3 Ways to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

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

Grief 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 griefing, just as everyone … Read more

Happiness Part 2: 3 Systems to Sustain Happiness

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

Are You Storm-Ready?

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

Ready For Spring? Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Seniors

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

5 Activities to Boost 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 it as a general sense of well-being. I think most of us would agree with that.   What doesn’t make us happy? Though it’s relatively easy to say what happiness is, … Read more

The Caregiver-Friendly Car

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

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

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

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

5 Ways to Avoid Falls for Seniors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number one cause of injury-related deaths among elderly Americans is falling. In winter, we often think of falling on snow and ice, and that’s very important to watch out for. However, most injury-causing falls happen to seniors inside their own homes, so here are 5 … Read more