Keystone Blog
Alzheimer’s Disease and a Full Moon
Many times when the Keystone Elder Law phone rings off the hook with unusual calls, the question is asked. “Is it a full moon?” Why is that? Is there anything to it? Or is a day of a full moon just another day of providing a compassionate...
Nutrition & Hydration Near End of Life
The role of nutrition and hydration near end of life can be a controversial issue for many people. When an individual is near the end of life, families may feel concerned about the effects of decreased or absent food and fluid intake. As healthy individuals, we...
End of Life – Providing Comfort Part II
Our previous column reviewed some of the mental/emotional and spiritual needs which individuals at the end of life may experience, how others can help meet these needs, and provide comfort to a dying individual. This column examines two additional areas of need...
End of Life: Providing Comfort
Fear, anger and inadequacy are some common feelings we experience when we must deal with our own or a family member’s mortality. An understanding of how to help comfort someone who is near the end of life can help us cope with these feelings, and allow us to provide...
Death & Dying: Talking to Your Loved Ones
Death & dying are not common topics of family conversation in American culture. Even when a loved one is critically ill, many families struggle with how and when to share their thoughts and feelings about death and dying with each other. Hospice workers are in a...
Medicare Complicates Efforts to Age in Place
Last week’s column introduced the concept of frailty and its effect on an individual's ability to age in place. While frailty can be present at any age, it is more common among older adults. Frailty influences an individual’s ability to respond to physical and...
Aging in Place and Frailty
Aging in place, or an individual’s desire to live in a location of choice for as long as possible, is currently a popular concept among older Americans. This location of choice is often a person’s private home. Although the desire to remain at home is...
Is PA a Healthy State for Older Adults?
Does where you live affect your health? Environmental factors such as water and air quality may immediately come to mind, however additional community influences also impact the overall health of local residents. The United Health Foundation is a private,...
POLST and End of Life Medical Decisions
Last week’s column discussed Advance Care Directives for end stage medical treatment. The Directive prepares for the possibility that a person’s future state of permanent unconsciousness could cause an individual to be unable personally to communicate to the treating...
Advance Care Directive Promotes Free Will
How would you want to spend the final hours or days of your life if you become permanently unconscious and are no longer able to communicate? You have the right to choose and express your preferences with an Advance Care Directive. Inaction has consequences. Terry...
