Transforming End-of-Life Care: Compassionate Guidance for Life’s Final Transition with Barbara Karnes

12/30/24 • 54 min

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Sara sits down with Barbara Karnes, a pioneering voice in hospice care and end-of-life education. Barbara shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a trusted guide for families during life’s most profound transition. She sheds light on how our society’s fear of death has created a gap in understanding the natural dying process and offers practical advice to help families feel more prepared and less afraid. Drawing from decades of hospice work and her groundbreaking booklet Gone From My Sight, Barbara discusses why death is a communal, emotional event, not just a medical one. She reveals how end-of-life care can be transformed into a sacred, meaningful experience for everyone involved. If you’re curious about hospice care or seeking guidance on navigating end-of-life transitions, Barbara’s wisdom shines brightly on this universal journey. Don’t miss her practical tips, touching stories, and powerful call to live—and die—with love and intention.
About Barbara:
If it has to do with death and dying, Barbara Karnes, RN is talking about it. Her articles have been featured in The NY Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, & The Washington Post, among others. Awarded the NHPCO Innovator award for her decades as an end-of-life educator and for her iconic booklet, GONE FROM MY SIGHT: The Dying Experience (aka: "the hospice blue book").

Barbara’s career spans four decades and began as an early hospice pioneer during the AIDS crisis. In addition to the many years she has spent at the bedside caring for patients and their families as a nurse, Barbara has also served as executive director of hospice and various home-health agencies. She has worked through the hospice ranks as patient care manager, clinical director, staff, nurse, and volunteer. Barbara is a dedicated end of life educator, training professionals, authoring resource materials, booklets, movies, and her fabulous blog.

“People don’t understand that there’s a normal, natural way of dying. My materials are written to guide and support anyone who finds themselves addressing end of life situations. The goal is to help people have a positive experience so everyone involved will have a sacred memory to carry with them.” - Barbara Karnes, RN

You may find Barbara’s end of life resources for patients, families, an

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You may find Barbara’s end of life resources for patients, families, an

Previous Episode

Navigating Profound Loss and Rediscovering Yourself with Tara Accardo

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In this heartfelt episode, Sara sits down with Tara Accardo, who shares her deeply personal story of navigating profound loss and the transformative power of grief. After losing her mom to esophageal cancer in 2019 and her dad to prostate cancer just six months later, Tara reflects on how anticipatory grief, the shock of loss, and the challenges of managing their estate shaped her journey. Together, Sara and Tara discuss the importance of honoring all emotions and finding support during times of loss. They explore how grief can also present an opportunity for self-discovery and growth as one begins to step forward in life after a loss. Tara shares how these experiences inspired her to embrace her love for writing by starting a blog on grief, launching her podcast Life with Grief, and offering coaching and community support to others facing similar challenges. Tune in for a moving conversation about resilience, the lessons grief teaches, and the critical role of estate planning in navigating life’s unexpected twists.

About Tara:
Tara Accardo is a Grief, Soul Purpose, and Transformational Life Coach. She founded Losses Become Gains in 2022, which offers 1:1 coaching, her Life With Grief Membership & Community, and the Life With Grief Podcast. Tara's mission is to serve support and guidance to those who have experienced loss and are journeying through grief. Through her work and offerings, she supports and guides grievers to navigate their grief in a way that aligns with their unique needs, and empowers them to tap into a more joyful, meaningful, fulfilling life after loss.
Connect with Tara:
On Instagram: @lossesbecomegains & @lifewithgriefpodcast
A Life with Grief Podcast
LossBecomesGains.com

Next Episode

Planning for the Inevitable: A Guide for Future Dead People & Their Families with Alexandria Goff

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In this episode, Sara sits down with estate planning attorney Alexandria “Ali” Goff for a refreshingly candid and slightly dark-humored conversation about planning for the inevitable—because, as Ali says, “you don’t have to be a millionaire to have an estate plan; you just have to be alive.” From her journey as a young lawyer sitting in on her parents’ first estate planning meeting to founding her own firm, Ali shares why estate planning is about so much more than wills and wealth. With wit, wisdom, and practical advice, she tackles everything from choosing guardians for your kids to naming trusted proxies and avoiding the heartbreak of leaving your family scrambling for answers. Whether you’re new to the idea of estate planning or ready to make updates, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to take action—because planning ahead is the ultimate gift to the people you love.
About Alexandria:
Alexandria, also known as "Ali" is the owner and founder of Goff Legal, PC, a law firm focused on estate planning, trust & estate administration matters.

Ali is known for her in-depth knowledge and expertise with wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and her ability to explain complex matters in an understandable way. She was drawn to estate planning to help protect people and their families and provide peace of mind so they avoid complications for generations to come.

Ali is passionate about helping others. She is a certified performance coach, helping women and business owners with their professional endeavors and goals.

Connect with Alexandria:
GoffLegal.com
On Instagram @goff.legal
On Facebook
Her Video Library
To contact or be added to their email list, email [email protected].