Medical Perspective
Levels of Care Provide Flexibility
July 30, 2010
Another aspect of hospice’s flexibility is built into to its level of care system, which can adjust the staffing and environment to meet needs as they arise...
Finding Meaning Through Telling Our Stories: Part II
July 07, 2010
How do we help those we care about in their life review work? Read on for prompts which can be used by family, friends or professional caregivers to accompany the very ill or grieving on their life review journey...
Finding Meaning Through Telling Our Stories: Part I
June 25, 2010
Life review, or telling our personal life story, becomes an imperative task for those facing a life-threatening illness, and for those trying to put their life back together after a major loss....
The Need for Pediatric Hospice Care
May 28, 2010
You can help us increase access to pediatric hospice services by sharing knowledge of the services that are available through Hospice of the Comforter and reminding families that they are not alone in caring for their children in the last months of life...
Ethics Committee Case Studies
April 11, 2010
Learn about Hospice of the Comforter's Ethics Committee and read case studies here. ...
April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day!
April 07, 2010
Last month we discussed how to choose a healthcare surrogate who would make medical decisions for you should the time ever come when you cannot speak or make decisions for yourself. This month, we will examine a second and very important part of our advance directives, often called the Living Will....
Choosing a Healthcare Surrogate
March 03, 2010
Choosing a healthcare surrogate wisely and communicating effectively with them and the rest of your family is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones and yourself...
Having a Heart for Those with End Stage Cardiac Disease: How Hospice Can Help
February 17, 2010
For those who are weakened by a failing heart, hospice offers valuable services that can help them live more comfortably at home , supported by a specially trained health care team....
Hospice and Dementia Care
December 29, 2009
Many caregivers and health care providers are unaware of the indicators for hospice care for those with dementia. Hospice care can help during the last months of this illness....
Talking to our Doctors About Hard Topics and Tough Choices
December 22, 2009
When we or our loved ones are dealing with a life-threatening or serious illness, it is important that we have reliable and accurate information, so we can make realistic plans and maintain as much control over our situation as possible. Unfortunately, relying on our doctor to bring up difficult topics like prognosis and treatment options may not provide the information we need when we are counting on it most. Here are some tips on how to talk to doctors about hard subjects and tough choices...