Blog

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:
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday December 11th, 2013

Confused and unsettled thinking

The period of mourning is a time when our thinking processes are interrupted. People who are grieving often find themselves unable to concentrate for long periods of time. They may go into a room and forget why they went there, or they feel generally disoriented and confused. These behaviors are a normal part of the process and not something that is likely to continue at the same intensity for months on end. Still, it is unsettling while it is happening.
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday December 4th, 2013

Cultivating gratitude when the going gets tough

Thanksgiving is our annual celebration of gratitude. But if someone dear to you is seriously ill this year, the very last thing you might be feeling is gratitude. In fact, our national celebration is a response to hard times. We honor the Pilgrims’ giving of thanks for coming through a harrowing year. And today, research shows that it is in tough times that we benefit most from a grateful approach. Gratitude helps us
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday November 27th, 2013

When blood pressure goes untreated

Don’t confuse a lack of symptoms with a lack of risk. A person with high blood pressure usually feels “just fine.” And that makes it easy to also feel unconcerned. Your loved one may not be motivated to treat high blood pressure. Or may want to stop taking medications because they don't notice any difference. But uncontrolled high blood pressure takes a toll on the body, increasing the risk of
Monday November 25th, 2013

Fall Circular 2013

The Fall Circular 2013 contains:  Congratulations to Tandra Chandler, Light Up A Life Ornament Celebration, A Message from the CEO, Hemlock Golf Tournament, Retiring President and CEO Designates Gift, November is national Hospice Month, Holiday Wish List, Golf Events, 180 Days of Compassionate Care, Welcome New Chief Medical Officer, Your Gift Makes an Impact, Hospice Healing Build, Create Your Legacy at the Hospice Foundation, and Save the Dates for 2014. Click here to see the Fall 2013 Circular.
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday November 20th, 2013

Cultivating gratitude when the going gets tough

Thanksgiving is our annual celebration of gratitude. But if someone dear to you is seriously ill this year, the very last thing you might be feeling is gratitude. In fact, our national celebration is a response to hard times. We honor the Pilgrims’ giving of thanks for coming through a harrowing year. And today, research shows that it is in tough times that we benefit most from a grateful approach. Gratitude helps us