Preparing for the End of Life Now Relieves Burdens on Loved Ones

Oct 22, 2020 Kim Callinan author

This is an excerpt from The Women's Health Activist, the newsletter of the National Women's Health Network. Read the full article at NWHN. 

As Baby Boomers age, more and more people are having to navigate the onset of a serious health diagnosis, or plan for the inevitable end for themselves or a loved one. COVID-19 is highlighting the negative impact that a lack of planning can have on the dying person as well as on their doctors and loved ones.

Thousands of Americans have died from the novel coronavirus, with countless heartbreaking stories. Many families are being separated from a loved one who ultimately dies alone in the hospital. Health systems are making unfathomable decisions about rationing the limited supply of ventilators. Families are being left to make spur-of-the-moment, life-altering decisions about a loved one’s care, despite never having discussed care... Read the full article at NWHN.