Giving Tree Doula LLC - End of Life Care

07/07/2025

06/11/2025

A bill permitting so-called medical aid in dying passed the State Legislature and will now head to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature.

05/13/2025

Highly recommend watching this movie. Streaming on Netflix.

05/09/2025

Wonderful 💜

A Dutch nursing home has found a brilliant, mutually beneficial model: free housing for college students in exchange for companionship with elderly residents. 💛

At Humanitas in Deventer, students live rent-free—with one condition: spend at least 30 hours a month connecting with residents through conversation, shared meals, and simply showing up.

This intergenerational living setup doesn’t just tackle loneliness—it boosts mental well-being, breaks down age-related stereotypes, and gives everyone involved a greater sense of purpose.

05/09/2025

115 has never looked so good! Ethel May Caterham now holds the title for world's oldest person, according to Guinness World Records.

Her secret to a long life? “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.” Now that is a reminder we all could use, no matter where we are on our journey.

04/07/2025

"A lot of times I spend a lot of months with my clients, not only getting to know them and building a rapport with them, but also their family so that the family knows they are not alone," she notes. "When you're scared, when you have questions, when you don't know what to do, you have a person to lean on."

After being a nurse for 12 years, Kacie Gikonyo became a death doula who works with terminally ill people and their loved ones to prepare for a client's death. She talks with PEOPLE about the unconventional job that includes getting their affairs in order, helping them cope with the "scary parts" of...

02/28/2025

01/15/2025

The common theory that Alzheimer's disease is caused by the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain is now being challenged by a new theory.

Now, scientists say Alzheimer's may actually be an autoimmune disease.

This theory is based on 30 years of research. It suggests that beta-amyloid, rather than being an abnormal protein, is actually a component of the brain's immune system.

Its role is to protect the brain from injury and infection, but due to the similarity between the fat molecules in bacterial membranes and brain cell membranes, beta-amyloid mistakenly attacks the brain cells it's meant to defend. This leads to a chronic, progressive loss of brain function, ultimately resulting in dementia.

This autoimmune misfire redefines Alzheimer’s as a disorder of the immune system. The autoimmune theory opens up new avenues for treatment by focusing on immune-regulating pathways in the brain, rather than solely targeting beta-amyloid. It offers a promising new direction for research and treatment, potentially leading to more effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. There are over 80 recognized types, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever. While the exact causes are unclear, factors like genetics, infections, and environmental exposures may contribute.

09/23/2024

"When you become frustrated with older people because of what they cannot do, think of how frustrated they must feel because they can no longer do it."
It's easy to feel a surge of frustration when an older loved one struggles with tasks that once seemed simple for them.
Watching them grapple with technology, forgetful moments, or physical limitations can test our patience. However, in these moments, it's essential to remember that our frustration is but a shadow of what they must be experiencing internally.
In the grand tapestry of life, the roles we play often shift. Today, we may be the ones offering support; tomorrow, we might find ourselves in need of it.
By approaching our older loved ones with empathy, we honor their journey and enrich our own, creating a legacy of compassion that transcends generations.

09/23/2024

End of life Doulas have an integral role in how they prepare those they serve for facing end-of-life decisions. Doulas are also positioned to be community liaisons and advocates for those not dealing with a life-limiting illness who want to help themselves and their circle of care prepare for the unexpected. It can be challenging for many to have discussions about wishes should a medical emergency occur—it can feel too emotional or too hard to face, or they may not know where to start. Being a doula is so much more than bedside services for the dying.

It was around 10:30 p.m. when I heard the familiar alert, “Code critical, trauma bay two!” I hurried to the trauma bay and could see that the 90-year-old