Living With Hospice

In this three part series, Mitch discusses the experience and emotions associated with being told that a disease is no longer treatable from different perspectives.  In part one of this series, we look at how this news impacts the patient and the fear associated with such a prognosis.  Mitch provides suggestions and love on how to address this fear, as well as to how to help other loved ones during this time.  

Diverging a bit from the Hospice theme, in episode 44, Mitch explores another form of end-of-life care and the role of a "Death Doula".   He explains the origins of a doula role in relationship to the dying process, and the recent resurgence of this in modern end-of-life care.  

At sometime in our lives, we will all have a  traumatic experience that causes us to have a strong emotional or physical reaction. On most occasions though, these reactions subside as a part of the body's natural healing and recovery process, but in the moment, they seem overwhelming.  In this edition of Living With Hospice, Mitch discusses what happens in those few moments after trauma has occurred, and reminds us that sometimes something very simple - breathing - is the key to getting through it. 

Talking about the eventuality of death is not something anyone likes to do - much less plan for.  In addition to bringing up a whole host of emotions, it can be just an incredibly  uncomfortable conversation to have with someone who is terminally ill.    In this episode of Living With Hospice, Mitch discusses why these conversations are necessary to have before death and how to ensure that they are productive.    

Originally published in 2020, LWH's classic episode on how to handle the Holidays is once again returning for the season!  Holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced or is facing the death of someone they love.   Instead of being a time of tradition, family togetherness, sharing and giving thanks for blessings, this time of year can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness.  What do we do when we are feeling pressure to engage in the "holiday spirit", but we are triggered by memories of earlier times with a loved one who is now facing a terminal diagnosis?  While no simple guidelines exist that will take away the hurt,  Mitch discusses how to acknowledge and deal with these very normal feelings, and provides some alternative suggestions for keeping traditions and celebrating with a loved one who is in Hospice.

We've all experienced the need to make a change at some point in our lives and understand that it can bring about a host of emotions and some fear of the unknown.  While at times, this can be something exciting,  when on an end of life journey, this can seem difficult, overwhelming and just plain impossible.  In this episode, Mitch discusses how to take control of your Hospice journey and have the courage to make it better if something is not suited to you.  As the famous Singer/Songwriter Sheryl Crow tells us, and Mitch affirms in this episode, sometimes "A Change Would Do You Good." 

In this episode of Living With Hospice, Mitch makes good on a promise made during most of the  episodes to answer questions that listeners have submitted over time.   In this episode, we discuss  active dying, telling our loved ones that we are out of treatment options, accepting the choice when someone chooses Hospice over curative care and finally, we get an update on Mitch's animal co-hosts.  

In this episode of Living With Hospice, Mitch addresses the many facets of 'closing the books' at the end of our lives, including practical planning, reviewing the bucket list and the often uncomfortable topic of saying goodbye.  While this can be an emotionally difficult period, it can also be empowering and is crucial in gaining closure and gathering a sense of peace.  

Why do some Hospice patients not make it to their life expectancy while others outlive their diagnosis?  How come some patients seem to actually get better once they begin receiving Hospice care?  In this short episode, Mitch discusses the factors used in determining the life - expectancy of a terminally ill patient, as well as the factors that are not considered, and explains how palliative Hospice care can actually increase someone's longevity.

Grief is a long process to endure when you lose someone you love.  In Living With Hospice's fourth grief-centric episode, Mitch addresses the topic of grief triggers and how they can bring up that pain of loss and other emotions,  sometimes even years later.  While some may be very obvious and predictable, like anniversaries and such, others can hit you out of left field and leave you feeling sad all over again.  Mitch provides strategies on what to do when this happens and how to continue to heal through the grief journey.  

Mitch sends his sincere gratitude to listeners and readers as Living With Hospice surpasses 5000 podcast downloads!  Truly blessed to be able to continue bringing this message of strength, hope and experience, Mitch shares his expectations from when we first started the podcast and some appreciation, support and encouragement we've received from our subscribers.  

Have you heard stories about people that are on their deathbed but seem to linger on, as if they're waiting for something or someone before they crossover? Whether they are worried about family, money, finances or just fearful of leaving this earth, it is sometimes a struggle for our loved ones to be at peace with leaving this world. In this episode, Mitch shares his experiences with this end of life situation and provides guidance on how we can prepare ourselves to help our loved ones become OK with letting go.

