The Hospice Social Worker

Over 5 million adults across the United States experience heart failure, making this one of the most common reasons why seniors are subject to hospital admissions. Medical innovations have come a long way in helping seniors to live longer and enjoy greater health after a diagnosis of heart failure, but there still is no cure Read More

At this time of year especially, when others are planning resolutions that include losing weight or getting a new job, the information provided by a hospice patient can be quite valuable. There are lessons to be learned from conversations with people who recognize that their time on Earth may be short. As hospice nurses, we Read More

There’s so much to see and do during the holiday season, and shopping for gifts is a big event that many of us take part in. While the idea of finding and wrapping that perfect gift is fun, it can also be stressful. This is especially true when buying for a senior loved one. To Read More

When a beloved family member or friend is terminally ill, one of the best gifts you can give them is your time. As they walk through this stage in life, knowing that you’re there to support them and create cherished memories is meaningful, and it’s certainly one of the best ways you can show them Read More

As the end of life nears, one of the most important things we can do for our loved ones is to shift our perspective about what it means to provide quality care. It’s important to ensure that care enhances quality of life, to whatever extent possible. This sometimes means forgoing curative treatments that leave a Read More

Grief is a normal reaction to a loss. When someone dies, we all experience it. Working through the grieving process in a healthy way is essential. While feeling “out of sorts” is normal and often temporary, there are some signs that indicate professional grief counseling might be necessary. Here are some indicators to remain aware Read More

Kindness is like a flower. It grows roots, spreads far, and soon, new buds emerge and blossom into beautiful new flowers. An easy way to cultivate your kindness garden is by painting kindness rocks. Started by Megan Murphy, the Kindness Rock Project has quickly grown into a movement across all 50 states. Adults and children Read More

What does a quality hospice care experience look like? It goes far beyond managing pain for an individual with a terminal illness. It is an experience that positively impacts the entire family and helps clients reach their personal goals. Families discover peace and enjoy a loving and, at times, even uplifting environment that helps everyone Read More

In life, we plan for many things – marriage, children, vacation, college and even buying a home or automobile. However, we are often reluctant to plan for the end of life. While the prospect of passing away is not a pleasant one to think about, planning ahead helps you to ensure that your wishes are Read More

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it is normal to have questions about what comes next. While some families initially feel hopeless and believe no options are left, this is not the case. Hospice care is a viable alternative to nursing home placement, extended hospitalizations or difficult and unsuccessful curative approaches. Read More

Journaling is an exceptional tool for self-discovery. It is something that anyone can do, at any point in their life. The process only requires that a person grab a notebook and a pen and write down their thoughts. No specific grammatical or spelling skills are necessary. The only person who has to see a journal Read More

Watching a loved one progress through a terminal illness is never easy. People in this stage of life naturally experience many different emotions including anger, frustration, guilt, depression and uncertainty. Your feelings are certain to be complex too. In addition to dealing with your own emotions, it is important to provide your loved one with Read More