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
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
Hospice is an often misunderstood branch of medical care, and as a result, many who may benefit from hospice or palliative care simply fail to seek it out. In our last entry, we answered 5 of the most common myths about hospice care. Below are 5 more all-too-common misunderstandings about hospice care answered. 1. Hospice … 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
Hurricane season is quickly approaching. Even if the elderly in your life don’t live on the coast, the heavy rains and severe storms pose a potential safety threat. Careful planning ahead and a little organization help ensure that your loved one will be safe and ready. Here are five practical tips to make sure you’re … Read more
You can never really be prepared for the death of a close friend. No matter what age or stage of life, the death of a close friend is hard to handle. After a loss, the hole in your life seems overwhelming. But the symptoms of grief are common to many people, and there are concrete … Read more
Writing an obituary for a friend or loved one is not an easy task. An obituary serves a variety of purposes. It’s a notification of someone’s passing, a description of their life, a recounting of the extended family and special friends who the loved one touched, an informational notice about an upcoming funeral. It can … Read more
When a loved one passes away, it has become common to send flowers with a card that says something like: “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.” “Thinking of you in these difficult times” “Our hearts go out to you and your family.” While cards are thoughtful sentiments, a person can often find difficulty … Read more
Telling a Loved One About Your Terminal Illness One of the most difficult things one could ever have to do is share their terminal diagnosis with a loved one. Learning that a loved one is dying is difficult for those of all ages. Here are a few simple “do’s” and “don’ts” in communicating this unfortunate … Read more