When someone is feeling a call to volunteer, hospice organizations are not typically on the top of many lists because people are uncomfortable being exposed to death and dying. In this episode, Mitch offers a very different perspective of why people volunteer for hospice and how being there for people on an end of life journey can be a very rewarding blessing. Also - Mitch tells us the several different ways you can volunteer and give back through a hospice organization that doesn't require one on one experiences with the patient.

Death is something that we all, sooner or later, have to face - especially when we or a loved one are on an end of life journey. To some extent, we are all scared of death – whether it be the thought of our own death or the fear that someone we love might pass away. But how do we respond to this fear of the inevitable? Why are some of us more afraid than others? And what is it, exactly, that scares us about death? In this episode, Mitch discusses the anxiety we have related to death and provides suggestions on how to address it.

As the New Year begins, people are often filled with renewed energy and hope. It's a time of new resolutions, new promise, new adventures, and boundless opportunities. However, when you're on an end of life journey with someone, the world around you never quite feels like that. In this episode, Mitch discusses how to manage when you are in a world that doesn't change, or seem to move forward, with the rest of the world. Mitch provides insight on how to handle holidays and special events that you aren't able to participate in, as Caregivers, and reminds us of the importance on taking care of ourselves during this stressful time.

Holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced or is facing the death of someone they love. Instead of being a time of tradition, family togetherness, sharing and giving thanks for blessings, this time of year can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. What do we do when we are feeling pressure to engage in the "holiday spirit", but we are triggered by memories of earlier times with a loved one who is now facing a terminal diagnosis? While no simple guidelines exist that will take away the hurt, Mitch discusses how to acknowledge and deal with these very normal feelings, and provides some alternative suggestions for keeping traditions and celebrating with a loved one who is in Hospice.

The last few episodes have explored the grief process as it is a common feeling before, during and after we lose our loved one. In this episode, Mitch discusses another common emotion that happens after our loved one has passed - guilt. It's normal to ask ourselves, "Could I have done more?" and "Did I do enough?" but it's also very easy to get bogged down in our guilt and the 'What ifs'. Mitch shares his own experiences about this process and provides information on how to manage, and eventually move past, this phase in the end of life process.

Revisiting this complex topic for a third time, Mitch Ware takes a deeper look into the seven stages of grief and explores how we cycle through them. From shock and denial to rebuilding and acceptance, the journey through these phases can be exceptionally difficult to experience. Relating his personal experiences, Mitch offers insight into how to manage our lives while going through this process.

Every once in while, we discover that a dear friend or family member is cast into the role of being a caregiver for someone who is in an end of life situation. The first thing we think is how can I help? In this episode, Mitch Ware explains the importance of helping out our caregiver friends, and offers several ways to do so tactfully.

Many people suffering with one of the many forms of dementia, experience a strange restlessness around mid to late afternoon. This restlessness usually carries on into the night adversely affecting sleep. This phenomenon is called Sundowning. In this short 7 minutes, Mitch Ware gives us the whole scoop on how we can manage Sundown Syndrome.

All of us find ourselves on an emotional roller-coaster as we deal with a friend's or loved ones illness. It really can get intense as that persons condition changes. Add in the crazy world events around us, and it can be over whelming. In this episode, Mitch Ware explains what is causing these overwhelming feelings, and gives us some tips on how to manage them.

In this 7-Minute Scoop, Mitch discusses the often debated DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate, order. He explains what it really means to sign a DNR, and what it doesn't mean.

We all have times when we encounter a family member or friend who is suffering from loss. Their grief is legitimate and serious. So, what do you say to them? We all feel the need to say something that will help them feel better. In this episode, Mitch Ware explains the emotional dynamics involved in layman's terms. This episode boasts 8 tips to help you when you find yourself in this situation!

There are no perfect families, and as the old saying goes; weddings and funerals either bring out the best or the worst in us! Words can hit harder than fists. In times of crisis, personal emotions often rule the day. Things are said that leave wounds for a lifetime. In this episode, Mitch Ware discusses family dynamics and how to avoid the big family blowup!

