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Why We Wait Too Long for Hospice (And What It Costs Us)

  1. Why We Wait Too Long for Hospice (And What It Costs Us) Jennifer Fink 1:05:35

What if the final stage of life was treated not as a medical failure, but as a profound opportunity for peace? Culturally, we often avoid discussing death until a crisis occurs, which unfortunately leaves families feeling lost and overwhelmed. Shifting our perspective toward quality of life allows us to honor a loved one’s journey with dignity. This proactive approach helps reduce fear while ensuring comfort remains the primary focus. Consequently, families can transition from managing clinical chaos to simply being present. By embracing the reality of the process, we can find beauty and grace in the final chapters.

In this episode, I am joined by Vivian Cate, a hospice nurse with over a decade of clinical experience. Together, we explore how to support a Dying loved one by navigating the complexities of hospice and Caregiving. We discuss why bringing professional support on board early changes the entire atmosphere of the home. Furthermore, we examine practical ways to maintain emotional presence and connection during the most challenging days. Vivian shares Wisdom from her book, Journey to Eternity, to help us all find a more positive reflection on the end of life.


In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • The “Hospice Advantage”: Why early enrollment provides better pain management and Family support.
  • Advocating for Wishes: How to ensure advanced directives are respected by medical teams.
  • Creative Connection: Ways to engage with loved ones through music, art, and memory-sharing.
  • Demystifying the Process: Understanding the physical signs of “active dying” to stay grounded.
  • Caregiver Longevity: Strategies to prevent Burnout while providing intense, high-level care.

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Connect with Dementia Decoded

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

After helping care for her grandmother who had vascular dementia, Jennifer realized her Mother was showing signs of early onset Alzheimer’s. After the death of her father in 2017 Jennifer went searching for answers to many of the common questions and Alzheimer’s caregiver faces. Being a busy entrepreneur Jennifer realized that a podcast would be the easiest way to learn more about caregiving while completing other tasks.

Sadly, in late 2017 she only found one and it didn’t quite address what she was looking for, so she did the next best thing, and started her own. The Fading Memories podcast is now in it’s fourth year and despite the death of her Mom in March 2020, Jennifer is still talking to caregivers and still learning how to be an excellent caregiver. On the podcast she discusses caregiving, brain health, self-care and how to age well.