“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” - 1 Peter 5:4

Hospice Care: Sooner is Better

Home Health in Victoria

Sooner is better “I only wish I had contacted hospice care for my loved one sooner.” -Hospice patient family member This is a common feeling expressed by family members. Over our years of caring for patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, we’ve heard it many times. And it’s not just a feeling. The truth is … Read more

What Jesus Said About Happiness

Victoria Home Health

Focus on Happiness Several months ago we began a series on happiness. The response was so positive that we’ve chosen to continue that topic in the first blog of each month. We’ve looked at what experts say about happiness and lots of practical suggestions. The Ultimate Source But as a Christian organization, we believe that … Read more

Happiness Part 3: 5 (More) Mood-boosting Activities

Victoria End of Life Care

Focus on happiness Over the last few months, our first blog of each month has focused on happiness. Studies show that happy people have fewer aches and pains. Happy people have better relationships. Happy people are healthier and live longer in general. What many people might fail to recognize is that a terminal diagnosis does … Read more

3 Ways to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

Palliative Care in Victoria

Caregivers are heroes If you’re a caregiver for a hospice patient, Alzheimer’s patient, or anyone with long-term needs, you are a true hero. You sacrifice in ways many others do not understand. Yes, it’s rewarding, but it can also be very taxing emotionally as well as physically. It’s important to watch for signs of burnout. … Read more

Your Grief is Unique

Victoria Hospice

Griefing is a part of life. One of the primary tenets of hospice care is to value death as a natural part of life. In the same way that we acknowledge the beginning of life, we acknowledge and respect its end. And a part of that acknowledgment is grief. Everyone experiences grief, just as everyone … Read more

Happiness Part 2: 3 Systems to Sustain Happiness

Palliative Care in Victoria

Starting With Happiness Last month we started a series on happiness. We’ll do this at the beginning of each month for a while. Why? Hospice and Palliative care patients, understandably, often suffer from temporary or clinical depression. Families and friends often do not know how to help. So we’re starting each month spending time looking … Read more

Ready For Spring? Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Palliative Care in Victoria

Some hospice patients are able to continue doing many of the things they love for quite some time. However, for many, that is not possible. Many factors related to life-limiting or terminal conditions can change what we’re able to do. But activity, as much as is possible, is healthy and recommended for most patients. So … Read more

Happiness Part 1: 5 Activities to Increase Your Happiness

Victoria Hospice

Happiness Part 1: 5 Activities to Increase Your Happiness What is happiness? Most of us have an idea. You might say feeling satisfied with your life. I might say feeling loved. Scientists describe happiness as a general sense of well-being. I think most of us would agree with that. What doesn’t promote happiness? Though it’s … Read more

5 Ways to Show Love to Your Loved One in Hospice Care

Hospice Care in Victoria

It’s impossible to go anywhere in February without being reminded of Valentine’s Day. If you have a loved one in hospice or palliative care, buying them a valentine card might be a great idea. But there are lots of other ways to show them how much they mean to you. During this “month of love,” here … Read more

Only 1/3 of Adults Have Advance Care Planning

Palliative Care in Victoria

Advance Care Planning Many of us have imagined what we would do in the event that we could no longer care for ourselves. Maybe you’ve even begun to make preparations for that eventuality. But what if you can no longer speak for yourself? According to a recent study published by Healthaffairs.org, only 37 percent of adults … Read more

Four Tips For Coping With Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One

Home Health in Victoria

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

8 Goals for Childhood Grief

Victoria Home Hospice

“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