In the living room, a grandfather laughs and plays video games with his granddaughters. Later, he joins the rest of his family to say grace before enjoying a meal together.…
Paying for End-of-Life Care
How to pay for the rising costs of health care? Concerns over these costs are shared not only by elected officials but by almost every family across the country. Many…
Can We Talk … About Death?
By Ann Oldenburg for Next Avenue Katie Couric has regrets. Even to this day. When the former TV news anchor spoke at Georgetown University at an event titled “The Healing Power…
It’s Never too Late to Thank a Veteran, Even at the End of Life
Americans across the country celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, a special day to salute the men and women who have bravely served our country in the military. These fellow…
Don’t Wait to Talk About Hospice
It’s an all too common situation. A family is at the bedside of a loved one who is seriously ill and nearing the end of life. Each member of the…
8 Reasons You May Need to Update Your Will
By Patrick O’Brien for Next Avenue Your will may be the most important document you’ll ever write. Problem is, after many of us draft one, we put it somewhere for safekeeping…
A Dying Fish, A Son’s Wish
By Marc Silver for Next Avenue This is a story about an unlikely mix of topics: running, music, mothers, aging and a stranded blowfish. I was on an early morning run…
How to Avoid Compassion Burnout
By Patricia Corrigan for Next Avenue Caregivers, both professional and personal, often suffer from compassion fatigue — a syndrome also known as “secondary trauma stress.” But navigating any close, personal relationship also can…
When a Parent Dies: Ways to Help Yourself and Your Surviving Parent
By Amy Florian for Next Avenue Not too long ago, a dear friend’s dad suffered a major heart attack and died. At the funeral, there was little time for more than a brief…
Creating a New Life as a Widow
By Barbara Rady Kazdan for Next Avenue After losing my husband 10 years ago, I joined a bereavement group. At the final session, a few of us decided to meet monthly for lunch.…