114 Palliative and Hospice Care: A Conversation on Grief and Joy

https://302.buzz/PM-WhatAreYourThoughts

You should know that we’re talking about very hard things today. However, death is part of life, and (just like adults), children are not excluded. But logic doesn’t ease the blow when a child passes. Keith was only 6 months old. He left behind 2 loving parents who have now dedicated their lives to creating special programs, support groups and educating medical professionals on best practices when faced with a family going through this kind of a life altering chapter. Dr. Gaggino talks with Rachel and Aaron Lewis about their journey with their son Keith. They’re also joined by Dr. Lisa Humphrey, Director of the Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Together, they’ll tell you about the effect that Keith’s life and death have had on the practice of children in palliative and end of life care. Oh, by the way……Grab your tissues, this will be a tough one.

[00:33 -20:16] Opening Segment

• We’re introduced to Dr. Lisa Humphrey and we hear about how her passion for palliative care was born
• We meet Rachel and Aaron Lewis who talk about their son Keith’s journey
• The myths about palliative care
• The difference between Palliative Care and Hospice
• Being Decisionally Agnostic is a key factor in Palliative Care

[20:17- 35:48] Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

• The importance of respecting the decisions of the family
• There is active communication between team members to “keep themselves in check”
• Is it okay to talk about death with the parents and how do we do that in a helpful way?
• Reading the room is a valuable skill set

[35:49 -48:43] Preconceived Notion

• Important to have the families in the room (if they want to be there)
• Parents actually watching the team work to save their child with dignity, intellect and intent can be helpful for the bereavement process
• The magic of the first breath and the last breath

[48:44 1:05:05] Get out of your comfort zone

• Biggest fear is that the child’s name will be forgotten
• Encourage the family sitting out in the waiting room to be a part of the care
• For team members: show your validation of the child by showing up, being there saying the child's name, push your humanity forth.

[1:06:06 - 1:11:25] Closing segment Takeaway

You can reach Rachel Lewis

Facebook: Rachel Houser Lewis | Facebook

Instagram: @rachel_lewis21.12

You can reach Aaron Lewis

Facebook: Aaron Lewis | Facebook

Links to resources mentioned on the show

You can learn more about Keith’s story at