March 19, 2026
End of Life Care 101: Conversations Before the Crisis (Ep 126)
Listen here:
Notes
Many families don’t learn about hospice or palliative care until they’re already in crisis, often believing hospice means “giving up” or that it’s only for the very last days of life. In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines is joined by Lori Reese, whose own personal experience with hospice care and loved ones led her to discover her passion for being an ambassador for the value and importance of this care, ultimately serving on the Board of Directors for a hospice network in her area. In this intimate conversation about Lori’s journey and a “101” approach to concepts and myths about end-of-life care, Kathy and Lori bring a compassionate understanding and approach to thinking about hospice as a gift for those (and their loved ones) in their time need.
They discuss the difference between palliative care and hospice, when one might be the right choice, and why earlier education can dramatically improve comfort, clarity, and peace of mind, for both patients and families. They explore how hospice supports people with terminal illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, kidney disease, and dementia, and why hospice is about quality of life, not hastening death.
The conversation also dives into one of the most emotionally complex scenarios families face: making end-of-life decisions for someone with dementia who can no longer express their wishes. Lori shares personal experience and professional insight into how families can navigate these moments with compassion, confidence, and care, trusting that choosing comfort is never the wrong choice.
This episode is an invitation to learn before you need to know, ask better questions, and replace fear with understanding so when the time comes, decisions can be made from a place of support rather than panic.
Key Takeaways
- Hospice is not about giving up—it’s about comfort, dignity, and support.
- Palliative care can be introduced much earlier than most people realize.
- Families often wait too long simply because they don’t know what help is available.
- Dementia creates a different end-of-life journey, often requiring families to make decisions on behalf of their loved one.
- Acting with compassion and prioritizing comfort is a meaningful way to honor someone’s wishes—even when they can’t speak for themselves.
- Educating yourself before a crisis creates more choices and less fear.
Resources and Links
Lori shares a few questions families can ask when interviewing a hospice organization
- How often will a nurse visit?
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- What happens if symptoms worsen at night or on weekends? How do I reach you? How quick are you able to respond?
- How many patients does each nurse manager support?
- What type of extra support and therapies do you offer?
To find a list of hospice organizations in your community, along with ratings:
Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare – https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospice
Dictionary of Terms: Pallipedia – Palliative Care Dictionary – https://pallipedia.org/
About Lori Reese:
Lori Reese is the owner of Consider It Done, where she brings her passion for professional organizing and move management, especially with seniors, to homes in Central Pennsylvania. Lori has earned NAPO specialist certificates in Life Transitions, Residential Organizing, Move Management & Home Staging, and Brain-Based Conditions.
In addition to leading her team to help people through life transitions at this stage, Lori serves her community and organizations through volunteer roles on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and on the Board of Directors for Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, and previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.