Podcast appearances and mentions of barbara karnes

This episode is different. It is personal.Because for the first time, I will be sharing something I have not yet spoken about publicly.My father passed away this March. Just two days before my birthday.And in the weeks that followed, I gave myself permission to fully grieve, to feel, to remember, to process.It was a conscious act of mourning, supported by ceremony, solitude, and also by ketamine therapy, medically supervised at our clinic in Santa Monica.It helped me meet the waves of grief and let them move through me, not around me.And in that space, I kept returning to one question: Why, in our culture, is death treated as something to avoid, deny, or sanitize?Why is something so universal, so sacred, still held in so much fear?Today's guest has devoted her entire life to shifting that.Barbara Karnes is a hospice pioneer and one of the most respected voices in end-of-life education.Her booklet Gone From My Sight, known as The Little Blue Book, has sold over 40 million copies and changed how countless families understand and approach death.In this conversation, Barbara offers profound wisdom: she offers a map, a presence, a way of holding death that allows us to also hold life more fully.This is much more than a conversation about dying. It is a conversation about what it means to live without fear, and to love more openly, even at the edge of goodbye.Episode highlights:02:45 Ariana's Personal Story of Grief and Healing05:29 Understanding the Dying Process10:40 The Role of Caregivers and Cultural Myths About Dying21:51 The Emotional and Spiritual Costs of Caregiving31:36 The Role of the Witness in the Dying Process33:04 Creating a Sacred Experience Before Death34:08 Saying Goodbye and Processing Grief42:16 The Importance of Personal Choice in End-of-Life Care44:44 Cultural Perspectives on Death and Aging52:32 Rehearsing for Death Through Life's Changes54:25 Barbara's Personal Relationship with Death56:22 Understanding Grief as Part of the Dying Process01:02:39 Barbara's Legacy and ResourcesResources mentioned:https://bkbooks.com/pages/about-barbarahttps://bkbooks.com/collections/allSOCIAL MEDIALinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrnFacebook https://www.facebook.com/barbarakarnesrnYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVqIQdyP2OBTop8-jboRww

On-call, after hours, 24/7 services - no matter what you call it, hospice care is available to patients and caregivers every hour of every day. Regardless of the day of the week, whether it's a holiday, or the office is closed, a member of the hospice team is accessible all the time. Some hospice agencies have answering services or triage teams, but the final result of a call is connection with a nurse. If another discipline is needed, that's going to be coordinated by the agency. No question or concern is dumb. Hospice agencies offer this service to make sure patients and caregivers feel comfortable in their homes while experiencing the end of a life.  Here are some of the reasons a caregiver or patient might want to contact the hospice team when the office is closed. The patient has had a change in condition, and is showing different symptoms.Your person (the patient) has died. There's a question about medications. A piece of critical equipment isn't working (oxygen, BiPap, electric hospital bed, air mattress or overlay).There are spiritual or faith needs, and the chaplain's (or social worker's) support is needed.  The patient has had a fall and there's an injury.  You can find the Approaching Death Support Kit at bkbooks.com. Find all of Barbara Karnes' products and resources at bkbooks.com. Read Barbara's blog at bkbooks.com. Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook IG LinkedIn Twitter (X)  YouTube Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, we're here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. We believe you deserve to have good hospice care. Book your session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Elder law attorney Patrick Cawley is equipping dementia caregivers with the essential tools they need for estate planning, including advance care planning for end of life. Patrick guides family members as they navigate the health care system and complicated ways to pay for long-term care for their loved one. He is a certified dementia care consultant, and host of the Dementia Empowered podcast.  Patrick has lived experience with a family member who has Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), so he knows firsthand what dementia caregivers face. Here are some highlights from this episode: Patrick endorses trying care solutions before going straight to legal solutions which might escalate problems and family dynamics. The biggest challenges for dementia caregivers that Patrick sees are financial issues, forming a care team, and complicated or discordant family dynamics.Patrick advocates for caregivers to be paid in certain situations, depending on estate taxes and the financial burden on the caregivers. Recording keeping is vitally important; Patrick recommends keeping a paper trail of transactions and healthcare decisions.  Listen to the Dementia Empowered Podcast here. Connect with Keystone Elder Law here. Connect with Patrick Cawley on LI Find an Elder Law Attorney in your area at naela.org You can find the Approaching Death Support Kit at bkbooks.com. Find all of Barbara Karnes' products and resources at bkbooks.com. Read Barbara's blog at bkbooks.com. Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook IG LinkedIn Twitter (X)  YouTube Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, we're here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. We believe you deserve to have good hospice care. Book your session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn

Understanding End-of-Life Care with Barbara Karnes RN In episode 142 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, discusses crucial aspects of end-of-life care with renowned hospice educator Barbara Karnes RN. The conversation covers Barbara's background, her influential booklet 'Gone From My Sight,' and the importance of end-of-life education. They address common misconceptions about the dying process perpetuated by media, emphasizing the need for accurate knowledge to transform a potentially frightening experience into a sacred memory. Barbara also delves into practical topics such as the appropriate use of food and fluids at the end of life, the natural stages of dying, terminal agitation, and the critical role of comfort in hospice care. This episode provides valuable insights for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the end-of-life journey. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:50 Meet Barbara Karnes: End of Life Educator 02:53 Understanding End of Life Education 05:24 Personal Experiences with End of Life 07:19 Discussing Barbara's Book: Always Offer, Never Force 11:43 The Role of IV Fluids at End of Life 12:59 The Importance of Comfort in End of Life Care 14:53 Feeding Tubes and End of Life Nutrition 18:07 Barbara's Booklets: A Guide for Caregivers 23:21 Terminal Agitation and Restlessness 27:08 Conclusion and Resources https://bkbooks.com/     Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.   In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/ Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy:  https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/  Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!! https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5  The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck:  https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/  Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com

