Cancer, caregiving, a hastened death at home, and family relationships are the complex themes explored in this magnificent film starring Meryl Streep, William Hurt, and Renee Zellweger. Join us to watch this compelling story unfold and discuss the end-of-life issues it spotlights. The film received an 87% rating by critics on Rotten Tomatoes. This event is free, fun, and open to all. 

Click here to watch the trailer
(1998) Rated R for language
127 minutes

Beverly Thorn, a psychologist and certified End-Of-Life Doula will discuss her new book, Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver, telling her own personal story of caring for her husband with dementia, from the lens of a psychologist and death doula. The book is aimed at caring for the caregiver, who often gets overlooked in terms of their own care needs. Knowledge about the disorder provides a coping base, and planning and ongoing conversation provides the glue to hold the caregiver together during this long trajectory.

The crisis of a dementia diagnosis is sobering, but also an opportunity. Since dementia is not an all or nothing thing, there is time before one loses decisional capacity to consider and talk about their life values, healthcare and dementia care preferences along the dementia trajectory, and their end-of-life wishes. Planning and communication are key in a society where no one wants to talk about dementia or death. Loved ones and potential caregivers also need to be in the know so that they can make life-altering decisions once the person with dementia is no longer able to do so.

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Join us at the Hemlock Open Forum, a free meeting to discuss death openly. Our aim is to raise awareness about mortality and help people live fully through honest conversations. This is not a grief support group or counseling session, but a safe space to share thoughts and feelings about the end of life, and learn how to prepare for a good death. Refreshments will be served.