As we age, our homes become even more precious to us. Over the years, we surround ourselves with memories, cherished objects, personal touches, and other things that bring us comfort and joy. Having our own home, whether it is an apartment, condo, home, or other dwelling, also gives us a sense of independence.

Engaging in creative activities like arts and crafts can bring immense joy and solace to both patients and their families. Crafting gives us time to keep our hands busy while allowing us to chat and connect with each other. It is also a great way to get little ones to spend time with their older relatives, making memories (and projects!) that both can treasure.

Speech therapy often brings to mind interventions designed to enhance fluency, pronunciation and loudness; typically in settings like schools or rehabilitation centers. Yet speech therapists play an invaluable role in hospice care - from improving swallowing difficulties and cognitive support needs, to making sure patients can maintain dignity and autonomy throughout their lives.

A person going through the end stages of life can experience a wide variety of emotions, and, unfortunately, depression can be one of those. Supporting your parent through hospice care is an act of profound kindness, especially if they're feeling distressed by depression.

Families needing home hospice care must find the most appropriate provider as quickly as possible; choosing this choice is deeply personal, yet can drastically impact quality of care during final days of a loved one. As there are various providers to consider when making this important choice; here is our comprehensive checklist designed to aid them in making this important choice.

Valentine's Day gets a bad rep for being an overly sentimental day that either pressures you to do some over-the-top gesture for your significant other, or reminds you of your “flying solo” status. And while those things certainly happen, Valentine’s Day also gives us a chance to celebrate the love we feel for all the special people in our lives - including our loved ones in hospice.

Memories are the most precious treasures we gather in life. They are the puzzle pieces that come together to create the whole picture of our experiences, joys, and relationships. In the journey of hospice care, the importance of capturing and preserving these moments for the loved ones who remain becomes more important than ever.

The comfort and companionship provided by pets can be a source of profound healing and joy. For many patients, a beloved pet is not just an animal but a cherished member of the family, a constant companion through life's ups and downs.

As the winter season unfolds, the chill in the air can bring about specific challenges for those in hospice care. The cold weather not only affects the physical comfort of hospice patients but also has implications for their overall well-being. And even though your loved one likely stays at home most of the time, there are still factors to consider for keeping them comfortable in their house and while transporting them to doctor appointments (or even just to help them get out of the house for a little while!).

Hospice care, a service that profoundly touches the lives of those involved, is not just about physical comfort but also emotional and mental support. As patients and their caregivers navigate this journey, understanding and addressing the myriad emotional challenges becomes crucial.

When your mother or father is receiving home hospice care, ensuring they are well-nourished can be both a practical challenge and a labor of love. As their dietary needs and appetites may change, understanding how to adapt meals becomes essential.

As the New Year approaches, it's a time for reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead. However, for those with a loved one in hospice care, this time can be bittersweet, filled with stress and uncertainty. Making New Year's resolutions might feel trivial or overwhelming under these circumstances. Yet, it is in these challenging times that setting gentle, compassionate resolutions can bring a sense of hope and resilience.

As the Christmas season approaches, it's a time of warmth, sharing, and community spirit. Amidst the festive cheer, it's also an opportunity to reflect on the gift of giving, not just in material terms, but through acts of kindness and compassion. This is especially true in the realm of hospice care, where volunteers play an invaluable role in supporting patients and their families during challenging times.

When confronted with the harsh truth of a terminal illness, individuals and their loved ones set out on an emotional voyage, frequently experiencing intricate and powerful emotions. Learn more about the stages and grief, and how you can recognize them in your loved one.

The importance of bringing comfort and joy to hospice patients during the holidays cannot be overstated. It offers unique opportunities to celebrate love, life, and togetherness. This article offers a few suggestions about how families can adapt holiday traditions and create a comforting environment that honors the spirit of Christmas in a hospice setting and creates lasting memories with your loved one.