Finding Peace at the End of Life & Preparing for Death from Cancer
Feb 21, 2024
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Neurologist Dr. Alan Carver and hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos discuss transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. They emphasize the importance of emotional support, end-of-life conversations, and the impact of quality care on patients and caregivers.
Transitioning to hospice care is about finding peace and managing fear in final days.
Acknowledging patients' fears and providing reassurance can bring comfort and calmness in hospice care.
Deep dives
The 'In Between' Phase of End-of-Life Care
Hospice nurse Hadley Blajos, author of 'The In Between Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments', discusses the concept of the 'in between' phase in a person's final days. She describes it as a beautiful space where patients transition between this life and what comes next. Dr. Alan Carver, a neurologist specializing in end-of-life care, emphasizes the importance of providing reassurance and support during this phase, emphasizing that hospice care is not about giving up, but rather taking a different approach.
Addressing Fear and Finding Peace
Nurse Hadley highlights the significance of listening to patients' fears and providing a safe space for them to voice their concerns. By acknowledging their fears, patients can find some relief and comfort. She also shares how, in some cases, patients have reported seeing their deceased loved ones, which brings them a sense of calmness and peace. Dr. Carver emphasizes the importance of a promise of non-abandonment and providing reassurance to patients. He also discusses the fear of pain and symptom management and the role of hospice in addressing these concerns.
Making Choices and Finding Joy
The podcast shares the experiences of families who have chosen hospice care for their loved ones. They discuss the flexibility and support hospice provides, allowing families to create a comfortable and loving environment. Thomas and Sandra Paris, who cared for Eliza Paris Harrison during her end-of-life journey, share how they found joy in everyday moments, cooking, and gathering together. Greg, Eliza's husband, reflects on the importance of difficult conversations, finding peace, and celebrating a loved one's life.
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver, an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care, and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for both patients and caregivers about transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. Sharing their own experiences, families describe how “joy and grief can walk together.”