hospice salisbury

Who wants to go to the ER? No one! But sometimes, distressing symptoms or illnesses arise that require prompt attention and your regular doctor is not available.

The death of a loved one and the grief that comes with it often destroys dreams—dreams of what could have been, dreams of what should have been.  Grief often destroys hope, as well.  The Hospice Healing Build, a new and meaningful partnership between two local non-profit organizations, Habitat for Humanity and Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, seeks to help bereaved members of our community rebuild hope by providing active and meaningful ways to process grief.  “We tend to think of grief as only an emotional experience

Once a year, encourage your relative to see the doctor for an “Annual Wellness Visit.” The purpose of this free exam is to catch emerging health problems early on. Identifying changes in thinking or memory is a primary reason for the visit. If the doctor detects problems, your relative will receive further tests. Screening for memory loss is invaluable. It can help

Make sure your loved one is ready to “take the heat” this summer. Older bodies are less able to cope with excessive heat, so it’s important to ensure safeguards are in place. Check in with your relative’s doctor. Certain chronic conditions and medications increase an older adult’s risk of heat stroke. Get advice on optimal fluid intake and medication management for times of extreme heat.

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

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

Sometimes the best way to care for your loved one is to take an extended break and recharge your batteries. Plan well in advance for care. Options to consider:

"Senior moments" are a normal part of aging. They happen to everyone. We just don’t process things as quickly as we did in younger years. Some people develop significant memory and thinking problems, however, and are eventually unable to live safely on their own. These people have conditions that bring on a full-fledged dementia, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

For help with this important conversation, the Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney, contact the Community Partnership for End of Life Care. Advance directives are legal documents that specify your health care wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself. Each state has its own approved form. Most forms describe several options for end-of-life care and can be used to provide any additional instructions a person may want to include. You may change your advance directive whenever you choose.

It’s a big decision to have Mom or Dad move into a smaller living situation. Often more emotionally challenging, however, are the many little decisions your relative must make about what to keep and what to let go. Possessions, from furniture to garden tools, hold many dear memories. Giving them up forces recognition that one day your loved one's life will come to a close. The first step to reduce emotional strain is to allow plenty of time. Senior move experts recommend a minimum of three months lead-time. Consider these steps: