Blog: Hospice & Palliative Care Insights - June 2017
Drug Abuse vs. the Need for Opioids in Pain Management
Posted on June 28, 2017
As you turn on the news in recent days, you would be hard pressed not to hear a story or a report on the opioid crisis in this country. Radio, TV, even social media are all covering this as an “epidemic.” Sadly, I heard that the CDC reported that 33,091 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2015, which is almost three times the number of people who died in 2002. In addition, overdose deaths had increased over 200% in the 2000’s and approximately 168,000 adolescents were addicted to “painkillers” in 2014 alone. These are terrifying statistics. 
What Happens To Your Pets After Death?
People don’t often consider the reality of their pets outliving them, simply because it’s most common for animals to depart first. But in the event that something happens to a pet owner, having accommodations in place for a furry friend will be sure to keep them safe and healthy for years to come.
Why Intern at Crossroads Hospice?
“It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.” When I read this quote, it reminds me of the staff at Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care and how wonderful my experience as a hospice social work intern has been with them thus far. But before I dive into detail about my hospice internship experience, let’s start with the basics.
What My Hospice Aide Means to Me
Hospice aides have a truly unique calling to serve. In a patient’s final weeks, days, and hours, it is the hospice aide who spends the most time with the patient. They provide personal care including bathing, dressing, and grooming. These hardworking and compassionate individuals provide this care with a focus on maintaining patient dignity.
How We Can Better Serve Vietnam Veterans at End of Life
Some of the most memorable post-World War II images involve Americans joyfully celebrating the end of the war. Who can forget the famous shot of the “Kissing Sailor” and the anonymous nurse celebrating the end of the war in Times Square? Or the ticker tape parades welcoming the troops home from Europe and the Pacific?