Tag Archives: End-of-life Decisions

How Has Hospice Social Work Changed Over the Years?

An interview with Susan M. Weisberg, a hospice social worker with 45 years of experience, Part Two

Susan M. Weisberg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works as a hospice social worker in the South Bay area near San Francisco. In addition to her education and Social Work License, Susan received specialized training in end-of-life care at … Continue reading

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A Look at the Growing Trend of Pet Hospice

Why palliative care for pets is becoming a more popular option for those facing the death of a beloved companion

If you’ve ever dealt with the loss of a beloved pet, you know just how hard it can be letting go of someone who has been there for you year-in and year-out, through thick and thin. More and more, we … Continue reading

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Barbara Bush, Comfort Care and National Dialogue About End of Life

The former First Lady's final days prompted national discussions about end of life and palliative care

Former First Lady Barbara Bush died on April 17, 2018, at age 92. She will be remembered for many reasons, including her push to improve national literacy, being the matriarch of an influential political family, and her earnestness and candor. … Continue reading

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Unnecessary Surgeries Prevalent Among Patients Nearing End of Life

The reasons and risks for unnecessary surgeries

Surgeries near the end of life are extremely common. According to The Lancet, among those who died aged 65 or older in the United States in 2008, nearly one third underwent surgery in the last year of life, and almost one-fifth … Continue reading

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When a Loved One Chooses to Stop Treatment

That doesn’t mean they want to die

  Your loved one chooses to stop treatment that may provide more weeks or months of life. Perhaps they refuse more chemotherapy or continued dialysis. Although it may seem contradictory, this refusal of ongoing treatment does not mean he or … Continue reading

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Cancer Patients Might Be More Optimistic About Prognosis Than Their Doctors

A small study finds conflicting opinions between doctors and their patients

According to a recent study, the majority of cancer patients believe they will live longer than their estimated prognosis. Researchers found that many patients remain optimistic about their survival chances even after their doctors give them a poor prognosis. Professors at … Continue reading

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