Caring for a loved one who is approaching end-of-life is a demanding and stressful job. It can be both physically and emotionally challenging but focusing on yourself as much as you do on your caregiving duties can really help reduce the challenges and stress. As a caregiver you have rights. Remember your rights in order continue reading…
As a caregiver for your parent, you may feel that their well-being is solely your responsibility. Despite having siblings who live close by, you may be the one handling the majority of the work. Caring for your aging parent with siblings who are not involved can be a complicated situation, but there are ways to continue reading…
Stepping up as a caregiver is a big responsibility and can take a lot out of you. Caring for your aging parent while balancing a full-time job is even more challenging. When you are stretched to your max trying to balance work and providing care for your parent, things may seem never ending. Here are continue reading…
Caring for someone who is in the final weeks and days of like can be physically and emotionally demanding. It may feel overwhelming at times and leave you weary in body, mind and spirit. In addition, some caregivers are often juggling other responsibilities such as work, household duties, caring for other family members or addressing continue reading…
A reminder to us that the “work” of grieving is leading us somewhere; that eventually the emotional exhaustion and struggle help move us through the pain of loss and toward healing. “However grief works itself out in individual lives, it is a remarkable process. At sad, even heart-breaking times of people’s lives, it leads them continue reading…
Many people who have recently lost their mother struggle with how they might “celebrate” Mother’s Day, rather than focusing only on reminders of loss and absence. If it appeals to you, perhaps Mother’s Day can be a time to honor your mother and do something in her memory. For some people, volunteering is a meaningful continue reading…
A Summary of the Hospice Care Model Interdisciplinary team approach. Support for the patient, family and caregiver. Services are not defined by a place they are available wherever the patient is living. What Does Hospice Offer? Care focused on social, emotional, mental and spiritual support. Medical equipment, supplies and related medications. Bereavement counseling for children continue reading…
Advance care planning is making decisions about the care you would want to receive if you happen to become unable to speak for yourself. These are your decisions to make, regardless of what you choose for your care. The decisions are based on your personal values, preferences and discussions with your loved ones. If you continue reading…
Caring for an elderly or sick loved one is a difficult and stressful job, physically and emotionally. At some point, caregivers need to admit they cannot do everything and need to focus on themselves as well as their loved one. Here are four ways to manage stress during this demanding time in a caregiver’s life continue reading…
By Marina Mails Bereavement Counselor II “I live in Chicago, and my 81 year old father lives in North Carolina. My dad has just been admitted to Hospice and is going to be getting care at home as he declines from congestive heart failure and other problems. I’m visiting as often as I can to continue reading…