Learn about the benefits of team-based care and how the hospice team works together on behalf of patients and families. This week I’m welcoming my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN, who is an internationally recognized thought-leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. We are continuing our series of conversations on various… Continue reading Ep. 491 The Hospice Team and Whole-Person Care with Barbara Karnes RN

Enjoy this very first conversation with my friend Barbara Karnes as we get to know one another and discuss our hopes for the future of hospice care. This episode is a replay of my very first interview with Barbara Karnes RN that appeared on the EOLU speaker series but not on the podcast. Barbara is… Continue reading Ep. 483 ENCORE: The Evolution of Hospice Care – Our First Interview with Barbara Karnes RN

After a 40 year hospice career, Barbara Karnes knows a thing or two about end of life care. Today's special episode is part 3 of our 4 part series in honor of National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Barbara calls her introduction to working with the dying “divine intervention” that occurred because of a random connection with a hospice worker. She spent five years working at the bedside, eventually moving into administrative positions and management. As a hospice educator, she supports family caregivers and end of life workers alike. Highlights from Barbara's interview include: A snapshot of Barbara's advance care plan and why she thinks goodbyes are important Her recognition of how hard it was to balance work life and family life as a young mother How Barbara sees hospice work as a privilege Connect with Barbara Karnes: Website: bkbooks.com Blog: bkbooks.com Shop her products: bkbooks.com Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Email: barbara@bkbooks.com Thank you to our series sponsor The Death Deck! Connect with the End of Life Deck and the Death Deck: Website: thedeathdeck.comhttps://thedeathdeck.com/ Shop: End of Life Deck Death Deck Socials for the Death Deck: Facebook IG Twitter (X) Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month - and National Family Caregivers Month - we're featuring a special 4-part series with special guest Barbara Karnes, Hospice Nurse and End of Life Educator. In the first episode of the series, Barbara shares how she got started in end of life care back before the Medicare hospice benefit was established in the 1980's. Here are some highlights of this special episode: Barbara thinks she should have been a social worker but her mother talked her into nursing. She and her fellow hospice nurses learned how to provide their own self care without really knowing what it was. Barbara's aversion to causing patients any pain or suffering made patient care difficult for her. She believes it's important for hospice leadership to truly understand end of life work, and to have a comprehensive knowledge of hospice care. Barbara believes sacred rituals and beautiful memories can be created at the time of death. Connect with Barbara Karnes: Website: bkbooks.com Blog: bkbooks.com Shop her products: bkbooks.com Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Email: barbara@bkbooks.com Thank you to our series sponsor The Death Deck! Connect with the End of Life Deck and the Death Deck: Website: thedeathdeck.comhttps://thedeathdeck.com/ Shop: End of Life Deck Death Deck Socials for the Death Deck: Facebook IG Twitter (X) Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

In episode two of our special four part series, hospice icon Barbara Karnes shares what it was like working in hospice in the early days, before there was a model for working with the dying. Barbara has worked in end of life care for over 40 years, educating and supporting end of life workers and family caregivers alike. In this conversation, we talk about what hospice work was like early in her career. Here are some highlights from this episode: Barbara shares how they cared for patients, learning how people die and the best ways to care for them. Barbara talks about how other disciplines came to be integrated into the care of patients, and how they learned to collaborate as an interdisciplinary team. We talk about the myths surrounding hospice that have persisted through the years, and still remain in people's minds today. Connect with Barbara Karnes: Website: bkbooks.com Blog: bkbooks.com Shop her products: bkbooks.com Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Email: barbara@bkbooks.com Thank you to our series sponsor The Death Deck! Connect with the End of Life Deck and the Death Deck: Website: thedeathdeck.comhttps://thedeathdeck.com/ Shop: End of Life Deck Death Deck Socials for the Death Deck: Facebook IG Twitter (X) Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

Learn from an expert about the dynamics of the dying process and the most common concerns of caregivers as their loved one approaches death. This week I’m welcoming once again my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN who is a hospice nurse, author, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. She… Continue reading Ep. 476 The Dying Process: What Caregivers Need to Know with Barbara Karnes RN

In this conversation with long-time hospice nurse and educator Barbara Karnes, she states: “We've lost our role models on what it's like to die, and we've lost our role models on how to take care of someone who is dying.” What does she mean? What are we missing?  What would be the benefit of learning more, for the dying as well as for those who are caregiving and grieving? Barbara shares her thinking on these matters and so much more, including additional thoughts about her personal loss of her husband one year ago. www.bkbooks.com

Barbara Karnes, RN is an award winning end of life educator, award winning nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator award winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year.While at the bedside of hundreds of people during the dying process, Hospice Pioneer Barbara Karnes noticed that each death was following a near identical script. Each person was going through the stages of death in almost the same manner and most families came to her with similar questions. These realizations led Barbara to sit down and write Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book" that changed the hospice industry.  Gone From My Sight is the original, and remains the most widely used, patient/family educational booklet on the signs of approaching death. It has been in print continuously since 1985 and has sold over 35 million copies world wide. With its publication and distribution, Barbara created one of the most important tools in the end of life movement today.  

This podcast is personal, and I thank Barbara Karnes for her candid sharing of what the first year has been like after the death of her long-time husband, Jack. She reflects on her experience of caregiving and talks openly about what she has learned through this year of grieving. What I see is that Barbara lives her truth: “Because I work in the end of life, I've learned this: do and say what you want to do and say today. Because you never know what tomorrow's going to bring.” www.bkbooks.com

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia is teaching us how it's possible to grow through grief. As founder of Life After Loss Academy, she uses what she's learned in the years after her mother's death to help other grievers make their way through a grief journey. Shelby uses mindfulness techniques and open-ended questions to guide her clients to welcome grief as a teacher. Shelby's work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. Her heart and compassion is palpable in her book Your Grief, Your Way. Connect with Shelby Forsythia: Website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyforsythia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyforsythia/ Free Podcast: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast Free Workshop: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Book, Your Grief, Your Way: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/your-grief-your-way Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Dementia practitioner Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly is on a mission to transform the landscape of dementia care. As co-founder of Veranda Ministries, a 501(c)3, Mary Anne has spent two decades telling the stories of people dealing with dementia. Supporting dementia caregivers is her gift, and helping them to remember their person's legacy is a top priority. Mary Anne got her start as a family practice nurse, and is now a Certified Dementia Practitioner as well as holding a triple certification as a PAC trainer, consultant, and coach in Teepa Snow's “Positive Approach to Care” (PAC). As the host of the highly acclaimed podcast, “Aging Angst and Alleluias,” Mary Anne provides invaluable support, education, and encouragement to care partners navigating the intricate journey of dementia care. The care Mary Anne and her team provide through Veranda Ministries recalls the personhood of their patients, validating who they are and promoting their dignity. What an amazing work and life legacy Mary Anne is creating for herself and her family. Here's how you can connect with Veranda Ministries: www.theverandaministries.org Proactive Perspective in Dementia Care Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553996411093 Veranda Ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVerandaMinistries Veranda's Hidden Heroes Private Support Group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1851833391499391 Listen to the Aging Angst and Alleluias podcast here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.

Welcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers on hospice care. OTs are underutilized in end-of-life care, but they're an essential part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. There's a lot of support OTs can offer to make caregiving tasks easier, practical solutions to everyday issues for activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy interventions can include managing equipment, setting up meals, and transfer techniques. It's about problem-solving to make caregiving tasks easier and promote independence for the patient. Caregivers have a big job, so reducing the caregiving burden goes a long way to improving the end-of-life experience for both the person at end of life and the ones who are providing their care. Listen to the CareLab podcast here! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIieFR9ZQZf4yH59ysOY7aQ or @carelabpodcast Socials for Dr. Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLVT, CLIPP: https://www.facebook.com/AskSAMIE https://www.instagram.com/asksamie https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrandyarchie/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/asksamie/ https://www.asksamie.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kNJnPHL2vU1vv1jTksgJQ https://www.twitter.com/Ask_SAMIE Social for Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS: https://www.facebook.com/HigherStandardsCaregiverTraining/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-bourland/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-standards-caregiver-training/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIfN3ImKGD6pVyiVby86zlw or @higherstandardscaregiver Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Learn about a guidebook that teaches how to offer appropriate nutrition for a loved one approaching death. This week I’m welcoming my recurring guest and friend Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse, author, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara is the author of Gone From My Sight, “the little… Continue reading Ep. 464 Nutrition at the End of Life with Barbara Karnes RN

Erin Whalen, founder of Compassionate Coaching, is working to help end of life and grief professionals love their work again. Using her unique gifts, Erin and the Compassionate Coaching theater troop employ “playback theater” to develop engaging programming that centers around giving and receiving empathy. They work with end of life teams to mitigate burnout, enabling the teams to continue providing care for those who are dying. Erin understands grief, loss, and the importance of caring for ourselves as we care for others. Erin lived her whole life in a state of anticipatory grief for the loss of her older sister, Gina. Gina was born with severe cerebral palsy, and died in 2016. Grief milestones are very familiar to Erin. Now she uses her work at Compassionate Coaching to support those who work to care for the dying. You can connect with Compassionate Coaching at compassionatecoaching.org. If you're interested in playback theater to support your hospice team, click here. If you're an end of life worker and want to participate in a Storytelling Workshop, click here. Find Erin Whalen on LinkedIn here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Pharmacist Ellen Fulp is passionate about using medications appropriately to care for patients who are at their most vulnerable. As a part of the hospice interdisciplinary team, Ellen collaborates with the hospice director and nurse to ensure quality of life is supported, and a patient's suffering is reduced. Caregivers and patients often misunderstand how medication is used in hospice care. Ellen believes in symptom resolution, keeping the patient's goals of care in mind. In hospice care, pharmacists do more than just review medications for side effects or adverse effects. They help the clinical team find the best medication options to keep the patient comfortable. That includes finding the right route, the most convenient and safe times for administering the medications, and ensuring the medications are utilized correctly by the patient. When medication diversion (meds being stolen or used by someone else) is a concern, pharmacists coordinate with the hospice team to furnish the meds in a safe, legally compliant way. Pharmacists might not be part of the “core team”, but they're a vital part of the care of a hospice patient. Connect with Ellen Fulp, PharmD, MSPC, BCG, Director of Pharmacy Education at AvaCare, on LinkedIn. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Funeral director and author Jodi Clock knows personally how each person finds a grief style that's the best, healthy fit for themselves. As host of the “I Woke Up Dead - Now What?” podcast, Jodi is having conversations about our common experiences with death, shares best practices, and asks the tough questions in order to prepare for end-of-life realities we all will face. Jodi learned valuable life lessons about grief and loss after experiencing the death of both her parents when Jodi was in her 20's. As a funeral director, she's seen all the aspects of grief and how every individual has their own personal style of grief. In her newest book “It's Complicated!” - What You Should Know About: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care, End-of-Life Wishes and more”, Jodi provides guidance to help people advocate for themselves, know what questions to ask. All too often people receive well intended mis-information. Jodi's book gives expert advice based on both her professional and personal experiences. Connect with Jodi Clock at jodiclock.com. Get your copy of “It's Complicated! - What You Should Know About: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Long Term Care, End-of-Life Planning and more” here. See all of Jodi's books at jodiclock.com/books. Book Jodi to speak at your event here. Socials for Jodi: Website: https://jodiclock.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-clock-b988908/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskJodi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiclock/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/askjodi/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JodiMClock Podcast: https://jodiclock.com/i-woke-up-dead-podcast/ Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Hospice nurse Eileen Spillane of Befriending Death has learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Eileen is the Founder of Befriending Death and has been a Registered Nurse for over thirty years, specializing in Oncology, Critical Care, and Obstetrics. She is a certified Life Coach from New Ventures West, a former Zen Hospice Project Volunteer, a Meditation Teacher, and an Active Travel Guide. She has been at the bedside of many as they transition through the dying process and cares very deeply about this topic. On the Befriending Death website, Eileen writes that “if we have conversations about it (death), we might loosen up the fear and anxiety around it. If we prepare and share our wishes, we can give our loved ones the gift of clarity and direction so they feel confident they are following our wishes and have the opportunity to grieve without further unnecessary stress”. Eileen's courses can benefit everyone, from people with life-changing illnesses to elder law attorneys and caregivers for someone with a chronic illness. The courses include smaller “buddy groups” that create a deeper connection between participants. The Let's Chat About Death course provides an opportunity to investigate what's important in our lives and make changes that reflect that. Find Befriending Death at befriendingdeath.com. Read more about Eileen Spillane here. Be a part of the Let's Chat About Death course here. Enroll in the Befriending Death, Befriending Your Life course coming Sept. 2024 here. Send a message to Befriending Death here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

The Vital Role of End-of-Life Doulas Join us for a profound exploration of the pioneering work of Barbara Karnes in the American Hospice movement. In this episode, Barbara shares her inspiring journey from initial disillusionment with nursing to finding her true calling in hospice care, influenced by legends like Cicely Saunders and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Beginning her career at the onset of the AIDS epidemic, Barbara recounts her early days volunteering and working at Kansas' first hospice. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she highlights the unique approach of hospice care, which prioritizes a sacred and meaningful end-of-life experience over the traditional medical model that often views death as a failure. Listen in as we discuss the critical importance of human connection and trust-building in end-of-life care. We explore how simple acts like sharing a cup of coffee with primary caregivers can provide emotional, mental, and spiritual healing that complements the physical care of the patient. The conversation sheds light on the shortcomings of the current hospice system, which often prioritizes physical aspects over emotional support and suffers from frequent nurse rotations. Barbara emphasizes the need for time and presence to build genuine bonds, pointing out the gaps in the mainstream medical system that hinder compassionate care. We also touch on the transformative power of education in end-of-life care, recognizing the impact of well-crafted educational resources. Finally, we explore the evolving role of end-of-life doulas and the importance of creating sacred, meaningful experiences for those in their final stages of life. Barbara addresses common misconceptions about the dying process and the need for more holistic, personalized approaches that contrast sharply with the mainstream medical focus. We share touching stories, including Oprah Winfrey's use of Barbara's hospice book during her mother's final days, underscoring the universal need for compassionate end-of-life support. Join us as we conclude with insights and blessings for the work being done by death doulas worldwide, celebrating their crucial role in providing comfort and care during such pivotal times.       We dive into: (02:09 - 03:51) Transition to Hospice Care (06:46 - 08:41) Evolution of Hospice Care in US (13:48 - 15:30) Hospice Care Training (24:32 - 26:02) Hospice and Patient Relationship Bonds (29:28 - 30:08) End of Life Education Program Importance (36:57 - 39:08) Improving End-of-Life Support Services (44:44 - 45:50) Non-Medical Holistic Care for Elders (48:31 - 52:04) End-of-Life Doula Support and Guidance     We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.     Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar    80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

“What do I need to know about you as a person to take the best care of you?” This is how integrative palliative medicine physician Ddr. Delia Chiaramonte starts conversations with her patients. It's a Dignity Question that lets her patients know she cares about them as a person. Delia works in integrative palliative medicine to care for the whole person. Dr. Delia Chiaramonte is a caregiver coach as well as an integrative palliative medicine physician. She's the founder of the Integrative Palliative Institute and host of The Integrative Palliative Podcast. Dr. Chiaramonte is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Maryland, has published textbook chapters in the fields of integrative and palliative medicine, and was voted a “Top Doctor” by her physician peers. Dr. Chiaramonte believes that self-care is part of the job description of every clinician. Delia is the author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself. More information about Dr. Chiaramonte's Courageous Caregiver program is available at www.CaregivingIsHard.com. Connect with the Integrative Palliative Institute at integrativepalliative.com. Find more information on the Courageous Caregiver program at caregivingishard.com. Download Dr. Chiaramonte's FREE Guide to Caregiving for Women caring for an aging or ill loved one here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Find Barbara's new booklet Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Path to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Today's guest Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a Veteran, death doula, compassionate educator, and the founder of In Their Honor, a national initiative raising awareness and addressing Veterans' unique challenges as they approach the end of life. Qwynn is also the spouse of a combat veteran and understands the role of veteran caregivers. 1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a U.S. military veteran - a quarter of the Medicare hospice population. Those veterans have special needs when it comes to the end of their lives. Qwynn recognizes the importance of identifying moral injury, a history of combat service, PTSD, and events of military sexual trauma (for both female and male veterans). Discussion of suicidal ideation and depression should also be a part of their end of life care. Often veterans have terminal illnesses that are related to their military service, including Agent Orange and burn pit exposure. The needs of veteran caregivers are unique as well. Their emotional response and grief may include resentment, depression, anger, guilt, and regret. Find more information about In Their Honor at intheirhonor.info. Connect with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar on LinkedIn here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Plan to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

End of Life Doula Trina Wacasey works to ensure that clients and families have the kind of personalized death care they want. Using family-guided care customized to fit their beliefs, needs, and wants, Trina guides caregivers through deaths, post-mortem care, and rituals after death. After working in the corporate world, Trina was drawn to the work of an end of life doula. She volunteered at a hospice agency with their bereavement program, and completed training at the Conscious Dying Institute. The deep and meaningful conversations had great meaning for her. She was fascinated by how individual people feel about death and advance care planning. As part of her Doula services, Trina offers families what she calls A Natural Goodbye. It's an alternative to the traditional funeral. Here's how she describes it: “I offer my clients a unique opportunity to say a Natural Goodbye following the death of a loved one as an alternative to a traditional funeral or formal wake or visitation. They are invited to an intimate two hour, informal gathering in a private, safe space in the community for cherished time with their person.” Trina is an educator, an encourager, and a companion for those who are walking through a death experience with someone they love. Connect with Trina Wacasey at creatinghonoringspaces.com. Get a copy of Trina's Family Involved Death Care Checklist here. Learn how Trina utilizes the Mini Mobile Suite here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Plan to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Dr. Kenneth Doka and Alex Lamorie of the Hospice Foundation of America's Autism and Grief Project are advocates for people with autism. Dr. Doka is a prolific author, editor, and lecturer, past president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and a member and past chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. Alex Lamorie is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland Global Campus and an autism advocate. He serves as an advisor on the Hospice Foundation of America's Autism & Grief Project. Alex's expressive grief artwork was featured in 2021 in the textbook Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power of Loss. For any professional who works with grieving adults, having awareness of the needs of persons on the autism spectrum is an important part of their education. Adults with autism can be overlooked by bereavement and grief workers because their grief expression might look maladaptive, perceived as inappropriate, or not present at all. Alex, along with other autistic adults, contributes a vital perspective in his role as an advisor for the Autism and Grief Project. The Autism & Grief Project provides resources for persons with autism, their families or intimate network, and grief and bereavement professionals. You can find the Project at autismandgrief.org. Hear why Alex serves on the advisory board here. If you're an adult with autism, there's support for you here. If you're a family member, caregiver, or support person for someone with autism who's grieving, click here. If you're a clergy person, grief or bereavement professional, find resources here. Socials for the Autism and Grief Project: Facebook Twitter (X) Insta YouTube Find more information about the Hospice Foundation of America here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Plan to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Devin (D.S.) Moss brings a sense of reverence for life and a curiosity about death to his work as a chaplain. During a conversation with a Zen Master about Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife, the suggestion was made to him that he would make a good chaplain. Devin didn't think he could do the work of spiritual care because of his humanist beliefs. He doesn't believe in God. Turns out the Zen Master didn't believe in God, either. Despite a religious upbringing, Devin embraces nontheistic, or humanist, beliefs. His sense of exploration led him to attend seminary and become a chaplain. He has found great fullness and human connection in the work of a chaplain. After completing his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) internship, Devin accepted a position to provide spiritual care for an inmate on death row in Oklahoma. He spent most of 2023 supporting convicted murderer Phillip Hancock. Their relationship culminated in Hancock's death by execution in November of that year. D.S. is also the host of the Memento Mori podcast, a show about spirituality and death he started before he became a chaplain. He's continuing his exploration and questioning in a new podcast coming the end of summer, 2024. You can find him at mystartingpoint.life. Connect with Devin (D.S.) Moss on IG or IG for Remember to Die. Watch Devin's talk at EndWell 2023 here. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Plan to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish! Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here. Find Odonata Care on social media: Facebook YouTube IG TikTok Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a U.S. military veteran. End of life workers need to know how to take care of their special needs and enhance their quality of life. It's important for EOL teams to know the signs of PTSD and how to listen when these patients (and their caregivers!) are communicating what they need. Many military veterans experience trauma, guilt, and anger, causing what is identified as “soul injury”. Having a soul injury or PTSD creates a need for specialized care. Opus Peace has a great inventory tool for assessing whether someone has experienced a soul injury. The Soul Inventory is available for free on the Opus Peace website. You can access the Soul Injury Inventory here. Every discipline on the hospice team, including the End of Life (or Death) Doula, brings skills that seriously ill and terminally ill veterans need. The caregivers providing support for those veterans need support as well. Those caregivers are advocates, coordinators, and spokespersons for the veterans they care about. Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com. Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here. Read Barbara's blog here. Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media: Facebook Insta LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest YouTube Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here. Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com. If you're interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here. Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook IG YouTube Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

