Holiday get-togethers offer an opportunity to observe whether a family member may be in need of help in their home. Here are the warning signs.

One of the most common desires of people with serious advanced illness is to be allowed to stay at home and avoid aggressive treatments. Check out POLST.

At the age of 76, Martha lives alone and prides herself on her independence. She’s reasonably healthy and routinely dismisses her children’s concerns for her safety. After all, she’s lived in the same house for over 40 years and can find her way around it even in the dark. She did give in to her family on one point and agreed to wear an emergency response button around her neck. Martha thou...