Trusting information is tough these days. Maybe we should relabel the “information age” as the “age of irony”. An ocean of information with no real way to filter. There is an undeniable social phenomenon with being “first to print” or…”first to post”
Right now, you’re probably glued to the television, YouTube or Netflix with chips in one hand and ice cream in the other. Bottom line, we’re bored. Given enough time, this can be pretty unsettling. To put it lightly, COVID-19 has us on edge. A restle
As coronavirus spreads and we continue to be socially distant, it’s safe to say we’re all feeling isolated from one another. Infection rates don’t seem to discriminate with age, but the risk definitely does. Especially with the elderly. “Eight out of
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread, so does the information surrounding its containment. Many are looking for strategies to protect themselves and others around them. While no one expected an all-out pandemic, coronavirus’ relationship to
Being a caregiver to a loved one accompanies a range of feelings and emotions that can put the caregiver at risk for stress. When a caregiver experiences stress but does not take the steps necessary to manage it, they can put their health and emotion
Bringing Joy to a Patient’s Life There’s no bond quite like the one between a person and their furry companion. It’s no secret that pets have long been sources of human companionship and joy. They give someone something to live for.
The goal of a palliative medicine program is to relieve pain and other symptoms that are burdensome to those suffering from serious and advanced illnesses. As it addresses these symptoms, the palliative system helps patients and families understand t
For most people, hospice is something we just don’t think about in our day to day lives. We have a very vague idea about what is involved. It’s common knowledge that hospice care involves taking care of those facing terminal illnesses, bu
Having a loved one in hospice can trigger so many conflicting emotions that one may not be able to process on their own. The emotions of grief may set in as well as much anticipation regarding the well-being of the person in hospice care. There...
There are many misconceptions about hospice care. When you consider the actual statistics and read about hospice care, it can be the ideal break from toxic treatments. It may provide your body the strength it needs to fight that disease into remissio
The decision to choose hospice care may not be easy, but there are ways that you can make the entire process a bit easier on yourself. If you have a bucket list, it’s time to start checking off those activities you have always wanted to...
If you are a loved one of or caretaker to someone who is experiencing either physical or mental decline, you will likely have many questions about how to care for them. Being a caregiver certainly is a full-time task so many people require the help..
While the sun may be setting for some, by no means does this mean life is over. Joy and happiness begin with a philosophy that honors the quality of life more than the number of days. Below are some ideas on things hospice residents can...
Can patients with dementia benefit from hospice?
Bereavement is usually caused by a personal loss, such as the death of a loved one. It is a multifaceted response due to the break in the bond, usually in the form of death or the diagnosis of a terminal illness. It is a...
End-of-life decisions can be difficult. Fortunately, you can choose a hospice of North Idaho and continue to enjoy the beauty and quality of life that this area offers. Auburn Crest offers compassionate hospice and palliative care for the residents o
“Christmas is a tonic for our souls,” observed B.C. Forbes. Hospice patients need this “tonic” of the holiday seasons perhaps more than any other group. Though celebrating Christmas with them may require some creativity, family, friends and caregiver
Volunteers play a major role in hospices and palliative patient care. Hospices in Idaho and its environs are encouraged to absorb more volunteers. A hospice volunteer plays the role of providing essential support, comfort, and care to the families an
A terminal illness comes with a multitude of considerations. What’s going to happen to my family? What about my pets? Why is this happening now, to me? What’s to come of my personal finances? Are my loved ones going to be taken care of? These...
There are some unfortunate instances where illnesses shorten the lives of loved ones. Where the period can be calculated in weeks, months, or years, a patient may be placed under special care and attention. Hospice care at home or an institution may
Grief and loss are important parts of the human condition and experience. They will affect everyone at some point in their lives. How each person deals with grief and loss is unique, but there are some commonalities in the process. When you have a fa
When a family member is struggling with an end of life illness, disease or condition, and a cure is out of reach, then it is good to have a group of specialists you can turn to. A team of experts who are experienced, educated, and...
At the end of life, the priority is to ensure comfort. This ensures quality of life and is deserved by every human being. To aid you in this process we have compiled five recommendations for easing the end of life. Physical Needs Maintaining a person
While virtually everyone has heard of Hospice care, far fewer people fully understand exactly what hospice does. Of course, a big part of the Hospice mission involves easing the passing of terminally ill people who are facing impending death. For thi
Meet Donnie Johnson, Certified Hospice Palliative Licensed and Field Nurse for Auburn Crest Hospice. Donnie serves as the eyes and ears for the nursing staff and doctors. He has been with Auburn Crest for two years now and Donnie takes special measur
When a loved one gets older, many people would like to take care of their elderly relatives themselves; however, it is sometimes necessary to place a loved one in hospice care. This decision is never easy and takes an emotional toll on everyone invol
Having a conversation about hospice care is never an easy one. However, how you approach the subject could mean the difference between a fruitful conversation or something a little more difficult. It’s not always as easy as putting yourself in
While many people don’t like to talk about it because of the uncomfortable feeling it creates, it is important that people discuss the impending fact that everyone will die eventually. It is even more important to talk about this with elderly p
When people are dealing with end-of-life decisions, every question seems like another enormous obstacle they must face. If you’re in this situation, you’re probably trying to figure out how to do best by your loved one while still ensurin
Hospice: Medical Care for the Entire Family The end-of-life stage can be a difficult and scary time for everyone involved. The terminally sick patient is not the only person affected by the illness. His or her friends and family members must also dea