Seasons of Life with Julie Willis

08/06/2026

Have you considered your wishes if you develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

An Advance Directive is important, but you may also want to document your wishes specifically regarding advanced dementia, including your preferences about medically assisted nutrition and hydration, hand-feeding, comfort-focused care, hospitalization, and other life-prolonging treatments.

Some people also want to learn about VSED — Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking — as a possible end-of-life option. VSED involves a decision by a person with decision-making capacity to voluntarily stop taking food and fluids, with medical and comfort-care support.

If this is something you feel strongly about, don’t leave your family guessing. Discuss your wishes while you are able to clearly make and communicate your own healthcare decisions. Put your preferences in writing, choose a healthcare agent who understands your values, and discuss them with your physician and family.

Laws and requirements vary by state, and a written or notarized statement does not necessarily mean that VSED can later be initiated on behalf of a person who no longer has decision-making capacity. An elder-law attorney or other qualified professional can help you create documents appropriate for your state.

The goal isn’t to make decisions out of fear. It’s to make your wishes known while you still have the ability to speak for yourself.

End-of-life planning is not only about how we want to die. It is about how we want to be cared for when we can no longer speak for ourselves.

Educational information only; not medical or legal advice.

When dealing with any medically related events or medical emergenci...

08/05/2026

🚨 Did you know? If you or a loved one is diagnosed with certain terminal illnesses or severe medical conditions, you may not have to wait through the standard disability timeline.

The Social Security Administration has a program called Compassionate Allowances (CAL) that helps fast-track disability applications for people with some of the most serious medical conditions. (Social Security Administration)

Many people assume they’ll have to wait months—or even longer—for a disability decision. While every case is different, the Compassionate Allowances program is designed to identify certain diagnoses that clearly meet Social Security’s definition of disability so they can be processed more quickly. (Social Security Administration)

This program includes many conditions such as:
💜 Certain aggressive or advanced cancers
💜 ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
💜 Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
💜 Many rare genetic disorders
💜 Other serious neurological and terminal illnesses

Even if your condition isn’t terminal, it may still qualify if it is included on the Compassionate Allowances list. The list continues to grow as new conditions are added. (Social Security Administration)

✨ If you or someone you love experiences a life-changing injury or receives a devastating diagnosis:
• Apply for disability as soon as possible.
• Make sure your medical diagnosis is clearly documented.
• Keep copies of medical records, test results, and physician statements.
• Ask your healthcare team or disability attorney whether your condition may qualify for Compassionate Allowances or other expedited disability processing.

Receiving a serious diagnosis is overwhelming enough. Knowing about resources like this can help reduce some of the financial stress while you focus on treatment, comfort, and time with the people you love.

❤️ Please share this post. You never know who may need this information today.

This post is intended for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on your specific medical condition and Social Security’s requirements.

08/05/2026

What is one question you would have about preparing for the end of life? I have a Zoom meeting today at 3 PM with end of life Doula’s/coaches and it would be a great time to bring up any questions that anyone may have you can post them here or send me a private message.

07/31/2026

Lots of helpful tips and recourses in here

How we want to die is the most important conversation Americans aren't having

07/23/2026

🌿 Every season has its purpose.

Sometimes we’re called to serve. Sometimes we’re called to pause, rest, and plant new roots.

After my recent relocation, I’m happy to share that Seasons of Life will begin welcoming clients again in August.

Like the changing seasons, this return will unfold naturally. Over the next few months, I’ll slowly introduce educational classes, community conversations, workshops, and end-of-life doula services as I reconnect with this beautiful community.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for continuing to believe in the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.

I’m looking forward to walking alongside more individuals and families as they navigate life’s final season with dignity, education, comfort, and peace.

Here’s to new beginnings, meaningful connections, and serving with an open heart.

🤍 Julie Willis
Certified End-of-Life Doula
Seasons of Life

02/16/2026

Services are on hold while I’m in the process of relocating

02/05/2026

01/30/2026

Many people feel something they’re afraid to admit when a loved one dies: relief. And almost immediately, that relief gets followed by guilt, shame, or confu...

01/09/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/07/2026

During the dying time, you will notice your person changing in their mental awareness and responsiveness, sometimes unexpectedly so. These are some things to consider:

1. Try not to brush off what your person says or who they may be 'talking to' outside the physical room. Just be open and engage with them in their reality.

2. For sure, don't fight them with "the facts.”

3. They don't want to be asked a lot of questions during this time. It requires too much energy to respond. Just share what happened to you today--slowly--and in little bits. See if they are engaged.

4. They may have a single minded purpose about making sure you know something about seemingly 'little' things. Just go along with them until they feel heard. It may be their way of showing care for you and that you will be able to carry on without them.

5. They are going inward, which is different than depression. This retreat from responding to people and stimuli is natural to dying. If they don't die quickly, they may be alive and unresponsive for up to a week or two.

This is all a part of a natural dying process. Your part during this time is to care for yourself as you care for them and be quiet more than talk. Love them quietly, heart to heart, mind to mind, spirit to spirit.

warmly,

🌺Deanna
PS: We support YOU as you support them. Visit our programs .

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