In this episode I am privileged to interview Barbara Karnes, RN.Barbara is an award winning end of life educator, award wining nurse, NHPCO Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year.Yeah, she's a big deal, and she took time out of her busy schedule to spend some time on the show.To start out the episode, Barbara tells us the story of how she first entered hospice as a volunteer even though she was an RN.She shares with us the origen story of “The Blue Book” also known as “Gone From My Sight.”Barbara also introduces us to her new booklet, “Always Offer, Never Force: Food at the End of Life.” She explained how this booklet is the result of her own experience with the loss of her husband recently.We discuss why death is actually not a medical event, and we talk about pain at the end of life.  Finally, Barbara give us some self care tips that include ways of having closure with the loss of our patients.Please be sure to check out her website at BKBooks.com to pick up your own copies of all her booklets.Be sure to follow Barbara Karnes on your favorite social media platform.InstagramPinterestFacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTube==============================As always, don't forget to call, text or email to leave feedback! I would love to hear from you!816-834-9191James@confessionsofahospicenurse.net==============================Be sure to check out thehospicenursingcommunity.com for extra content as well as hope, help and encouragement from other hospice nurses just like you!

Learn about grief from the perspective of two hospice providers on their personal experiences of loss. This week I’m happy to be speaking once again to my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse, author, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara is the author of “the little blue… Continue reading Ep. 445 Grief and Bereavement on the Hospice Journey with Barbara Karnes RN

Barbara Karnes RN, What She Didn't Know About the Grief of a Widow Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally respected speaker, educator, author, and thought leader on matters of end of life. She is a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, and healthcare professionals, so we might think she would have known exactly what to expect when her husband Jack died last September. Well to her surprise, she has had a lot to learn as a new widow and has come to appreciate how the grief of a widow looks very different than any other grief. In her own words, Barbara says “I thought I knew about grief, but I didn't know about this grief.”  Barbara is opening to a vulnerable conversation about her experiences as a widow, and some of the things she didn't fully appreciate or understand until now. Through her storytelling, Barbara hopes to help those working in end-of-life care to become more educated and compassionate in the ways they support caregiver partners who will soon become widows/ers, or new widows. This is a unique form of loss, and therefore their needs are different too.   With a belief that life is our teacher, Barbara is committed to embracing her new role as a “single” and is learning every day how to discover who she is in this new place in her life.    About Barbara Karnes, RN: Barbara Karnes, RN Award Winning End of Life Educator, Award Winning Nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year    Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally respected speaker, educator, author, and thought leader on matters of end of life. She is a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, healthcare professionals, and the community at large.  Barbara's award-winning DVDs and books about death and dying are changing lives - in this country and around the world. In her work, Barbara compassionately explains stages of the dying process, living with a life-threatening illness, pain management, and how people grieve. She explains how important it is to take care of yourself as a caregiver and offers guidelines for professionals.    Barbara has held both clinical and leadership positions, including staff nurse, clinical supervisor, and executive director at Hospices and Home Health Care agencies.    Since 1994, Barbara has traveled the country speaking about end-of-life issues and the stages of dying at national and state hospice and palliative care organization conferences, state associations, colleges, nursing schools, hospitals, and hospices. She is the expert that hospice and other healthcare professionals count on to teach them how to explain the dying process to families.  Barbara has dedicated the last 40 years of her life to the education, care, and support of dying people and their loved ones. The most useful and important things that she's learned along the way have been distilled into her materials.    Purchase Barbara Karnes Educational Materials in Canada from www.ddnint.com - Exclusive Canadian Distributor  Or  in the USA www.bkbooks.com  https://www.facebook.com/barbarakarnesrn  www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn  LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.     Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.

Award-winning End of Life Educator Barbara Karnes takes a deep dive into the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia at end of life. Caregivers often find their responsibilities accumulating over time as the disease trajectory continues. They're forced to live in the present, to see their loved one as who they are today. The goal is to bring joy and quality of life to a beloved today, in this moment. Hospice care for a person with end stage dementia can be tricky. The timing of the admission is often difficult to determine, and patients are often discharged from hospice if their health decline is not evident, which means the patient no longer meets hospice criteria. When a patient needs to be discharged, it's vital that the hospice team support the caregiver with robust discharge planning. That caregiver needs all the resources and support the team can provide before the hospice care ends. Discharge from hospice can feel like abandonment to a caregiver. Where will the medical equipment, medications, and personal care assistance come from? The hospice team is responsible for helping caregivers set up a system of support that can be there when hospice workers are gone. Isolation is also a big concern for caregivers providing care for someone with dementia. It's important to have a support system of friends and community who will fill in when the caregiver needs time away. It truly takes a village. Caregivers deserve to have quality of life, too. You can find Barbara's dementia guide “How Do I Know You?” at bkbooks.com. Purchase “By Your Side” from Barbara Karnes here. Read Barbara's blog at bkbooks.com. Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook IG LinkedIn Twitter (X) YouTube Odonata Care offers help for caregivers at thecareplan.net. Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It's available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here. Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com. If you're interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here. Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook IG YouTube If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you're already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com) Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.

