Blog

writing toward healing
Tuesday February 11th, 2014

Writing Toward Healing

Writing Toward Healing: 2014 Workshops for Adults Grieving the Death of a Loved One You don’t need to consider yourself a writer to attend. Join us for an opportunity to explore our deepest feelings in a safe environment. Through writing, we will gently probe, reflect, remember, and reconsider. We will honor our loved ones, reimagine our lives now, and discover inner resources we had no idea were within us. 
kate b reynolds
Wednesday February 5th, 2014

Dementia Dogs meet the needs of persons with memory loss problems

Dog training organizations across the country are now taking orders for highly skilled “dementia dogs.” These dogs are individually trained to meet the needs of persons with memory loss problems. They provide safety and companionship. They also relieve the anxiety of family caregivers. To support a person with dementia, dogs are trained to help with
kate b reynolds hospice home
Thursday January 30th, 2014

Researching health treatments online

For those facing an incurable condition, the Internet can seem to be the last refuge of hope. But how can you distinguish a trustworthy website from that of a huckster? "Follow the money" is an important key for deciding if a website is truly unbiased. Start by asking yourself who, what, and why. Who. Whose site is it? Websites cost money. Who is paying? Check the “About Us” page. If the source of money is not obvious, use “Contact Us” to ask, “Who are you and how do you get your funding?” Keep that funding in mind as a possible source of bias.
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday January 22nd, 2014

Researching health treatments online

For those facing an incurable condition, the Internet can seem to be the last refuge of hope. But how can you distinguish a trustworthy website from that of a huckster? "Follow the money" is an important key for deciding if a website is truly unbiased. Start by asking yourself who, what, and why. Who. Whose site is it? Websites cost money. Who is paying? Check the “About Us” page. If the source of money is not obvious, use “Contact Us” to ask, “Who are you and how do you get your funding?” Keep that funding in mind as a possible source of bias.
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday January 15th, 2014

Long-distance caregiving

When your relative lives far away, a holiday visit may reveal disconcerting changes. And once you’re home again, distance makes everything more challenging, from knowing what’s needed, to getting tasks accomplished. Here are some tips. Stay in touch. This is a win-win. You stay current on issues, and your relative gets the emotional boost.
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday January 8th, 2014

Important Decisions: Financial and Health Care Planning

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.
kate b reynolds hospice home
Thursday January 2nd, 2014

Keeping blood pressure in check

An estimated 30% of people who know they have high blood pressure aren’t doing anything to treat it. That’s a bit like playing Russian roulette! They’re at very high risk for death or disability through heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. If you or your family member has blood pressure over 120/80, it’s time to get going. Literally. Research shows that changes in lifestyle, especially increased physical activity, are often enough to bring blood pressure under control. The “lifestyle prescription” for blood pressure management includes
kate b reynolds hospice home
Thursday December 26th, 2013

Important documents

It’s easy to lose track of paperwork, especially someone else’s. Professionals recommend gathering important documents in one file for safekeeping. Put them in a locked and fireproof location. Consider a small safe at home. Or a safe deposit box at the bank. Putting this file together with your relative’s help ensures that you know about all the accounts that exist. (Do it now, while he or she is still capable!) Following is a checklist of top priority health and financial documents. Make sure you have the signed originals. Copies may not be legally accepted. 
hospice winston-salem
Thursday December 19th, 2013

Constructive criticism: when to speak up

Caring for a family member often involves collaborating with other relatives. Sometimes you will agree. Sometimes you won't. Debating every item may not be the best use of family time. In some situations, the wisest course is to be quiet and let others do it their way. That said, there are times when you should speak up, specifically when another person’s safety or deep well-being is at risk. One simple way to decide when to speak is to ask yourself the following three questions: