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Consult with your legal, financial, healthcare, or other service providers before taking action based on this information.
Serving families has always been Hillcrest Memorial Gardens focus. We take pride in guiding people through some of their most difficult days. We take pride in maintaining a setting that allows people to find solace. Celebrating life is our mission. That’s never changed. And with pride, it never will.
In this heartfelt episode of the Senior Matters podcast, host Mark Wight opens the door to a profoundly compassionate conversation about one of life’s most profound transitions: the end of life. Mark explores the essential role of death doulas—non-medical professionals who provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their loved ones as they navigate the final stages of life.
Upcoming Events
Death Café Boise
Thursday, May 1, 2025
6:00-7:30 PM
Edwards Greenhouse + Flowershop
4106 Sand Creek St, Boise, ID 83703
The Death Café provides an opportunity for an open conversation about death. Facilitators will guide the process. Come join the conversation and please bring your curiosity, your interest and your experiences.
All are welcome and invited to participate! Free to attend and no registration required.
For more in the international Death Cafe movement visit www.deathcafe.com.
For specific questions for the facilitators of this event in Boise email deathcafeboise@gmail.com
Resources
End of Life
Articles
Guest post from Barbara Karnes, RN, award Winning End of Life Educator, Award Winning Nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year
One night many years ago when I was a hospice RN, when most people couldn’t pronounce the word “hospice,” or understand what the services were about, I was sitting with a family. Mom was in the bedroom, probably a week or so from death. The family and I were in the living room. I was explaining why mom was doing the things she was doing. Why she was making “strange” sounds, why she was restless and agitated, why she wasn’t responding to them.
One of the daughters was taking notes. I was surprised. No one had done that before. What a great idea! To have these words of reassurance when I wasn’t there to guide and support them.
Videos
The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. Join us to learn about this specialized type of medical care that focuses on providing patients of any age and at any stage of a serious illness with relief from pain, stress, and symptoms.
Dr. Jessica Evert, MD
St. Luke’s Palliative Care
March 3, 2022
This video explains the difference between Personal Care / Home Care, Home Health, Palliative Care and Hospice Care. Learn how these programs are funded and how to successfully engage with these programs as a family caregiver to best support yourself or your loved one.
Nichole Claiborn
Kim Ouwehand
Reiki is a complementary/integrative therapy that aids in stress reduction and promotes deep relaxation. Reiki is a holistic, non-invasive therapy that allows the body to deeply relax and helps to calm the nervous system so that we can experience life with a greater sense of ease and feel at peace.
Death Doulas: Changing the Face of Death
This video will introduce you to the role of the Death Doula and how they can help you and your family improve the end-of-life experience.
This session will explore the availability of options for a dignified death, states that have Right to Die options, the importance (and shortcomings) of Advance Directives, and more. Final Exit Network will share what they do and how they address the needs of potential clients.
Disclaimer: This presentation contains information about difficult issues. LEARN provides access to a broad range of resources and information related to aging and caregiving topics and does not take a position on any of our educational topics.
Jim Van Buskirk
Final Exit Network
April 21, 2022
The video “An Introduction to Hospice” provides an overview of hospice care, explaining its purpose, benefits, and the support it offers to patients and their families during the end-of-life process. It highlights the compassionate care provided by hospice teams, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for those with terminal illnesses.
Mike Briggs
Keystone Hospice
July 29, 2021
End-of-Life Doulas of Idaho is an organization that seeks to connect the terminally ill and their families with emotional and practical support. But, we know death isn’t just for the dying… Our Doulas also focus on community education, preplanning, eco conscious practices and grief support.
Pre-planning & Advance Directives
Videos
This video will provide you with a detailed understanding of the Healthcare Advance Directive forms for Idaho. This session will also provide guidance about how to talk with your family and friends about your healthcare preferences and choices.
This video provides an overview and introduction of the Idaho POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment). This document falls under the umbrella of Advance Care Planning for Healthcare.
This video will provide you with an overview of the Healthcare Advance Directives used in Idaho.
Rick Bassett, MSN, RN
St. Luke’s Health System
April 11, 2021
Articles
Funerals & Celebrations of Life
Videos
The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Idaho is a non-profit organization empowering people to choose simple, meaningful, and affordable after-death arrangements.
Write your Own Obituary
A good obituary reveals the joy in living and tells the story of your life. It is also a historical document that should be archived. This session reveals how to write an obituary that honors you, as well as touching those who know you and all who will read it.
Articles
Grief and Aftercare
Treasure Valley Wind Phone
LEARN is delighted to share the announcement of the “Wind Phone” to the community in the Treasure Valley. It was a collaborative effort with our end of life channel sponsor, Alsip & Person’s Funeral Chapel, a local Girl Scout, Katie Beaton and End-of-life Doula, Christine Soza of True North Awakening.
Feeling the loss of a loved one? Discover how a valley-unique “Wind Phone” in Nampa is helping people find closure and finding the words that may have been left unsaid. The hope is that you may you find solace, peace and comfort here and “May the wind carry your words” to your loved ones.
Videos
Executors play a pivotal role in estate planning and management, a task that encompasses legal, financial, and emotional challenges. From the immediate aftermath of death, dealing with body disposition and securing property, to the complexities of asset distribution and closing the estate, this talk unpacks the executor’s journey. It highlights the practical steps involved, the potential for family disputes, and the emotional toll on the executor.
Providing support to caregivers through outdoor adventures. Hike 2 Heal provides wilderness respite for caregivers who selflessly provide care through guided hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking trips. Caregivers understand caregiving is tough and the key to balance in caregiving is taking a much-needed break. Take a break, and go to nature to regain balance.
Dan Canfield
Hke 2 Heal
January 2024
Articles
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