Death & Dying Resources
Barbara Karnes Books
Barbara Karnes is a hospice nurse and one of the most respected voices in end-of-life education. Her booklets are short, clear, and practically written for real people navigating real situations.
Gone From My Sight Known as "the little blue book," this is the most widely used guide to the dying process. If you read nothing else on this list, read this. It is used by hospice workers everywhere and has brought comfort and clarity to countless families.
Hand in Hand Written specifically for caregivers supporting a loved one through the dying process. Practical, compassionate, and honest.
All of Barbara's booklets are available at bkbooks.com
Conversations
Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. These tools were designed specifically to help families talk about what matters most — before a crisis forces the conversation.
The Conversation Project Free starter guides that make it easier to bring up end-of-life wishes with the people you love. Available in multiple languages and designed for real families, not just medical professionals. theconversationproject.org
Five Wishes A user-friendly tool that goes beyond legal documents to capture your personal, emotional, and spiritual wishes. Legally valid in California and a wonderful way to open meaningful conversations with family. fivewishes.org
Advance Directives
An advance directive is one of the most loving things you can do for the people in your life. These resources make it easier to complete one.
California Advance Health Care Directive The official, free California form for documenting your medical wishes and naming a healthcare agent. Straightforward to complete and legally valid throughout the state. Download at caringinfo.org
Prepare for Your Care A free, step-by-step interactive tool designed specifically for Californians. It walks you through the process at your own pace and helps you think through your wishes before putting them on paper. prepareforyourcare.org
Death Doula vs. Hospice
Still figuring out the difference between a death doula and hospice or wondering whether you need one, the other, or both? These resources explain it clearly.
CaringInfo — National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Trustworthy, easy-to-understand explanations of hospice, palliative care, and how different types of end-of-life support work together. caringinfo.org
Compassion & Choices Covers the full spectrum of end-of-life options — including how hospice, palliative care, and death doula support can complement one another — so you can make informed decisions for yourself or your loved one. compassionandchoices.org
POLST
California POLST — Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment If you or a loved one has a serious illness or frailty, a POLST form translates your wishes into actual medical orders that travel with you wherever you receive care. This resource explains what it is, who needs one, and how to complete it with your physician. capolst.org
Podcasts on
Death & Dying
These podcasts bring honesty and real conversations to a subject that deserves more airtime.
Ask a Death Doula Hosted by hospice and oncology nurse Suzanne B. O'Brien, this weekly show covers how to care for the dying alongside inspiring stories from the bedside. Educational, grounding, and deeply human. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Seeing Death Clearly Hosted by death doula and end-of-life coach Jill McClennen, this show invites listeners to examine their beliefs about death, dying, grief, and what it means to truly live. Thoughtful and approachable. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This list is a starting point, not an exhaustive guide. The right resource depends on where you are in your journey and that looks different for everyone. If you're not sure where to begin, I'm happy to help point you in the right direction.
You don't have to figure this out alone.