Rabbi Jonathan P. Kendall D.D., rabbi emeritus, Congregation Beit HaYam, Stuart, FL
I have never thought much about the end of life. I once knew a psychotherapist who would not discuss the subject, its power so frightening that she decompensated when anyone brushed against mortality. My philosophy has been – at least up until now – not to worry. It’s going to happen.
In this podcast recorded from the Third Annual Steve Jeffers Lecture on Spirituality in Health at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Rabbi Address defines the new life-cycle stage emerging in today’s society: the caregiver. For many, this entails a balancing act between duties, obligations, guilt, fears, hopes and dreams. Clinicians and clergy face unique challenges juggling professional and family roles. Rabbi Address will discuss psychological and spiritual issues professional caregivers
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Several of my friends who are also caregivers for their elderly parents to one degree or another, kept telling me that I needed to have “the talk” with my parents. “The talk” was a discussion with Dad and Mom about end-of-life and funeral planning issues. Ideally, this makes perfect sense, but I can’t even begin to tell you how much I dreaded this, as well as not having a clue on how to start a seemingly very delicate conversation. It felt painful and frightening as well as disrespectful – as if anticipating something might happen soon.
One friend suggested a “matter-of-fact” approach, as she is that kind of person. Another had the discussion in the hospital with an extremely ill parent. A third suggested saying I had read something on the internet talking about end of life planning … Point blank, contrived or in extremis, none of these felt comfortable. I wasn’t sure if it was my fears, fears about my parent’s fears or some combination that was holding me back.
Interestingly (and much to my relief), they brought it up themselves one afternoon recently. Their wishes were simple and touchingly sweet.
However, as this is a topic of much discussion, what is the best way to approach this experience? Not everyone is lucky enough to have their parents initiate the conversation. What didn’t work? There are many of us out there who could benefit by your experience.
Rabbi Richard F. Address, D. Min.
The Torah cycle we are in now speaks of the beginnings of the journey for the Israelites from Egypt into the wilderness.
The “routine” of wondering has set in and, despite the awesome aspect of Sinai, the Israelites still find ways to be uncomfortable and challenging.
On the way to their future, there are many pitfalls and slips. Faith, it seems, can be transitory.
Editor’s Note: This is part one of an excellent review of how stress affects our lives and our health. Part II is available here.
Donald M. Friedman, MD
Stress is definitely a part of our lives. It is often unavoidable and can sometimes be overwhelming. As life has become more complicated, especially in this age of new technology, stress can certainly play more of a role in how we think, how we act, and how we feel.
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Simona Hadjigeorgalis
Cha-cha-cha-chia! Yes, the same seeds that are the subject of those hilarious informercials for Chia Pets are also a superfood. Chia seeds are an outstanding source of omega-3, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron. What does that mean for someone looking for a low-calorie energy boost during the day? Continue reading
Aging in America, the 2012 Annual Conference of the American Society on Aging takes place March 28–April 1 in Washington, DC. The ASA Conference, with more than 3,000 attendees, is recognized as a showcase for programs and projects that can be replicated, a forum for policy discussion and advocacy, and a prime source of information on new research findings in aging. It is the largest gathering of a diverse, multidisciplinary community of professionals from the fields of aging, healthcare and education, along with business leaders from across the United States. Get more information or register for the conference here.
There may be good news on the horizon for present and future Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
The United States government has taken the first step toward the provision of more federal research money with the number one goal being to prevent and effectively treat this disease of the brain by 2025. Continue reading
Simona Hadjigeorgalis
With the winter holidays behind us, it is time to get back into our routines. The transition back into routine takes some effort, which makes now a particularly important time to nurture ourselves. It is a challenge to prioritize ourselves when there is so much to do and so many depending on us. But when we are kind to ourselves, we have more health and vitality to share with those that are depending on us.
Staying in harmony with our bodies’ messages is a wonderful way to nurture ourselves during the transition back into routine. Here are a couple of ways we can do that: Continue reading
We came across OurParents.com, a free elder care directory, focused on assisting adult children with aging parents find the right care solution that meets the parents’ and family’s unique needs. The site includes a wide range of state-by-state information about in-home care , senior communities , micro communities , assisted living facilities , nursing homes , and hospices.
The site also includes a blog with up to the minute information about elder care issues.
Check it out and leave a comment here if you find the site helpful.
