Listening to Life: Caregiver Guidance on Aging, Dementia & Medical Choices in the End

Are you an exhausted caregiver caring for someone who is aging or has dementia, trying to make the best medical decisions and do the right thing?You're not alone. Confusion and mystery often surround the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual changes that occur during life's winter season. For those who are aging, their families, and caregivers, that season is frequently medicalized, confusing, and lacking in common sense. Based on her clinical experience and lessons learned from patients and their families, including her own, Tammy shares real-life stories and ideas for listening to life in ways that help with medical decisions. Each chapter features stories that:Show how a person's values in life are key to making good medical choices in the final season.Determine if a person is capable of making their own medical decisions.Explain what alternate decision-makers need to consider.Reveal why do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are insufficient.Outline three key warning signs in the months, weeks or days before dying. Describe what to expect with natural dying.Explain what is meant by the term "comfort measures".Suggest ways to reflect on and honor life in the final weeks and days. Listening to Life offers essential insight into how a loved one's lived values can guide medical choices in the end-choices that make sense, are honoring and help prevent regret.