Today, my guest is Barbara Karnes, an award-winning nurse and end-of-life educator. She was the NHPCO (The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) Hospice Innovator Award Winner in 2018 & the 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year. Barbara has put her 40 years of experience regarding education, care, and support of dying people and their loved ones into numerous books and resources. One book in particular, Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience, published in 1985, has sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Known in the hospice world as “the little blue book,” it is the most beloved and widely used resource of its kind. All of her booklets are essential resources in navigating end-of-life care. Today, we discuss how to prepare ourselves and our care partners, including choosing the right hospice, what happens with food and other physical and emotional issues at the end of life, and how we can be prepared and present as caregivers for those final moments. Bkbooks.com

Another REALity check on the couch with one of my besties - Christina and I share honest stuff about our bodies and how to process emotions and the sensations we feel. This episode comes with a CONTENT WARNING given I speak on matters relating to sex and trauma work and Christina discusses her experience around grief. We unpack my struggle with what can be trusted and acted upon and what can't. Sometimes the "antidote to the echo chamber" looks like this; verbally processing new info, experiences, and ways of being with a trusted person who asks key questions and refuses to go along with me when my perspective is limited. Guest Bio:Christina Fichera is one of my (Jen) BFFs and a person with an abundance of roles and titles. I am settling on these… This girl is REAL - a deep feeler and eternal learner. She loves to break things down and mine for the most essential aspects in everything. Christina is a speaker, salesperson, athlete, customer relationship manager and curious soul.A podcast junkie in the best way; she listens to dozens of podcasts each week and is known to stick Post-it® notes all over the place (literally and on social media) as a means of documenting and sharing what she is learning.Christina is a loyal friend and collaborator AND the best pup-mom ever to a very spoiled dog named Teddy. You can follow Christina on Instagram @ChristinaFichera_Resources mentioned on this episode:Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book" that changed the hospice industry by Barbara Karnes, RNEpisode 42 of Listen For REAL with guest, Christina FicheraAbout Jen Oliver:I pursue and create environments where we explore the REAL stuff that changes us. I'm designed to bring others on my personal journey with honest admissions to help us all transform - that's my sweetspot and I speak, lead, and write from that space.REAL conversations stir deeper connection and community - to explore ways that you can work with me, go to:email: jen@REALjenoliver.compodcast website: ListenForREAL.comwebsite: REALJenOliver.comLinkedIn:@realjenoliverInstagram: @realjenoliverFacebook: @realjenoliverIf you believe conversations like these belong in the world, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast - and even better, share it with someone else as a REAL conversation starter. Subscribe to all things Jen at REALJenOliver.

Today my guest is Barbara Karnes, an Award Winning Nurse and End of Life Educator. She was NHPCO (The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) Hospice Innovator Award Winner of 2018 & the 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year.  Barbara has put her 40 years of experience regarding education, care, and support of dying people and their loved ones into numerous books and resources. One book in particular Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience, published in 1985, has sold over 35 million copies world wide. Known in the hospice world as “the little blue book” it is the most beloved and widely used resource of its kind. All of her booklets are essential resources in navigating end of life care. Today we discuss how to prepare ourselves and our care partners including how to chose the right hospice, what happens with food and other physical and emotional issues at end of life and how we can be prepared and present as caregivers for those final moments.  SHOW NOTES Bkbooks.com

Caring for someone who is dying takes a different approach, and family members may not always remember that or see that it is no longer time to "seek a cure." Katie Duncan and I discuss some of the challenges that family caregivers face when someone is dying: realizing the time to "fix" is at an end; stepping into a role with little or no training; adjusting to this new role, often from a geographic distance; acknowledging and adjusting to the constantly changing needs of the loved one; and figuring out who to turn to for guidance and resources. As educator Barbara Karnes says, “Dying is not a medical event, but a community event.” Listen in to learn more. Follow her on socials: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/death.care.coach⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/death.care.coach⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkE5aFVFxWT46nNar91cLXw⁠⁠

Learn tips for choosing the best hospice and asking all the right questions. This week I welcome back my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse, author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care. She is the author of ‘the little blue hospice book, Gone from My Sight and the recently published By Your Side: A Guide… Continue reading Ep. 438 How to Choose the Best Hospice for Your Loved One with Barbara Karnes RN

With relationship-based approach for individuals with dementia, human touch plays an important role in promoting overall well-being. There's nothing quite like a hug or holding hands to promote a physical relaxation response. It's known to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. And there's no difference between those with or without dementia in that response. The Veranda Ministries offers caregivers the role of "Second Family", as each day, clients are treated with great care and personal attention. When one of the Veranda "chosen" passes on, it's not unlikely that the remaining friends and staff also go through their own kind of grief. Much like Miss Jane, Yvonne and Ricky, you will hear the heart-felt journey that each one took, as Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly tells their moving stories.  Caregivers need aftercare too. www.theverandaministries.org

Christina reflects on her anxiety and desperate need for control along with the anticipatory grief she wrestled with for nearly 17 years, since her Mom's first cancer diagnosis. And now, she has the gift of deeper insight and peace - something she never anticipated in the wake of losing her closest person. Guest Bio:Christina Fichera is one of my (Jen) BFFs and a person with an abundance of roles and titles. I am settling on these… This girl is REAL - a deep feeler and eternal learner. She loves to break things down and mine for the most essential aspects in everything. Christina is a speaker, salesperson, athlete, customer relationship manager and curious soul.A podcast junkie in the best way; she listens to dozens of podcasts each week and is known to stick Post-it® notes all over the place (literally and on social media) as a means of documenting and sharing what she is learning.Christina is a loyal friend and collaborator AND the best pup-mom ever to a very spoiled dog named Teddy. You can follow Christina on Instagram @ChristinaFichera_Resources mentioned on this episode:Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book" that changed the hospice industry by Barbara Karnes, RNEpisode 42 of Listen For REAL with guest, Christina FicheraAbout Jen Oliver:I pursue and create environments where we explore the REAL stuff that changes us. I'm designed to bring others on my personal journey with honest admissions to help us all transform - that's my sweetspot and I speak, lead, and write from that space.REAL conversations stir deeper connection and community - to explore ways that you can work with me, go to:email: jen@REALjenoliver.compodcast website: ListenForREAL.comwebsite: REALJenOliver.comLinkedIn:@realjenoliverInstagram: @realjenoliverFacebook: @realjenoliverIf you believe conversations like these belong in the world, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast - and even better, share it with someone else as a REAL conversation starter. Subscribe to all things Jen at REALJenOliver.

