hospice rowan

Don’t you just somehow feel better when you laugh? It turns out, that’s not just fantasy. Laughter has physical and emotional health benefits. Studies show that laughter

Death and dying are not topics we talk about easily in our culture. As a general rule, in fact, we avoid them, almost as if to talk about them would bring on a premature demise. As a result, many families are unaware of their loved one's wishes at the end of life and are faced with making difficult decisions. This can lead to family discord and can make a trying situation even harder than it already is.

Is Dad asking if he should sell the house now that Mom is gone? Or perhaps Aunt Mary is anxious about her savings running out. Even if you are good at managing your own money, helping a relative make financial decisions can bring a lot of pressure. Consider hiring a professional advisor. Ask your friends for the names of financial services specialists (financial planners or investment advisors) they would recommend. Interview several candidates, in person. Ask about

Many families choose to have a family member care for an aging parent. It seems like the "natural" thing to do. But all too often, unspoken assumptions lead to family conflict. For instance, when is caring done "for love"? At what point should a family member get paid for their time? What if they have to cut back on income-earning activities in order to help? A good solution is to prepare a written "caregiver agreement" before the first dollar is paid.

Many families choose to have a family member care for an aging parent. It seems like the "natural" thing to do. But all too often, unspoken assumptions lead to family conflict. For instance, when is caring done "for love"? At what point should a family member get paid for their time? What if they have to cut back on income-earning activities in order to help? A good solution is to prepare a written "caregiver agreement" before the first dollar is paid.

The need to protect your partner is a key reason to get your financial papers in order. You will want to be sure that he or she is not left high and dry, especially if you are living with someone without being married. Inheritance laws do not acknowledge unmarried couples; thus, you must specifically stipulate your wishes regarding your house or other assets. This is particularly true for same-sex partners because surviving family members may not be aware of the partnership or may be unwilling to respect the union.

Many of us regard the Thanksgiving holiday as an annual opportunity for counting our blessings. There's a good reason for practicing the giving of thanks throughout the year: Research suggests that cultivating an "attitude of gratitude" is associated with greater

It's easy to know what to do when a parent has a medical crisis: Go to the ER. But without the red flags of an emergency, it can be hard to know if there's a health problem that needs attention. Often, there are subtle signs of trouble brewing.

Many older adults affected by incontinence must wear special undergarments. And some require assistance with that most intimate of personal tasks. There are three basic types of products created to absorb accidents.

This year many popular brand-name drugs will become available in generic form. Are they as good? The Food and Drug Administration approves both brand-name and generic drugs. The two medicines are identical in active ingredient(s), strength, quality, safety, and how they work; required lab testing to prove they are absorbed 80% - 125% as well as the original (the average tends to be 96% - 104%); manufacturing standards that ensure consistency and purity. Brand-name and generic drugs are different in