by KathyKastner | Apr 10, 2016 | Blog, conversations with
Decision tool to help understand chances of dying after high risk surgery “People worry about ‘dying poorly’, so one of the reasons for agreeing to surgery is the mistaken belief they’ll likely die – peacefully – in the Operating Room. This rarely...
by KathyKastner | Apr 1, 2016 | Blog, Information
Cyber Seniors: the growing internet demographic For the legion of cyber seniors, age 60-90 who rely on internet access to stay connected, it will come as no surprise that I put forward, in a recent tv panel, ‘internet for free’ for the elderly and low income as a...
by KathyKastner | Mar 6, 2016 | Blog, Kathy Kastner
“What I fear the most – what really terrifies me – is being short of breath and not being able to swallow.” So said the husband of his dying wife. This is terrifying to me, too, so I listened closely to the response given by Palliative Care physician, Dr Sandy...
by KathyKastner | Feb 16, 2016 | Blog, Kathy Kastner
What happens when patients want to talk about death, but their doctors don’t? My 94 year-old father-in-law was relieved and delighted when I brought forth the subject of medical directions, in the event he couldn’t speak for himself. My brother in law – a paramedic –...
by KathyKastner | Dec 19, 2015 | Blog, Kathy Kastner
In this fast-forward world, it can seem that grief should have a ‘best before’ date. It can be uncomfortable – for those grieving and those around. Grief can also be exhausting and stressful and relentless. Considering few of us are spared the knife-cut that comes...
by KathyKastner | Nov 22, 2015 | Blog, Personal Decisions
For many – perhaps most – suffering is the biggest worry about life’s end. Suffering doesn’t start and end with pain management. It includes peace of mind and comfort – both of which are highly individual, and can hold the keys to perception of and requirements for a...
