Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association

09/06/2026

Barbara Karnes addresses some common questions about end of life and hospice care.

Hospice isn’t about giving up—it’s about support, comfort, and quality of life. Discover the truth behind 4 common hospice myths families often believe.

08/27/2026

It may sound trite to say that living with the awareness that we all will die can add wonderful meaning and intentionality to our lives. But it is true. It helps us to focus on what truly matters to us and make life choices that bring greater fulfillment to our lives.

A diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness can be a wake up call, motivating us to reflect.

Barbara Karnes offers suggestions to help caregivers be open to helping their loved ones heal and live more fully and peacefully.

As life comes to an end, many people naturally look back on their lives. Barbara Karnes, RN explains how caregivers can support this important part of the dying process.

08/23/2026

Good information from the Alzheimer’s Foundation about how to choose a long term care facility for your loved one. When is it time? Questions to ask. How to research the quality of the facility. State ombudsman information.

There may come a time when your loved one needs more support than can be comfortably provided at home. Although exploring long-term residential care can seem overwhelming, it can also […]

08/20/2026

Dying in real life is different from in the movies. Barbara Karnes provides helpful information about the dying process. Learning about it reduces the fear and confusion that caregivers so often feel at the end of life.

The last moments of life can look distressing, but they are often a natural part of dying. Learn what to expect so fear is replaced with understanding.

08/14/2026

A Gentle Reminder About DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Orders

Putnam County emergency responders want to honor the personal medical wishes of our residents whenever possible. One way you can help is by making sure that Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (OHDNR) or Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) paperwork is easily accessible in the event first responders are called to your home.

Recently, responders have encountered situations where a person’s wishes about CPR were shared verbally by family members, but the official DNR documentation was not available when crews arrived. In emergency situations, first responders are required to begin life-saving measures, including CPR, unless valid DNR documentation can be presented.

We understand that these moments are emotional and difficult, and the goal is always to respect the individual’s wishes while also following medical and legal requirements.

If you or a loved one has a DNR order, please consider:
• Ensuring the document is current and clearly legible.
• Keeping the signed paperwork in a visible and accessible location in your home - we always look on the refrigerator.
• Letting family members or caregivers know where it is located

Having the paperwork readily available helps our first responders quickly understand and respect a person’s medical preferences.

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association can provide you with a free, red Vital Medical Information File with a magnet on the back to hold all your important medical information in one convenient location on the refrigerator.

Thank you for helping us support the wishes and dignity of our community members.

08/12/2026

Barbara Karnes shares ideas for letting go of the guilt that so often accompanies the grief after a loved one dies. Thank you Barbara!

Feeling guilty after a loved one dies is common. Barbara Karnes explains why guilt is part of grief and offers a gentle way to begin letting it go.

08/10/2026

The James L. West Center for Dementia Care has many free resources for caregivers of dementia patients. Here is an excellent blog entitled Social Wellness: The Key to a Healthier, Happier Life.

Discover why social wellness is essential for brain health, especially for older adults and those living with dementia, plus simple ways to stay connected.

08/05/2026

Barbara shares end of life resources! Remember: having knowledge and being prepared reduces fear and creates the opportunity to create sacred memories.

When someone is in the final hours of life, many wonder what to do or say. Barbara Karnes, RN explains how to be present at the bedside of someone dying

07/29/2026

The US healthcare system is fragmented and medical specialists often work in silos, unable to communicate with each other due to time limitations and electronic medical records systems that do not communicate with each other.

We all know that the human body is so interconnected, and that intervention in one area affects all other areas. Seriously ill patients desperately need help coordinating and navigating these challenging waters.

Primary care providers used to be that unifying and coordinating piece of the puzzle, checking on their patients in the hospital, and providing care themselves, rather than referring out for simple procedures. We need to empower them to be that again for us rather than creating whole new systems and providers that add extra expense and challenges.

We support these efforts!

07/29/2026

Knowledge takes away some of the fear and confusion when someone you live is dying. Thank you, Barbara!

Recognizing the first signs of the dying process can reduce fear and uncertainty. Learn the three early changes Barbara Karnes, RN teaches every family should know.