Category: End of Life Care

The Value of Human Connection

posted September 2016 by Dianne Savastano

This past August, I said good-bye to a man with whom I’d worked since December of 2013. Although I’d spent a great deal of time getting to know him by asking questions and listening to his stories, it was not until I read Robert Hirschkron’s obituary that I understood how much I didn’t know. I… Read on…

No Matter Your Age, You Can Still Get in Trouble With Your Mom

posted January 2015 by Dianne Savastano

Our Christmas Day tradition includes dinner and a sleep-over with some of my favorite people in the world. It’s filled with three generations of family members, ranging in age from four to 80. Careers represented include a hospital president and vice president; a hospital-based pharmacist; a social worker; a teacher; several retirees and me. Needless… Read on…

The Importance of Difficult Conversations

posted December 2014 by Dianne Savastano

I have worked with Mr. P. for the past three years. Like many older adults, he lives with multiple chronic medical conditions, including diabetes and dementia. He is no longer able to walk or transfer without being lifted and is fortunate to live at home with a 24-hour, live-in caregiver. He was hospitalized approximately 20… Read on…

The Six Phases of Care: What Are They and How Are They Paid For?

posted October 2014 by Dianne Savastano

Most of us are familiar – as the result of either our own experiences or those of our loved ones – with the six phases of medical care. Confusion often arises, however, in understanding the differences between these, in terms of both services provided, as well as the implications for insurance coverage. Using the experiences… Read on…