Fitness is important. All of us agree that physical fitness is important. Not only does physical fitness help us feel better physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. That means that when we’re active, were healthier, happier, and sharper, too! But as we get older, many of us find it more difficult to stay active. … Read more
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
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
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
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
Spring is Here! Spring is here! That means different things to different people. For kids it means more hours playing outside. For families it may mean planning a vacation. But for all of us, it means getting ready for storms! Spring storms can present problems for anyone, but if you’re a senior, it can be … Read more
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 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
If you’re a caregiver for a family member or loved one, chances are your car is an important part of that role. And if your car is not well-suited, it can make your job a lot more difficult. What makes a caregiver-friendly car? If you’re making a change, ask these questions before choosing your next … Read more
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
President Signs Transitional Mental Health Care Order. Last Month, President Trump showed his support for veterans by signing his “Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition from Uniformed Service to Civilian Life” executive order. This allows the 60% of recently separated vets who used to be ineligible, to now be eligible for the VA benefit. Beginning in March, … Read more
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
If you want to support our hospice care program, our patients, and our community as a whole, please do not hesitate to donate!
