By SANDI PETERS, In 2004 I was working in a nursing home. I had just started and was unsure of the culture. Each morning the routine was for management to meet in what is called a ‘stand up’ where each department reports the work plan for the day and also advises others of any … Continue reading
Tag Archives: palliative care
SPEAKING TO HERSELF
“–Pauline looks better today. –Yes, she is speaking non-stop, to herself. – I noticed that. She does it often, even when surrounded by people and activities. What does she say? –She talks about her house, her things. That she has a lot of gold and diamond jewelry. In reality she had some, but not that … Continue reading
DO YOU SPEAK GREEK?
“Do you speak Greek? –No I don’t. What are you looking for? –I wanted to see Mrs. D., but I don’t understand what she says. It is all in Greek. –Mrs. D.? She speaks very good English. Let me introduce you.” We turn towards Mrs. D. who is seated at a big table. While walking … Continue reading
Activity
Ida is lying in bed, on her back, eyes closed. Would she like to feel the sunshine? Are the window shades drawn because the bright light was bothering her? She is blind and very hard of hearing. She sometimes wears hearing aids but not in bed. I observe one of her arms, naked on top … Continue reading
The Great Unlearning
Below is the final statement from Gisela Webb’s 2001 article INTIMATIONS OF THE GREAT UNLEARNING: INTERRELIGIOUS SPIRITUALITY AND THE DEMISE OF CONSCIOUSNESS WHICH IS ALZHEIMER’S I can’t stop rereading her 5000+ words. They approach thoughts I wish I would be able to articulate. I plan to explore all her references… “I call Alzheimer’s the great … Continue reading
Being Mortal
When I mention BEING MORTAL, the important Atul Gawande’s book, my interlocutors point to their shelf, their desk, their couch. The book is there. They already read it or they plan to read it. My copy came from my brother-in-law. A book rep, he got it for free. He encouraged me to pass it around. … Continue reading
ETHICS or “WAIT A MINUTE!”
Since the publication of her book: Knocking on Heaven’s Door: The Path to a Better Way of Death, in 2013, Katy Butler is stirring the debate about medical decision-making when death nears. I saw Butler on Wednesday in a San Rafael nursing home. Her presentation was short and clear, anchored by projections of sepia family … Continue reading
Soul2Soul Seniors 