The Ultimate Gift of Precious Time at End of Life artwork
The Heart of Hospice Podcast

The Ultimate Gift of Precious Time at End of Life

  • S8E36
  • 52:13
  • April 5th 2024

Jennifer O’Brien is sharing details of her caregiving journey, telling the story of her husband’s life-limiting illness and how she’s learned to make the most of Precious Time.  After working 35+ years as a practice management consultant to physicians, Jennifer supported her husband Bob up to and through the end of his life.  As a hospice and palliative care physician, Bob knew what to expect from his illness.  He and Jennifer experienced all the ups and downs of serious illness and caregiving for someone who’s dying.  The art journal she kept as a form of self-care during Bob’s 22-month illness was published as The Hospice Doctor's Widow: A Journal. The book has won several awards for both its content and design.

Jennifer shares her story, wisdom, and experience to help others understand the role of family caregivers and the importance of end-of-life preparations.  The concept of Precious Time is a way of communicating gently and respectfully that time is limited, and death is approaching.  She also sees it as a way for healthcare practitioners to avoid creating unrealistic hope in the minds of families, patients, and caregivers.

You can get a copy of Jennifer’s FREE Download Precious Time at https://www.hospicedrswidow.com/resources.  


Order your copy of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal:

    Bookshop.org    Barnes & Noble   Amazon  

 

Jennifer’s website:  hospicedrswidow.com    Jennifer on social media:  Facebook   Insta  LI   YouTube

Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here

Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com. 

If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here.

Access all the courses that IDLM provides here.

See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.  

Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube 

If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by emailing [email protected].



The Heart of Hospice Podcast

The Heart of Hospice podcast is dedicated to helping personal and professional caregivers who are caring for someone with serious illness. We're here to provide information and education so people can make informed choices about end of life care.