Pope Francis’ death right after Easter sounds miraculous – but patients and caregivers often work together to delay dying

On the morning of Easter Monday, after his final public address the day prior, Pope Francis died at age 88, closing 12 years of leading the Catholic Church. He joins…

Housing instability complicates end-of-life care for aging unhoused populations

Research estimates that one-third or more of the unhoused population in the U.S. is age 50 or older. Unhoused people of all ages face high rates of chronic and serious…

End-of-life planning can be hampered by misconceptions − but the process is easier than you might think

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people unexpectedly needed critical care such as ventilators but were unable to communicate their end-of-life wishes to their loved ones. Researchers like me, who study…

Family caregivers can help shape the outcomes for their loved ones – an ICU nurse explains their vital role

The floor nurse had just told me that my new patient – let’s call her Marie – would not stop screaming. Marie landed in the intensive care unit where I…