Learn how to bust through several common myths about hospice care that persist in our society. My recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN is back again in this episode to talk about the myths that still persist in our society around hospice care. She shares her own journey of grief after the recent death of her… Continue reading Ep. 429 Debunking Myths About Hospice Care with Barbara Karnes RN

Barbara Karnes is a pioneer of the modern hospice movement in the United States. She got her start as a hospice nurse when medical professionals didn't know how to pronounce the word hospice, let alone understand what care it could provide their patients. Thirty five years ago when Barbara was helping set the standard of care for people at the end of their lives, she wrote Gone From My Sight. It is a little blue pamphlet that uses simple, straightforward language to explain the dying process. And it is still widely used today by hospice agencies across the country. In this episode, Barbara explains what hospice actually does and how it helps people. We also talk about the dying process – what to expect, what it looks like and sounds like and what you need to know if you're caring for a loved one who is dying. You can learn more about Barbara's advocacy work and buy all of her pamphlets here: https://bkbooks.com/

This is part two of Anthony Facello's difficult story. The value of having a POA (power of attorney) is of utmost in any family with a loved one. And if that loved one is suffering from dementia and is a mother of an only child, it's even more imperative. What makes Anthony's story even more tragic is the abuse his mother received from her second husband.  Making things worse, the cocktail of meds that were given to Anthony's mother, sent her to a tragic end, when indeed it didn't have to be that way. Sadly, it's not unusual in the realm of care for those with dementia. His mother wasn't afraid to die, and thankfully Anthony knew that his mother was dying. That was obvious. It was the goodbye that was the worst part. Thankfully, host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly walked alongside Anthony with counsel and guidance during his most desperate of times. Listen to the heartache of a family caught up in a broken system, a relationship that on any given day was intense, and a son who found himself in that broken system trying to help find peace for his mom and himself. www.theverandaministries.org

Medicare's hospice regulations are not working as intended for many people with dementia, says many experts of end-of-life care. The "long goodbye", the phrase Barbara Karnes describes about hospice patients with dementia, is, for the medical profession, a difficult diagnosis. About 5 percent are pulled from hospice when their condition seems to have stabilized. Plus, the number of Americans over 65 with dementia is projected to more than double to 13.8 million by 2060. Many will need hospice care. Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and producer, Sue Duffield, take great strides on this episode to discuss the hard facts and difficulties that surmount when a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia needs hospice care.  www.theverandaministries.org

Learn useful tips for helping patients and loved ones be more comfortable at the very end of life – small changes can make a big difference. This week I welcome back my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse, author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care. She is the author of ‘the little… Continue reading Ep. 420 Providing Comfort During the Last Days of Life with Barbara Karnes RN

In our 100th episode, Hospice Pioneer Barbara Karnes shares why it's important to include hospice holistically across the continuum, the role it can play in home care, home health, and senior living, and why all verticals of healthcare need to be trained on the dying process.

Learn some skills and tools for managing anger when it arises at end of life for patients, families and even co-workers. I’m welcoming back my recurring guest Barbara Karnes, hospice nurse and internationally recognized author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. Today we discuss the issue of anger,… Continue reading Ep. 412 Dealing with Anger at the End of Life with Barbara Karnes RN

In this Bonus Episode #1, I tell you more about why I interviewed these people, and they each share more about themselves and their work. Hear more from Theresa Brown #62, Barbara Karnes #64, 65, 27 and 28, and Avani Dilger #69. For more information on Best Life Best Death please visit our website at ⁠⁠www.bestlifebestdeath.com⁠⁠ Follow us on our social channels to receive pertinent and helpful resources on death, grieving, and more at: Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠

Learn about “non-ordinary” end-of-life experiences like deathbed visions and why they are a gift to patients and their loved ones. This week I’m welcoming back my recurring guest Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse and international speaker and educator. She is also the author of the “little blue hospice book” Gone from My Sight and the… Continue reading Ep. 401 End-of-Life Visions and Other Experiences with Barbara Karnes RN

So many people are struggling with grief, burnout, caregiving, and more. The idea behind Help Texts is to get expert support directly into people's hands - literally, in their hands, by appearing on their phone via text a few times a week. How does Help Texts work? What does it cost? Why would I want this for myself or a friend or family member? And - does it really help?? As founder Emma Payne says, “It's incredible that just a few messages a week that speak to you, are, for many people, enough.” I kinda love the idea of Barbara Karnes and other true wisdom-carriers appearing in my text stream! Find out more at: https://helptexts.com/ Find out more at: bkbooks.com For more information on Best Life Best Death please visit our website at www.bestlifebestdeath.com Follow us on our social channels to receive pertinent and helpful resources on death, grieving, and more at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/bestlifebestdeath Instagram: www.instagram.com/bestlifebestdeath

Learn about the challenges faced by caregivers for dementia patients and some creative ideas for offering support. In this episode I welcome back my recurring guest Barbara Karnes, hospice nurse, speaker, thought leader, and expert on end-of-life care. She is the author of the “little blue hospice book” Gone From My Sight and her most… Continue reading Ep. 393 End-of-Life Care for People with Dementia with Barbara Karnes RN