Physician-assisted Dying

Physician-assisted Dying

There are many names for medical aid in dying. It has been called “assisted suicide,” but these days, the preferred terms are “Physician-assisted dying” or “medically-assisted dying.”  The California legislature passed the End of...
Caretaking and Caretakers

Caretaking and Caretakers

This post describes the services offered by some local Santa Barbara care centers and suggests ways that people from other areas can find similar resources in their town or state. Finding the right support, using respite services carefully, and getting counseling are...
Disposition of the body: new ideas

Disposition of the body: new ideas

Not too long ago, when someone died, the body was either buried or cremated. There were no other choices. Today, the list of possibilities for the disposition of the body is growing at a fantastic pace for several reasons. Today, the cost of burial can be exceedingly...
What to Say to a Grieving Person

What to Say to a Grieving Person

Grief is a deep emotion that needs to be expressed. It has a life of its own and the chemicals that course through your body when you are grieving, and you cannot avoid the stress and sadness associated with it. Most people really need and appreciate family and...