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“The nurse said they would call APS if I didn’t find a caregiver for my mom at night.  They’d call APS for negligence.  I don’t understand why they would do that.  I’m trying my best to take care of her.  I’m here during the day, and she’s just sleeping at night when I work nights.”   As a palliative care physician (read Post 1: What Exactly Does a Palliative Care Specialist Do? ), I often hear from family members their struggles while caring for their loved one when their lo

With some health situations, the path forward may not be straightforward. We may feel anxious about making the "wrong decision." In my...

When someone without major health issues feels stomach discomfort or an ache in their hip, likely they would continue with their daily...

“He’s been an inspiration to all of us,” the son Alex said about his dad, Mr. N., lying in the hospital bed, “He was diagnosed with stage...

“If tomorrow you woke up delirious from a bad infection or were unconscious from a stroke or accident, whom would you trust to speak with...

"The doctors said he had a poor prognosis.  That was basically it."   "They said he isn't doing well.  So I guess we'll have to wait and...

“We’re not ready for hospice…but what about palliative care?  Can she get that?”   The man, probably in his late 60s, was the designated...

Most Thanksgivings, I drop a note on gratitude, and I wanted to do the same in 2024. (I know I am a few days late this year. This past...

"I just saw the doctor, and the doctor didn't say anything."   As a adult child, sibling, or best friend of someone you can see is not...

"He's being lazy.  He was fishing a year and half ago.  He should be able to get out of bed." "He's being stubborn.  He knows what he...