Category Archives: end of life

What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Tim B. By Phoebe Zerwick in the NYT Magazine Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the … Continue reading →

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Consider this letter to Senator Jamie Pedersen

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Jim deMaine

House Bill 2166 (with revisions) recently passed the House unanimously (97-0). This bill allows our POLST forms to be placed in a statewide registry, so that our POLSTs can rapidly be retrieved by 911 responders or emergency rooms. Oregon has … Continue reading →

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The three most important things – Irvin Yalom

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Jim deMaine

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Irvin Yalom Irvin Yalom is an author, teacher and practicing psychiatrist. He has … Continue reading →

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My Father Didn’t Want to Live if He Had Dementia. But Then He Had It.

Posted on October 28, 2023 by Jim deMaine

By Sandeep Jauhar Dr. Jauhar is a cardiologist who writes frequently about medical care and public health. He is the author of “My Father’s Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s.” From the editor: Please see my comments at the end … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, drugs, end of life | 1 Comment

“The In-Between: Unforgettable Moments During Life’s Final Moments” by Hadley Valhos

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Jim deMaine

In the NYT’s Magazine (Thanks to Tim and Tony) A decade ago, Hadley Vlahos was lost. She was a young single mother, searching for meaning and struggling to make ends meet while she navigated nursing school. After earning her degree, … Continue reading →

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I don’t want CPR; will anyone listen?

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jim deMaine

By Jim deMaine Special to The Seattle Times published Saturday September 23rd I’m 85 years old and am in reasonably good health considering my age — mild hypertension, cured prostate cancer and macular degeneration. It’s been a wonderful life and I … Continue reading →

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Resources for discussing and documenting end of life choices

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Here are the references in the handout at the October 10th “Speaking of Dying” talk

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Slides from “Speaking of Dying Presentation”

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Click on this icon to enlarge Here are the slides presented yesterday by Dr. Kate Brostoff. The full presentation will be on CareMerge within two weeks. Also these slides will be available on CareMerge under documents from the Health Care … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life, Health, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

I don’t want CPR; will anyone listen?

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: For more about advance care planning for serious illness, please attend a special showing on October 10th at 3 PM in the MBR of the documentary “Speaking of Dying” ; followed by discussion and Q&A with Kate Brostoff, … Continue reading →

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In Flanders Fields

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jim deMaine

The poppy’s association with the fallen began with this poem, written after a WWI battle in 1915.

Posted in end of life, Military, Remembrances, War | 1 Comment

Legislation to improve access to the Death with Dignity act

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Barb W. From End of Life Washington: WE DID IT! The State House of Representatives passed ESSB 5179, our bill to improve access to the Death with Dignity Act, with a vote of 53-43. With this vote, critical … Continue reading →

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Pioneers in Aging – Speaker Series (on-line)

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Click here to register for these events

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Aggressive Medical Care Remains Common at Life’s End

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This article reminds us to check and see if our POLST Packet is up to date (the POLST, medical information and durable power of attorney for health care – DPOA-HC). If you’re looking for an excellent book, consider … Continue reading →

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Action alert for EOL Washington

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Jim deMaine

        One more action to go, and we need your help! The hearing for SB 5179, Protecting Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying, in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee is Monday, March 6, at 8 a.m. PT.  … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life | 1 Comment

Dr. Leonard Cobb, co-founder of WA’s first Medic One, dies at 96

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: At Skyline we remember Leonard for his gentle manner and inquisitive mind. He dealt with his failing health with quiet acceptance and kept his smile and sense of humor until the end. We sorely miss this man who … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life, Health, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Is suicide ever rational?

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Excerpt from Facing Death: Finding Dignity, Hope and Healing by Jim deMaine Beyond the protocols for Medical Assisted Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), some argue that suicide may, at times, be rational. This is a difficult … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life | 1 Comment

How Do You Serve a Friend in Despair?

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Jim deMaine

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. I’ll post a follow-up piece that I’ve written called “Is Suicide Ever Rational?” By David Brooks … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life, Grief, Mental Health | 2 Comments

Pro or Con – make your opinion known

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jim deMaine

EOL Washington has proposed legislation to improve Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) care and access. See below.

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HB 1281 Protecting Access to Medical Aid in Dying

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F. HB 1281 Protecting Access to MAID Hearing Wednesday at 1:30pm         We need your help! HB 1281, Protecting Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health Care … Continue reading →

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CPR and Defibrillators: What You Need to Know

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Jim deMaine

By Gina Kolata in the NYT Before 1958, there was no such thing as CPR. If someone’s heart stopped because of cardiac arrest, that person fell to the ground, with no pulse, no breathing. And they were simply declared dead. All … Continue reading →

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How to safe a life in 90 seconds with CPR

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Jim deMaine

This is a useful skill that able residents and willing staff should learn. As resident Leonard Cobb MD notes, learning this skill and having an AED may enable you to save a life one day. Some residents who are frail … Continue reading →

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Anderson Cooper Explores Grief and Loss in Deeply Personal Podcast

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Shakespeare’s 73 sonnet speaks of anticipating loss: “This thou perceivist which makes thy love more strong; To love that well which thou must leave ere long.” Grief surrounds us as we near life’s end. How do we deal … Continue reading →

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Lesson to be learned from one typing the wrong email address!

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Frank C. A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida tothaw out during a particularly  icy winter Theyplanned to stay at the same hotel where they hadspent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult … Continue reading →

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The Josephine Way

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This essay from the current issue of the New England Journal reminds us that we, as patients, have choices. Our providers may or may not agree, but making our wishes known in the way Josephine did engendered a … Continue reading →

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Medical Aid in Dying – a challenge to the California law

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary M.

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