Barbara Karnes, RN

Many of us assume that if treatment is offered, it will lead to a cure. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.

When facing a serious illness, it's important to understand the goal of each treatment being offered. Is it intended to cure the disease, prolong life, or improve comfort and quality of life?

There is no right or wrong choice. The right choice is the one that reflects your values and how you want to live the time you have.

Read this week's blog: Three Choices at the End of Life: Cure, Life-Sustaining, or Comfort Care

When someone you love no longer responds, it can feel frightening. Let me show you the simple, comforting care that still matters in the final days before death...
🦋 Blog link in first comment below

Most people are never taught what to do in the final hours before death.

Can you touch them?
Can you cry?
Can children be in the room?
Can music play?
Can the dog lay on the bed?

Yes.

This new blog, I share gentle guidance for creating a meaningful goodbye at the bedside. ❤️

https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about/what-families-need-to-know-in-the-final-hours-before-death

What Families Need to Know in the Final Hours Before Death When someone is dying, families often don’t know what to do in the final hours. Barbara Karnes, RN shares gentle guidance for creating a meaningful, sacred goodbye at the bedside.

TOMORROW! TOMORROW! And I can't wait!
May 23 at 3pm PT / 6pm ET, I'll be joining director Johanna J. Lunn for a live conversation. We'll reflect on the film, share what we've seen in our own work, and answer your questions directly. Whether you're a caregiver, a clinician, or simply someone who wants to understand what the end of life actually looks like — there's a place for you in this conversation.
Reserve your spot here: https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/aod-may
Your ticket includes:
Access to the film until May 31st
Live conversation with Johanna and me on May 23
Recording of the conversation if you can't join live
Additional interview footage
A special 30% discount on my “End of Life Family Support Bundle”
Ask any questions you have live during the event, or send them in advance to Chelsea at [email protected]. I'll answer as honestly as I know how. When You Die
Reserve your spot here: https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/aod-may

When caregivers are alone, questions come.

“Is this normal?”
“What do I do now?”
“What did the nurse say?”

At the end of life, written guidance can become a lifeline—something families can return to when no professionals are there.

In this week’s blog, I share why these resources matter so deeply for caregivers:
https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about/when-caregivers-are-alone-why-written-guidance-matters-most

Why do dying people stop eating? This article explains how appetite naturally changes at end of life, why forcing food can create stress, and how caregivers can respond with greater understanding and peace: https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about/when-a-dying-person-stops-eating-food-at-end-of-life