The regular holiday hustle and bustle is stressful enough, but when you add a serious chronic illness to the mix, life can be extra challenging. The cut-and-paste New Year’s resolutions we all fall back on like losing weight might apply to your situation, but there are a few other resolutions for those facing chronic illness … Read more
Food allergies, medical conditions and simple personal preference are all challenges encountered when preparing food for a large group of people, as often is the case during the holidays. Here are a few tips to make cooking during the holidays easier and to ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities. Plan Ahead Make sure to … Read more
Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes and are an extremely important member of any family with a loved one with a medical condition. Caregivers are true to their namesake; they give so much to loved ones. The holidays are a great time to express gratitude to your loved one’s caregiver with a simple gift. … Read more
The holidays are a beautiful time for fellowship and gift-giving; however, hospice patients are not always able to experience this season in it’s fullness. Although nothing can beat the gift of love and companionship, receiving a physical gift could raise a hospice patient’s spirits instantly. Here are a few ideas of thoughtful and practical gifts … Read more
As a family caregiver, you play an extremely significant role in the life of your elderly loved one—a part that can also be overpowering, strenuous and sometimes unappreciated. As an encouragement for all of the good work you are doing, here are a few tips to help during this holiday season if a family member … Read more
12 Ways to Decompress in Less than 5 Minutes Listen to your favorite music, whether it is classical, rock, or jazz. Maybe listen to a few different genres to find some new songs and styles you haven’t listened to before. Go outside and breathe in some fresh air. Take a walk and enjoy your surroundings. … Read more
A Grateful Heart What are you thankful for? Here is a list to get you thinking. Happy November! Something in nature Some type of technology A household item A personal quality you have A physical quality or trait you have A skill you have A food item A specific book Something that makes you laugh … Read more
Autumn is here! After a hot summer there’s nothing better than a crisp autumn day with red, yellow, and orange leaves falling from trees. The change of season carries a different assortment of activities, sights, smells and flavors with it. Coffee stores bring back their Pumpkin Spice Latte, apple cider appears in grocery stores, hay … Read more
What to Anticipate When You Are Grieving What are common responses when someone you love passes away? Grief can be agonizing and overpowering, and sometimes scary. As you grieve, you may have anxiety about your responses. You may wonder if your feelings and responses are usual. Below are some of the commonly felt grief reactions … Read more
As you get ready for autumn, it’s also a good time to get ready for how the seasonal changes may bring up sundowning for those with dementia. Sundowning is an occurrence where some patients with dementia experience greater confusion and anxiety later in the day. Less daylight hours in autumn and winter can increase the chances of patients … Read more
5 Tips for Talking to Someone in Home Health Care: Reduce disturbances. Turn off any background noises, like the radio or TV. Have a one-on-one conversation. Too many people can create more confusion. Keep things simple. Stick to short precise sentences. Steer clear of quarrels. No one will gain anything. Just keep chatting, even if … Read more
Do you help someone in palliative care, nursing home or a hospital? Do you need some strength? God is always here for you! Ask Him! You say God says … Read more
