was also turned into a documentary shown on PBS’s Frontline, continues to be an integral part of a…

There’s a saying along the lines that there are only two things in life that are certain: death and taxes. Sure, a lot of people manage to evade the latter, but the former is something that every living being has…

Talking about a serious illness and what the future may hold is never easy, especially when you’re talking about it with someone you care for. You might not know what to say, but then, they might not know what to…

Learning that you have a serious illness that will limit your life can evoke a multitude of feelings, fears, concerns, questions and may make you feel like you have no control over your life any longer. You may feel alone…

Dogs make everyone smile! Type of Volunteer: Hos-pet volunteer Where is your hometown? Oak Hill, West Virginia In what place have you lived the longest? The state of West Virginia the longest; then on to Marietta, GA, then 14 years…

Seven years ago, Susan Allhusen was introduced to hospice care when her mother was in need of end-of-life services. “Even though my mother was only on service for a few days, the impact was greatly felt,” said Susan. Susan currently…

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives on so many levels but for those who have died, it has changed how we are able to mourn the death of our loved ones. Social distancing has made it so that people…

AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) have released their new Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 report. Of the roughly 21 percent of Americans who are caregivers are suffering from increased emotional, financial, and physical strain due to the…