“Hospice is all about focusing on living rather than dying.”
-Debbie Parker Oliver
Debbie Parker Oliver: How To Make The Most of Palliative Care
Making Palliative Care Work For You
Debbie Parker Oliver is a professor at Washington University and a seasoned hospice care professional. When her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Debbie’s expertise was put to the test.
Debbie and her husband made a conscious decision to focus on quality time rather than aggressive treatments. This choice, influenced by their backgrounds in hospice and gerontology, allowed them to create lasting memories and live life to the fullest despite the looming presence of cancer.
Their journey highlights the importance of understanding hospice care, which shifts the focus from curing the disease to managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families.
Through a series of videos, Debbie and her husband documented their experiences, offering invaluable insights and support to others facing similar challenges. These videos serve as a legacy, providing guidance and comfort to both the general public and medical professionals. They can be viewed here.
Debbie’s story is about living your best life. She encourages us to ask the right questions, advocate for ourselves, and make informed decisions about our health and well-being. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of living with cancer and the role of hospice care.
Creativity and Comfort in Palliative Care
“Hospice is all about focusing on living rather than dying.”
“The more you love, the more you grieve.”
“You can fight cancer or you can fight for life.”
“Nobody else is going to advocate for you but yourself and your caregiver.”
“Symptoms can be managed, let the cancer do what it will do.”
“Hope is found from within.”
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