"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." ~Samuel Smiles
~Information~
Be sure to read this important information from the National Institute on Aging about Health Scams (be sure to use the + and - buttons located at the top of the window to re-size the document).
Read "There's No Place Like Home for Growing Old" by the National Institute on Aging.
Let's Get Moving! is an article written by Jennifer White, an employee of Catholic Charities' Aging Services. Jennifer writes about the need for people of all ages to exercise.
When Families Disagree - Family members can be the best allies in a time of need. However, when family members are involved in a caregiving crisis, conflict may result, rather than bringing the family closer together.
United Hospital Fund's Next Step in Care has published a Family Caregiver's Guide to Hospice and Palliative Care. This guide answers a number of important questions when making the decision to transition to hospice or palliative care. It also provides a nice side-by-side comparison of Hospice vs.. Palliative care. It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian.
The Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased to offer a free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities. This 21-page booklet provides useful information to families and staff of long-term care facilities about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, particularly care issues related to the late and final stages.
For families, this guide will enable them to make informed choices about a variety of medical decisions they may face on behalf of loved ones with dementia living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of care facilities. It will also equip families to ask good questions aimed at obtaining the best care for their loved ones, including a handy checklist of comfort care measures to be discussed with staff members of care facilities.
For staff members of long-term care facilities, the guide will serve as an important tool for those who wish to educate families and assist them in care planning. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to disseminate this booklet in electronic and print formats.
~Inspiration~
Excerpt from "Daily Comforts for Caregivers" by Pat Samples.
The Right Door by Rev. Carol Hermann.
Offering hope to others through a loving word, a thoughtful act, or a simple smile is the surest way to lift your own spirit. ~Author Unknown
We also exult in our tribulations; knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint; because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5: 3-5
Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. ~Isaiah 26:4
As I was heading into late middle age, my father reached a state in which he was never quite sure whether I was his sister or his daughter; I wish I had been wise enough then to realize how little importance that had. He was still his interested, interesting, and eternally curious self, and the wisdom of his years was still available—if only I had not been distracted by this minor, trivial mix-up.
~ Mary C. Morrison from Without Nightfall Upon the Spirit