In this 7-Minute Scoop, Mitch discusses the phenomenon of "Terminal Lucidity" also known as the 'last minute rally'. Many people who are in their 11th hour, have a sudden unexpected return of mental and physical ability that occurs before death. He explains what can happen when this occurs, and relates his own personal experience with this and how this is a remarkable gift.

Dying is a tough thing to even think about, let alone talk about. And when you find yourself pondering this situation with a loved one’s final weeks, days and hours, it can be very scary. That’s okay you are not alone; those feelings are very common. In this episode, Mitch Ware is going to share with you what the transition process is, how it works, and how peaceful death can be.

Living With Hospice is launching a bonus feature for our listeners, by answering a listeners question in a special bonus episode entitled "The 7 Minute Scoop." In this 7 Minute Scoop, Mitch Ware discusses the often asked question, 'Is there Hospice for kids??' And he ends the episode with a touching story. 7 Minutes, and you have the whole scoop!

In this episode, Mitch Ware talks about the difficult task of sharing with close friends and family that they cannot come over and visit the person in Hospice Care due to colds and flu. Depending on family dynamics, it can be very challenging. Mitch also offers options to consider in place of an in-person visit. Mitch also explains how germs are everywhere, like our paper money, debit/credit cards as well as door knobs and light switches. Mitch ends the episode with a touching story about Great Grandpa Joe.

In this episode, Mitch shares a few stories about different Hospice organizations that are deservedly (and some that are undeservedly) getting a really bad reputation. From the lips of some families, Our Hospice SUCKS!! See what's going on, and discover some solutions!

One of the most difficult things in life can be talking to a friend or loved on who is terminally ill. In this episode, Mitch Ware discusses the awkwardness and how to avoid it! And as usual, he ends the episode with a wonderful story of bro-love.

Most people have no idea of all of the services available to Hospice patients and their caregivers. In this episode, Mitch Ware will discuss these services and give you a better idea of how to maximize Hospice care for you and your family.

There are tons myths and rumors about Hospice care. In this episode, Mitch Ware will address his top 30 and give you the straight scoop! And as always, this episode ends with a touching story.

So, we are in Hospice care for whatever reason, and we are care-giving for someone who also has Dementia. In this episode Mitch Ware will take a look at what to expect with the dementia issue. He speaks from a first hand perspective as both a care-giver and as a long time Hospice volunteer. This episode has several touching stories you will want to hear if dementia is part of your Hospice journey.

Most of us, … the huge majority of us that are or have been caregivers, are so focused on care-giving, we forget about everyone else … including ourselves. Care Giver Burnout is very common and for the most part, can be avoided. In this episode, Mitch Ware explains what Caregiver Burnout is, and how it can be minimized if not eliminated. And as always, this episode ends with a touching story about how very well intentioned people, burnout and become much less effective than they had set out to be!

In this episode, Mitch describes what a Caregiver is, does, and gives tips on how to be the best Caregiver ever!

In this episode, Mitch shares the importance of music in patient care. He tells several stories that demonstrate his points, and will touch your heart!

This episode’s topic is really interesting and near and dear to my heart: how and when do we start grieving?We all feel loss from time to time in our lives. Most of the time is something not so important and we deal with it and move on. Sometimes however, it is a significant loss. And in some cases, we never “get over it”. How come? Our bodies are hard wired to grieve loss. If we don’t allow this process, we often mess up our emotional well being and … well... we pay unforeseen consequences.

In this episode we take a look at the differences between hospice home care and hospice inpatient care as well as the benefits of each. What we discover might surprise you!

In this episode, Mitch explores the various types of hospice organizations, the benefits to each and how you can determine which is right for you.

In this episode, Mitch discuses difference between Non-Profit and For Profit hospice organizations.

In this episode, Mitch tackles one of the most common questions asked, how much does hospice cost and how do we pay for it?? The episode ends with a short great story!

In this first episode you get to meet Mitch Ware, discover his personal story; hear the mission of this podcast and get information on how you can send in Hospice related questions for Mitch and his team to answer for you.

Mitch explains how to determine when is the proper time to call in hospice.

In this episode, Mitch Ware defines what hospice is. He also explains palliative care and curative care. Mitch explains the difference between hospice, palliative and curative care. The episode ends with an amazing short story!