Can I Keep My Own Doctor?
Yes. Hospice patients have the same patient rights as any other patient, one of which is to choose his or her attending physician. If the patient chooses to keep his own doctor, the hospice team will work with that physician, consulting about changes to the plan of care and reporting any changes in condition. Otherwise, […]
What’s the Difference Between Home Health Care and Hospice?
When you have an aging or ill family member sometimes you need help caring for them but you don’t know what type of care they need. Two types of care often considered are home health care and hospice care. But what is the difference? Home health care helps you to get better from an illness […]
The Benefits of a Support Group
Support groups are a great way to meet and interact with others going through a similar situation. Some support groups are led by professionals such as social workers, therapists and psychologist, others are led by peers. Either way, the goal of the leader is to facilitate a comfortable setting where all members feel safe to […]
You’re Invited: Debunking the Myths about Grief
Please join us for an educational talk, at which Brenda Berry, LPC, will help to dispel some common misconceptions about grief. Additional education and support will be offered in the weeks that follow. Brenda will be on hand to facilitate the group every Monday at 11:30, from January 22 through February 26, 2018. To reserve your […]
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
How to pay for the rising costs of health care? Concerns over these costs are shared by almost every family across the country. Many baby boomers are providing care for their aging parents just as they are facing their own health care issues. Yet, for almost 30 years, the Medicare Hospice Benefit has provided a […]
When Your Appetite Wanes Just Before Thanksgiving
Lack of appetite is a common complaint during a serious illness and it can be distressing to both the person who is ill and the family that surrounds him or her. After all, our family celebrations and holidays are closely intertwined with eating. We often hear, “If only he would eat, he’d get better.” But […]
Grief During The Holidays
Grief does not take a break during the holidays. In fact grief can be harder to handle during these times of celebrations and traditions. Understand that even though the holidays are a joyous time, you may not have that joy this year. It’s okay to honor your emotions and not feel like you always have […]
Hospice vs. Palliative Care?
Did you know that all hospice agencies provide palliative care? That is, the focus is on comfort, not cure. The key goals of palliative care are: To enhance the quality of life of patient AND family To provide pain relief and symptom management To use a team approach, integrating the clinical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of care To […]
#2 Most Common Hospice Diagnosis: Alzheimer’s
Coming Soon – 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s For the past few years, Arcy’s Army has walked to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and the challenges to those who are living with it. We look forward to this year’s walk, in a little over a week. In hospice, we have substantial first-hand experience with those […]
Medication Disposal
When your loved one passes away there are many things to take care of. One issue that may not cross your mind is disposal of all medications he/she was taking. It is important that you properly dispose of all medicines to reduce the chances of intentional or accidental ingestion from other family members, guests or […]
