Article by Liisa Ogburn.
On the hospice rollercoaster
If I had to visually convey what the experience of hospice is like for both the patient and the family, I would trace the shape of Thunder Road, the largest roller coaster at Carowinds when I was a kid. There are often sheer drops, panicked calls–because few have accompanied a loved one on this journey– and then genuine surprise when a loved one rebounds. This journey, for many, is a jagged line.
To read the entire post, visit: https://www.wral.com/on-the-hospice-rollercoaster/18468680/
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About the Author:
Liisa Ogburn is at the heart of Aging Advisors NC, bringing a rich blend of personal experience and global perspective to elder care. Raised in North Carolina with deep roots in Finland, Liisa has a unique appreciation for diverse approaches to aging, shaped by her life across different cultures including Finland, Estonia, Germany, England, Japan, and Costa Rica.
Her path into elder care consulting was deeply personal. While juggling her role as a Duke University educator and caring for her father-in-law and three young children, Liisa started sharing her family’s journey through articles for The New York Times and later, over 300 posts for WRAL Raleigh on everything from handling loss to choosing the right elder care options.
A teacher at heart, Liisa thrives on empowering others with knowledge. She offers her expertise in presentations to various groups—from churches to professional firms—and writes extensively, reaching audiences far and wide. Her credentials include certifications in geriatric care and a special certification from Brown University to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, reinforcing her belief that calm minds make sound decisions.
