[Dr. H's Clipboard] Adopt Your Caregiving Philosophy

Published: Thu, 02/23/17

Adopt Your Caregiving Philosophy

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Linda was aware that her mother, Rose, was not getting better. This was Rose’s third emergency visit in a month for shortness of breath. Rose was 86-years-old and had a bad heart valve that triggered congestive heart failure.

After Rose described her symptoms to the physician, Linda prompted her mom to speak up by saying, “We need to talk about this.” The physician picked up on the cue and asked Rose if this situation was hard for her. Rose was eager to share that she no longer had quality of life. Linda was eager to help her mother in the transition to end life, but she didn’t know where to begin. Did Linda have a personal philosophy about caregiving?

Dementia To-Do List

This is a comprehensive article for caregivers who prefer to keep their wits about them as they care for an aging loved one. The best way to reduce stress is to approach our life in an orderly manner.

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Kevin's World

Hidden Figures

Time has a way of eroding vitality and health. The side-by-side comparison of the images of the women in the film “Hidden Figures” is striking. One of these older women could easily be a patient of mine. Admittedly, I usually don’t appreciate the vital role that older patients have played in shaping the history of this country. This movie reminded me to look beyond the aging process and give these patients the respect that’s owed. When rolling out the red carpet, do I lead them to the ICU or outer space?

Hear Dr. H

Dying With Choice

I will be participating in the “Dying with Choice” panel discussion at the 2017 Clown Town Healing Fest. It’s a free event at the Herberger Theatre on February 25.

ClownTown Healing Fest

Tributes & Wishes

WEEKLY POSTS ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/WishesToDieFor

#TributeTuesday
Share a tribute to a loved one who has died, or to mark the anniversary of their death.

#WishfulWednesday

Have a wish for the weekend? Post your plan on Wednesday. Practice expressing end-of-life wishes during the prime of life.

Post on Facebook

Selecting Your Own Rite of Passage

Living While Dying

“Living while dying” is a new concept for most people. It’s also the name of a new film that’s being released by my friend, Cathy Zheutlin. She has asked me to be an advisor on the project. My opinion, like your opinion, matters in life and death. As Cathy explores the reality of her loved ones facing death, she turns the camera around and looks at herself. How will she approach living while dying? The end result of the film is to have viewers ponder and pick their own rite of passage.

Please support her film that makes “living while dying” easier for everyone to engage.

About Dr. Kevin Haselhorst

Dr. Kevin Haselhorst has enjoyed a lively career as an emergency medicine physician. While often caring for patients near the end of life, he has become painfully aware that they rarely seem to end life peacefully. These patients are typically burdened by multiple medical conditions, yet are repeatedly admitted to the hospital in hopes of holding off the inevitable. This results in patients and caregivers feeling more self-defeated and less personally fulfilled. He is the author of the book, Wishes To Die For,, which shows patients how to die with dignity.