Alzheimer's and End-of-Life Choices with Author Erica Baccus

What this episode covers

ERICA BACCUS started her professional career in the suburbs of Chicago as an 8th grade English teacher. She went on to San Francisco to become a high-tech marketing, advertising, and research executive. She and her beloved husband John were married for 41 years. Together they lived an active and adventurous life—skiing, golfing, hiking and traveling around the world. Erica enjoys spending time with her son, stepson, stepdaughter and grandkids. Now she helps advocate and educate people about end-of-life decisions exploring the moral and ethical perils so many face. Erica is a caregiver, widow, and lived-experience expert on end-of-life autonomy for dementia. Erica's new memoir, A PROMISE KEPT: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love [Soul Spark Press | September 30, 2025], is a clear-eyed account of honoring her husband John's self-determined end while navigating the legal maze that forced their hand.Get in touch with Erica Baccus and order her book: EricaBaccus.com [http://ericabaccus.com/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ericabaccus/] Facebook  [https://www.facebook.com/erica.baccus/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-baccus-82a60/] Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be odded to the newsletter, to find out about coaching or to be a guest on the show. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Show Themes and highlights: A 41-Year Love Story: Erica details her magical 41-year marriage to John, which was filled with deep connection, independent passions, and a cherished tradition of surprise anniversary trips. The Alzheimer's Diagnosis: We trace John's 2020 early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis and his firm declaration that his "brain is his person" and he did not want to live in a "vegetative state". Navigating End-of-Life Laws: Erica explains why U.S. assisted dying laws fail dementia patients, leading them to seek help from Dignitas in Switzerland where the focus is solely on mental competency. The Burden of Secrecy: The couple's difficult decision to keep their end-of-life plan hidden from their wider circle to protect John's dignity and avoid defending his choice. A Final Farewell: How their family rallied to support John's final wishes, including a beautiful last weekend spent playing poker and creating memories with his children and grandchildren. Planning While Healthy: Erica's powerful plea for listeners to make and discuss their end-of-life plans while they are still healthy, rather than during a medical crisis