Blog: Hospice & Palliative Care Insights - April 2014
What Is It About the “H” Word…
Posted on April 29, 2014
Hospice can be a tremendously comforting and transforming presence in a terminally ill person’s life — and in the lives of those who accompany them on the journey. But sometimes misperceptions about the “H” word — its role and purpose — may delay, or even prevent, a person and their loved ones from experiencing its many benefits.
Voices of Caregiving: To Fulfill the Promise of Care
Don Ramer first met Regenia in 1952. They lived in a small town in Arkansas and after a few years of dating, decided to get married. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Don worked in the appliance repair business and the couple raised their two daughters. They built a life together and enjoyed years of love and happiness, promising they would always be there for one another. Eventually, that meant a new role for Don.
Retiree Makes the Most of his Time
Most people think of retirement as a time to slow down and relax. Not Don Twellman. When he stopped selling cars, he used his newfound free time to become a full-time volunteer. Don spends four days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. volunteering at his church. With his remaining time, he splits his hours between St. Luke’s Hospital and Crossroads Hospice.
Minds Matter: How Dementia Patients Can Benefit From Hospice
Posted on April 22, 2014
Dementia is hard in so many ways on so many people. It’s frustrating, scary and emotionally draining for the people who have it, for their families and for their caregivers.
As hard as it is for everyone involved when dementia patients can’t express themselves or remember a loved one’s name, the most frustrating thing about the disease—and the scariest—is that these mental slips are only part of a disease that sadly can’t be cured.
Botanical Gardens Bring Spring Gift to Patient
Lydia Weiss has been waiting eagerly Spring’s arrival. She has always had a love for the change of seasons, especially when the bitter winds of winter give way to the light breezes of the warmer months. Unfortunately, as a hospice patient in Brecksville, OH, Weiss doesn’t have the opportunity to welcome the Spring by maintaining a garden of flowers as she once did.