hospice care

Thanksgiving is our annual celebration of gratitude. But if someone dear to you is seriously ill this year, the very last thing you might be feeling is gratitude. In fact, our national celebration is a response to hard times. We honor the Pilgrims’ giving of thanks for coming through a harrowing year. And today, research shows that it is in tough times that we benefit most from a grateful approach. Gratitude helps us

C. difficile is one of many bacteria living in the air, water, and soil. And from there, it is often swallowed into the human gut. This is no problem when other, "good" bacteria outnumber it. But when this germ dominates, it becomes toxic. Even deadly. C. difficile infections are on the rise, especially among elders. Risk is highest among people:

October 15 through December 7 is the Medicare open enrollment period. This is the time of year when seniors can change their coverage for Medicare Parts C and D. Part D is prescription insurance. Part C involves Medicare "Advantage" plans. These plans provide coverage through special provider networks, for example, an HMO. You'll find a quick description of Medicare Plans in our November 2011 newsletter.

A condition that causes memory loss (dementia) is one of the most common reasons an elder can no longer live at home. Some assisted living facilities have "memory units." So do some skilled nursing facilities. Every aspect of a memory unit is geared to the needs of adults with dementia.

Many older adults affected by incontinence must wear special undergarments. And some require assistance with that most intimate of personal tasks. There are three basic types of products created to absorb accidents.

Many families caring for a seriously ill loved one struggle alone unnecessarily. They miss out on vital support services because they don't understand what hospice can provide. Here are some common misconceptions.

Children are like sponges. They soak up whatever is around them. In a household dealing with serious illness, they'll pick up on others' sadness or anxiety. If no one has explained the situation, they'll make up their own ideas about what's going on. As a result, they may feel unnecessarily scared and alone. Instead of trying to "protect" a child from potentially upsetting news, experts recommend honest talk geared to the individual child. Such talk helps the child

It's healthy to have bacteria in your digestive tract and on your skin. But when bacteria enter the bladder and kidneys, there can be problems. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the reason for 8 million doctor visits every year. Who is at risk? UTIs affect mainly women, but they occur in older men, too. Seniors are especially vulnerable because of