Here are quotes from two excellent essays about being an empowered caregiver. First, from Muriel Gillick, MD: In those care planning meetings in the nursing home, if they ask nothing else, family members should ask “what drugs is mom on?” And that should be followed by “why is she on them?” and “are they helping?” […]
end of life
Chicken soup for decision-makers
Half of all health searches in the U.S. are done on behalf of someone else. That’s been a core finding of the Pew Research Center’s health portfolio since 2000. We have called information the new chicken soup of the digital age, brought to the bedside by people who want to help. Now, in the social […]
“There are four kinds of people in this world…”
“…those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter, quoted in a lovely post by Kathleen Hoffman: “Be Kind Whenever Possible…” I’m continuing to hear from people about the new caregivers report, via tweets, blog comments, and email. Thank you for […]
Love made visible
As an anthropology major in college, I was required to take at least one course in archaeology. We studied burial mounds and earthworks (from afar, no digging) and it reminded me of Geology 101, when I learned how scientists spot patterns in the physical landscape. Geologists look for clues to the Earth’s past, and possible […]
Beyond one more search, one more prayer
I had lunch today with Mona Hanford, who shared her vision for helping people navigate to the end of life, based on her own experience as a caregiver for her husband. Our conversation led us to the observation that caregivers often feel like they have to keep fighting on behalf of their loved one. If […]
Caregivers, please share your stories
The Pew Research Center will release a new report about caregivers in June. As we prepare, I’m looking for stories to share with reporters so they can better understand the context for our data. If you have experience caring for a family member, a friend, or a neighbor, either now or in the past, please […]
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