Monthly Archives: September 2016

Birth________ Death:

Like a book, what is in between is what matters most.

When reading a book, was it the cover that attracted us to it?  More likely the impact of its content is where appreciation and fulfillment lie.

Why would we suddenly then be afraid of that last page or back cover? Certainly the better the book, the more likely we would feel varying emotions as it draws near. There is also the option to stop reading the book by stopping somewhere along the way. Some believe that once started the book must be finished no matter what. This is a choice as well. And for some, reading is never a possibility. There may be too many obstacles to overcome. I have also heard “Never judge a book by its cover.” Often people are anxious and excited to reach the end of the story. Now apply this to life.

Why would we suddenly be afraid of what we all know is the inevitable outcome: The end of the book. Why would we care more for the beginning of the book than the end? Depending on the content, the comprehension of the reader and the expectations, the stage is set. The pages of our lives are turning each day. To a degree we often have the ability to do some editing. Others may be helpless to do anything. But we all will finish this life book someday.

In our excitement to improve and lengthen life, we have unknowingly vilified death, or the end of the book. Long ago, we cared for our loved ones in stoic acceptance as they died in our homes. We honored and comforted them. Loving, laughing, crying, grieving and sharing in their care as they died.

Today, everything is an emergent crisis which we must repair! Death has become unacceptable. And in many cases, the trauma, disease or advancing natural decline is so severe that no amount of medication, procedures or diagnostic testing can reverse the process. And there is often unnecessary suffering endured in place of honest communication. Afterwards, when all the possibilities have been exhausted, we warehouse these poor souls and give the buildings softer names to offset the harsh realities within their walls.

Quantity of time has become preferable to quality of life in hope of miracles, cures, new science and luck.

I have been a nurse since 1993; and 11 years in Hospice. Each day passes with a new chance to lessen the stress for those around me. I have seen the acceptance of our mortality, and at times, together with faith, replace the fear of death, with appreciation and anticipation of what the next book may be. If even one person has a softer path from this life, to that final page and the back cover because of something we have done or said, then we are sincerely thankful.

Caring Choices is committed to this mission.

© 2016 Caring Choices

 

Just Be

Most people shy away from being around dying people.  That seems to be a normal reaction.  But, being around death – experiencing death of loved ones at home – used to be a very natural occurrence in American households.

Before we “medicalized” dying and death, people were cared for at home by family and friends.  There was an inherent knowledge about caring for aging, ailing, and/or elderly family members as they reached their final months, days, and hours.  More than 80% of Americans say they want to die at home yet fewer than 25% of us actually do that.  This disparity is likely because we’re rushed to the hospital by ambulance after panicked 911 calls, or we’re involved in a traumatic accident and traverse the ER-to-ICU pathway, or because palliative and hospice care are discussed/started much too late in a disease’s process.

Caring for a dying loved one at home is challenging and, as I’ve shared in this blog previously, very rewarding.  Beyond the demands of providing actual care (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, medication management, etc.), there is also the emotional experience of caring for and watching someone you love fade away.  It’s this emotional state that I want to address.

I was once witness to a family caregiver’s phone call from a friend.  I could see the happy anticipation in her face as the caller expressed desire to come by for a visit.  The caregiver’s demeanor and spirit lifted as if a burden was removed from her shoulders knowing that she would have an hour or two with a friend to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and feel not so alone.

As quickly as her smile appeared, though, it faded away as she shared with her friend that her loved one was not responding to conversation anymore.  Her joy and soul were crushed, and her heart was broken.  It was painfully obvious that her friend decided not to come by … and equally obvious that she felt abandoned.

It’s not always easy to know what to say to our friends who are caring for their dying loved ones.  It’s easier (for us) to avoid the situation by offering excuses like “I don’t want to remember her this way” or “I can’t watch him like this.”  Family caregivers do not have the luxury of avoidance.

I believe this avoidance is typically caused by fear.  Fear of not knowing what to say.  Fear in not knowing what to do.  Fear in recognizing our own mortality in the face of our friend’s dying loved one.  Fear in upsetting our friend with the “wrong” words or by reminiscing occasions spent with their loved one.

We don’t need to know the “right” words.  Sometimes we don’t need to say anything at all.  It’s so important to just be there for our friends as they provide care for a beloved family member.  Sometimes they just need their hand held or a strong, supportive hug.  Sometimes they just need our presence to share a cup of tea or a simple meal, or to bring them a bag of groceries, or pick up something at the drug store. Hands - Just Be

We don’t need to be armed with clever sayings or big gestures.  We need to just be able to sit with them, let them share their experiences, and listen.  We need to … just be.

© 2016 Caring Choices