A group of end of life professionals gathered over Zoom (following our guidelines, right?) and created a resource guide on grief and loss during the Covid 19 pandemic. These are times like no other, so it is a time to find new ways to do almost everything. We aren’t able to be at our lovedContinue reading “Loving, Living, and Dying During Covid 19”
Author Archives: susandoulamn
Peace in a Time of Chaos
We are facing unprecedented times right now (at least for my generation). I am shocked at the empty shelves in the grocery store. I have never seen a line in Target waiting for the toilet paper to be unloaded from a truck that hasn’t even arrived yet. Even my own pantry – more beans andContinue reading “Peace in a Time of Chaos”
National Caregiver Day ~ Show the Love
Today we celebrate the caregivers ~ the paid caregivers and the volunteers who give their time and talents to make life just a bit more comfortable for our loved ones. Although you don’t have to wait for an official ‘day’ to show appreciation, it helps to have a reminder. With families spread out across theContinue reading “National Caregiver Day ~ Show the Love”
Step up to the (dinner) Plate
With the holidays approaching at the speed of light, it is easy to get caught up in our to-do lists, gift shopping, decorating…. and let’s not forget the holiday baking! While many of us are surrounded by family and friends year-round, there is a large population of older adults who are alone in this worldContinue reading “Step up to the (dinner) Plate”
Frequently Asked Questions
How will a doula help me? Your doula will listen and give you the space to process what is happening to you and around you. Deep in your soul, you know how to leave your earthly body when the time comes, but it can be unsettling for you and your loved ones. Your doula willContinue reading “Frequently Asked Questions”
Flame or Water? You Choose!
Flame or Water? Now you have a choice with cremation. A water, or ‘Green Cremation’, is done using water and potassium hydroxide, that reduces the body to the bone ash similar to flame-based cremation with much less impact to the environment. I recently toured Bradsaw Funeral and Cremation Services in Stillwater, MN and was ableContinue reading “Flame or Water? You Choose!”
Get to Know You
You heard from me and my passion to assist at end of life. To sit with you as you face your last days. To offer assistance to your family and caregivers as they circle your bed or recliner wondering what to do next. They anxiously hold their breath when your breath slows down. Do youContinue reading “Get to Know You”
Get to Know Me
Choosing an end of life doula can be overwhelming. You have heard of a birth doula, but a death doula? Why do you need a death doula? Why would someone want to do this work? I have worked in the healthcare industry for most of my life. A love for aging and dying people startedContinue reading “Get to Know Me”
It’s Just Stuff…or is it?
As a member of MNDC (Minnesota Death Collaborative, a group of end of life professionals), I had the opportunity to hear a professional organizer, Su-Yoon Ko recently. Su-Yoon discussed the clutter in our own lives, lives of those facing death, and our loved ones who died leaving behind their legacy of ‘stuff’. For some, clutterContinue reading “It’s Just Stuff…or is it?”
Who Will Be Your Voice?
I checked into a large hospital recently for major knee surgery. The Admissions clerk asked if I had an Advance Directive. Doesn’t everyone? (Sadly, the answer is ‘no’.). I gave her the pages to scan into my electronic record and felt confident that if something dramatic should happen, I had all my bases covered. DidContinue reading “Who Will Be Your Voice?”