A hospice nurse shares insights on dying patients’ regrets, emphasizing the importance of appreciating health and life.
In a chat with podcaster Rob Moore, she shared what people often regret. While many wish they hadn’t worked so much, there’s a deeper regret. Julie says most people wish they had appreciated their health more.
She explained that many realize how much they took their health for granted. Simple things like breathing and feeling the sun are often overlooked. Julie has started a nightly gratitude list to remind herself of these little joys.
With eight years in intensive care, she now focuses on hospice care. She believes people should understand the dying process before facing it. Many in Ireland, like Julie, often forget to appreciate their health.
She also pointed out that death is natural and shouldn’t be feared. However, she criticized the American healthcare system. It often makes it hard for families to provide a good death for their loved ones.
Julie noted that hospice care isn’t free in the U.S. This forces many families to struggle with the costs of care. She said, “Only the wealthy can afford to die well.” It’s a sad reality, but she believes that while money doesn’t buy happiness, it can ease some burdens.