Hospice is a commonly misunderstood branch of medical care. This is troubling, especially because many who may need hospice for themselves or a loved one hesitate to seek it out based solely on one or more misunderstandings. Below are 5 of the most common myths about hospice care answered. 1. Hospice is a place. … Read more
Palliative care is a relatively new concept in medicine, so it isn’t a familiar term to many. In addition, it is easy confuse palliative care with hospice care since they have so much in common. Therefore, to help you know which type of care you or your loved one may need, this article will compare … Read more
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, or know you will soon, the holidays can be a very difficult time, especially family-centric holidays like Christmas. The empty chair, the lonely bed, and the quiet moments are very real things, and the holiday season can seem to magnify them. These are times we have always spent … Read more
“The great 13th-century poet Rumi tells us, ‘Sometimes a door opens and a human being becomes a way for grace to come through.’ I like to think that palliative care is a new door opening in the world of modern medicine, allowing healthcare professionals to be a way for grace and compassion, as well as … Read more
Families of Alzheimer’s patients work hard to maintain a normal life for their loved ones. Many have turned their own lives upside down and made great sacrifices to care for a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. But how do you know when you are no longer able to care for your loved one … Read more
“Children are so resilient!” It’s a common saying, and it’s true in many ways. Children often seem to recover from difficult situations much more quickly than adults. However, the ability of children to “seem” normal may cause us to forget that they too, need to process grief after the loss of a loved one. Research … Read more
Winter’s cold and ice can be a dangerous time for the elderly and/or infirm. The American Red Cross says that, “Older adults are at greater risk for cold injuries because the body’s ability to maintain a constant internal temperature decreases with age.” So this winter, keep your loved ones safe! Here are 5 tips to keep your … Read more
One of the most devastating intrusions in our lives today is an unexpected national or global disaster. Whether caused by nature or people, these uninvited and unexpected crises leave innocent people emotionally overwhelmed or physically handicapped. Traumatic events outside of our “normal” fears and expectations can create a sense of incredible vulnerability and helplessness. Normal … Read more
Rejoining civilian life after serving in the military for any length of time can be both daunting and challenging for veterans. The help of family and friends is vital for their success in transitioning back to normalcy. Even with help, returning home can be a long uphill battle for these heroes. They’re faced with everything … Read more
As baby boomers grow older, the volume of unwanted keepsakes and family heirlooms is poised to grow — along with the number of delicate conversations about what to do with them. According to a 2014 United States census report, more than 20 percent of America’s population will be 65 or older by 2030. As these … Read more
Grief is a normal and natural response when we suffer a loss. While everyone will experience a loss at some point, the symptoms of grief are often misunderstood – both by the people going through it and the people around them. By raising grief awareness, individuals in mourning can better understand their own reactions and … Read more
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people ages 65 and older. One in four older Americans fall every year. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. Even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for … Read more
