Hope is a Four-Letter Word

Hope is individual optimism, keeps us getting up in the morning, caring for ourselves and others. Hope is vital to survival, despite hardship, we anticipate a brighter outcome. Resilient individuals tend to hope more; they anticipate current challenges becoming lighter, and looking forward to the return of “brightness.”

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Caregiver Stress: It’s Not What You Think

Caregiver stress goes beyond managing the myriad of the emotional and physical symptoms experienced by caregivers. Unfortunately, few approaches to caregiver stress address the root cause that produces the emotional and physical reactions experienced by caregivers. Symptom management is important, yet is vital to address the underlying cause of caregiver stress, unmet and unrealistic expectations. The mismatches of expectations surface for a variety of reasons, and often go unrecognized as the catalyst for emotional and physical symptom manifestation. Caregivers can explore ways to reduce stress by setting and managing more realistic expectations.

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Your 2019 Year End Personal Report Card

An annual year end personal report is status review that involves more than an evaluation of financial standing and legal documents; it also incorporates healthcare assessments and a review of your Advance Directives. Those are your wishes for future care and treatment, should you not be able to share them yourself. It is an opportunity to make modifications given changes in your health status and determine if individuals you named to carry out your wishes are still able and willing to do so. During times of celebration, reach out and reconnect with someone that you have missed or parted ways. Make time to recognize and acknowledge a caregiver for all the hard work that they do for a loved one. Share your gratitude with someone who could use a kind word, smile, or a hug.

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Birthrights & Deathrights, a 21st Century View

Deathrights, a prickly unfamiliar, and strange concept that is tied with end-of-life care. Exploring the last phase of the Patriarch Isaac’s life with a 21st century perspective provides a perspective to help individuals and families to make Advance Directives. Loved ones left behind should not have to make unnecessary or uninformed decisions. The final phase of life can be a time for blessings, a time to address unresolved family issues, a time to be mindful and appreciate what life still has to offer. Know your wishes, share them, and unburden your loved ones.

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