Hospice is about allowing people who are looking at a terminal diagnosis a chance to live their final weeks or months with dignity and quality of life, Read more →

The focus of palliative care is to provide relief from the symptoms of the disease and even the treatment side effects, as well as help with emotional and spiritual issues. Read more →

Dear LM: My heart goes out to you. Losing your mom when you were so young and your resulting extra closeness with your dad has to make this very tough news for you to bear. For several decades, most likely starting with the successes brought on by antibiotics and other advances in modern medicine, the general attitude of the medical community was that no matter what, all illnesses must be fought. Read more →

The number of elders for whom I provided primary family care was in excess of average, but the people who have cared for a combination of parents, in-laws, and often a spouse, are legion. Much of this caregiving happens in tandem, so that, for example, after one parent passes the other parent falls apart. Thus, the adult child caregiver doesn’t even have time to properly grieve before thrown, once again, into caregiver mode. Read more →

If you're shopping for quality incontinence products that feature a discrete look and fewer changes to stay fresh, Egosan is the place. Use promo Code 20ELDERS and SAVE 20% OFF your entire first order on Amazon: Read more →

The terms home care and in-home care are used to describe different types of services provided in the home. Additionally, state regulation and licensing entities follow certain definitions for care provided in the home and these definitions can vary from state to state. Read more →

Dear SU: You’re in a tough spot, and you have my deepest sympathy. Since I’ve been in your shoes, I can understand your need to “fix” this. Sadly, your choices may be limited. Could an antidepressant help? Possibly. It’s something to mention to her doctor. Considering your mother’s age as well as her physical condition, you may want to temper your expectations, though. Read more →

Each time I walked into Dad’s room in the nursing home, he would be rigid in bed, propped up on one elbow and slamming his other fist against his upturned palm. Pow! Pow! Pow! Over and over, he pounded fist against hand. Read more →

...He was struggling to breathe, yet pleaded with me to not insert the breathing tube and to let him die. The cardiologist was scared to do it. With a voice coming from above saying, “Let My People Go!” I honored the man’s wishes. I tremble every time I read this passage. Read more →

Despite trying their best, hospital staff is often overworked and short on numbers. If a family member has ever stayed in a nursing home, you’ve probably seen staffing stretched to the limit. A hospital stay will be just as tough, if not more so. Read more →