Class Summary:
Most families will eventually face difficult decisions about serious illness, dementia, hospice care, and the end of life. Yet many people are unprepared for the physical changes that occur as the body begins to shut down and the medical decisions that often accompany those changes. Understanding what is normal, what to expect, and how to evaluate treatment options can help families navigate this season with greater confidence and peace.
In this session, Rachel Horejsi, Nurse Practitioner with Minnesota Hospice, will discuss:
The dying process as a predictable physiological progression rather than a sudden event
Common physical changes that occur as serious illness advances, including changes in appetite, thirst, sleep, and communication
Hydration, nutrition, feeding tubes, and ventilators at the end of life
The difference between extending life and extending the dying process
Dementia as a terminal condition and how disease progression affects decision-making, swallowing, mobility, and communication
Family dynamics, honoring patient wishes, and making difficult end-of-life decisions under stress
Practical tools and real-world examples to help families evaluate care choices with greater clarity
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the dying process and a practical framework for making informed, compassionate end-of-life decisions.
Register for this Class Below
Our classes are FREE, but we ask that you register in advance so we can prepare adequate materials and notify you of any unforeseen scheduling changes. We encourage you to bring along a guest you think would benefit from this class.