Caring Through Crisis: A Deeper Look at Palliative and Hospice Care

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with Anne Front, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker, to explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of palliative and hospice care. Anne shares her personal experience as both a cancer survivor and a caregiver, offering profound insights into end-of-life care, the value of early palliative support, and the importance of preserving dignity and humanity in healthcare. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or a caregiver, this episode will deepen your understanding of what it means to care — truly and fully — through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer   00:41 – The Importance of Humanity in Medicine   01:25 – Guest Introduction: Anne Front   02:02 – Understanding Palliative Care   02:38 – Anne's Journey into Palliative Care   04:06 – Challenges in End-of-Life Decisions   08:01 – Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care   10:04 – Anne's Personal Experience with Cancer   13:08 – The Role of Palliative Care Teams   19:36 – Understanding Hospice Care   22:54 – Discussing Quality of Life   25:32 – Evaluating Treatment Options   26:46 – Understanding Quality of Life   27:24 – Medical Perspectives and Patient Trust   29:25 – Cultural Differences in End-of-Life Care   30:13 – Advanced Healthcare Planning   31:01 – Challenges in Palliative Care Communication   33:17 – Doctors' Emotional Struggles   36:07 – The Importance of Humanity in Healthcare   43:47 – Professional Care for Healthcare Providers   44:20 – Final Thoughts and Resources 💬 Connect with Anne Front: Website: annefront.com TikTok: @thepalliativetherapist 🎧 Subscribe to Soma Says for more conversations blending Western tools and Eastern wisdom in women’s health, emotional wellness, and whole-person healing.