While October 31st designates Halloween for most people, and a time for trick-or-treating and costumes, for Protestants, the day signifies something else. That is especially true this year. During the month of October, Protestants everywhere will be celebrating the 500...
Hope would like to express thanks to our MSW Intern, Meghan. We are grateful not only to have found an excellent student, but a great person. Meghan's warm demeanor was evident from her very first day. It undoubtedly h...
The word “caregiving” has come to have so many different meanings, especially at the end of one’s life. The family caregiver often plays the role of spouse, daughter, son, head-of-household, housekeeper, breadwinner, driver, and more.
I began working with a man named "George" in April of last year. He was in his last stages of Alzheimer's disease, leaving him relatively unable to communicate. George was a people person in every sense of the word. After serving a long career in public service, he...
Virtual reality, commonly abbreviated as VR, has been around for a number of years, but it’s only recently that researchers have started to see the benefits of what it could offer the healthcare industry. Recently, VR has found a purpose as part of improving hospice an...
As a hospice social worker, I hear these comments time and time again. But what do they really mean? If these are our wishes, how do we ensure they are honored?
On my first day as a volunteer for Hope Hospice, I visited a spirited patient named Martha. Admittedly, I felt nervous when I inititally arrived. Although my job as a CNA has exposed me to hospice, my experiences are limited. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing,...
Discussing advanced care planning proves difficult for most. Even doctors, some of our most trusted guardians for healthcare decisions, do not always feel comforatble starting these conversations. So why is it so troublesome? For a variety of reasons:...
Many fears surround the use of pain medication in terminal patients, especially when they near the end of life, and even more so when the pain medication is morphine. Family members and caregivers fear the use of the medication may prematurely cause death or addiction...
Hospice is about helping people find meaning as they transition in their journey. It’s about helping people to live out their last days well. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that death isn’t still a part of life. Many of our patients live in a facility, be...
