Living Fully, Dying Well is Carleton-Willard's palliative care program which provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to Residents approaching the end of their lives, and to their families. The program is personalized, with Caregivers drawn from many disciplines supported by professional training and resources.

Living Fully, Dying Well encompasses the best of palliative care, which provides effective pain and symptom relief. But is also includes the following elements designed to meet the broader needs of the dying person and his or her family:

• Vigil Volunteers. Vigil Volunteers provide a quiet, warm and loving presence, so that no person dies alone. These trained volunteers also provide needed respite to family or staff members.
• Ethical Wills. Carleton-Willard offers to help the Resident develop an ethical will, a way to put forth in writing a legacy of values, beliefs, lessons learned and hopes for the future for themselves and for their loved ones.
• Massage and Compassionate Touch, Reiki and Acupuncture. These complementary therapies offer comfort by reducing pain, controlling symptoms and alleviating anxiety.
• Music. A hospice musician visits as many times as possible, softly playing the guitar or singing. She uses music to help give comfort, relaxation, and provide release from anxiety. Music often triggers cherished memories and brings families closer. Click here to read more about our hospice music program.

Partnership. Carleton-Willard has partnered with the highly regarded Hospice of the North Shore to provide staff training and supplemental hospice services on site.

Staff Education and Support. Staff have opportunities for education on palliative care, to attend support groups and to learn self-care strategies. Caregivers develop a strong attachment to the Residents, and working with those who are dying can be stressful. Carleton-Willard will work with the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine to offer relaxation response training to the staff.

Resource library. A growing collection of resources for Residents, families and staff is available. Books, tapes, poetry and other writings address various topics about life and death.

Comfort at the Time of Death. After death occurs, the caregivers and Chaplain gather for a brief remembrance in the person's room. A rose is placed on the bed to mark the departed person's presence there and a memorial service is held for all Residents who have died at the Village.

Want to Help? If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Vigil Volunteer, please contact Alan Baldwin, Chaplain at 781.275.8700, ext. 1210 or at abaldwin@cwvillage.org.