Caring for a terminally ill loved one can often be stressful and emotionally draining. Essential oils are being used to promote the well-being of patients and family members, as well as ease discomfort by way of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is "the practice of using natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being"(www.aromatherapy.com). There has been a growing base of research and suppo

Nearly every week I have secret discussions with families across the Chicagoland area. I call them secret because that is how they are often treated initially. What are we talking about exactly? Hospice. "What will my husband think if he hears I'm putting him on hospice? I don't want him to die..." "What if my relatives find out?! They will think I'm trying to kill her... I don't want her to die but I see that she's suffering." We just ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶ ̶ need some help. I'm nervou

The decision to place your loved one on hospice care is one that takes considerable thought. Many families think about placing their loved one on care long before they make the final decision. Questions that typically arise when consider care are: 1. Will placing my loved one on hospice make them pass away faster? 2. Will hospice take away my loved ones medications? 3. Will I have any say in the care of my loved one when on services? 4. Who pays for hospice care? 5. I thoug