Caregiver’s Corner Blog

When a loved one is diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, the path ahead can feel overwhelming. Understanding what these conditions are — and what support is available — is one of the first steps toward finding your footing. The brain and nervous system are remarkable, capable of extraordinary complexity and…

In the journey of hospice care, there often comes a quiet shift in a patient’s needs. One of the most significant changes families notice is how their loved one approaches a simple act we do every day: swallowing. While we often think of swallowing as a simple, reflexive act, it…

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. It causes damage to the nerves the brain uses to communicate to muscles throughout the body. PD also affects the production of dopamine–an important chemical messenger that helps neurons deliver instructions from the brain. PD is…

When you think of a hospice care team, your first thoughts probably go to physicians, nurses, and medical specialists. It makes sense as hospice care is about minimizing pain and managing symptoms of terminal illnesses. However, care teams extend far beyond medical care. There are also spiritual coordinators, specialized therapists,…

It may be obvious to say, but the compassionate and driven individuals who make up our hospice care teams are the backbone of top-notch care. The comfort and support they provide patients, caregivers, and families are why hospice care continues to grow as an option for end of life care.…

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Hospice care for heart disease patients, however, is often underutilized. That means many patients with congestive heart failure or other cardiac conditions are dying alone or in the hospital without comfort care and loved ones by…

There is often hesitancy when patients and their caregivers begin the discussion surrounding hospice care. Concerns that hospice means “giving up hope.” Another reason patients can be hesitant is the thought that they don’t have the “right” illness or prognosis for hospice. While it is true that a majority of…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an incredibly important time to remind women to get tested and talk to their doctors about risks and early detection. This is especially important for women with a family history of breast cancer; although, it is estimated that 85% of breast cancer will occur…

According to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is one of the top causes worldwide of disability and dependency among older adults. In 2023, 1 in 9 adults (10.8%) age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and the CDC expects that number to nearly triple by 2060.  However,…

When your loved one enters hospice care there are myriad elements that come together to focus on their well-being during the end-of-life. At Heart to Heart Hospice, our care team is made up of nurses, physicians, hospice/home care aides, spiritual and bereavement coordinators, social workers, dietitians and specialized therapists. All…

Music as therapy for hospice patients? Yes! We all know that music connects, comforts, and uplifts, and music therapy at the end of life is proven and powerful. “In the realm of end-of-life care, the profound impact of music goes far beyond the mere entertainment it often provides,” writes Aging…

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Author Rachel Carson, marine biologist and conservationist Getting outside and pointing your face toward the sun does wonders for your heart, mind, and spirit. Feeling a gentle breeze while…

As more and more aging adults are diagnosed with dementia-related diseases, like Alzheimer’s, the need for comprehensive hospice care grows. But challenges exist, such as the financial burden on patients and families, hospice regulations and differing timelines and goals for end-of-life care. How can we effectively support dementia patients when…

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia touches nearly every family in some way, yet each case is extremely personal. That’s why the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation and local Heart to Heart Hospice care teams partner each year with the Alzheimer's Association for Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across the U.S. to…

“I’m so happy to receive belly rubs and play fetch with my friend today.”  “Maybe she just needs me to be still so she can pet my fur and share stories about her dog.”  “If he’s experiencing high pain or anxiety, I’ll snuggle up close; I know it will help.”…

Helping U.S. veterans tap into resources, receive the recognition they deserve and finish their lives at peace are what motivate Schana Rosales, the Veteran Liaison for Heart to Heart Hospice of East Texas. For Veterans Day, we recognize the importance of veteran-specific services in hospice. With a background in home…

A breast cancer diagnosis causes a fury of emotions, with plans upended and important conversations moving to the forefront. You sink all of your energy into pursuing treatments and a cure, coping with fear and grief, and tenderly planning for difficult “what ifs.”  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, presenting…

Everyone deserves Dignity and Comfort at the end of life! It’s been said that “death is a great equalizer,” and most people want to face the end of life with loving support and dignity. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are often more hesitant than the general population…

As the population ages, nearly every family is impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. This diagnosis can be a slow decline, weighing on patients and families as “normal life” fades into unpredictability and confusion. Compassionate care and support is vital. Heart to Heart Hospice is dedicated to…

Patients with end-stage respiratory conditions like lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, and other pulmonary issues often have an unpredictable disease progression, making prognosis difficult for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Lung conditions frequently fluctuate with intermittent crisis episodes or hospitalizations followed by repeated periods of recovery. As a result, hospice…

As Memorial Day approaches, when the U.S. honors men and women who died while serving in the military, we also remember the aging veterans who served with honor. As they approach the end of life, it’s vital to partner with a well-informed hospice provider to help ease anxiety about the…

When people think of “hospice,” they often picture caring for the physical needs of a terminally ill patient in their final months of life. But compassionate hospice care improves a patient’s quality of life — no matter the quantity — and that includes their mental health.  April is Counseling Awareness…

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease is an often difficult road that requires wisdom, compassion, and support. Over 11 million Americans* provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. The need for dementia-related caregiving is on the rise. In fact, stats show that more Medicare…

America’s veterans are rightly honored for their sacrificial military service, and in turn they deserve utmost respect as they face unique end-of-life challenges. But trauma, guilt, and other service-related factors may negatively impact veterans and their families when dealing with a life-limiting illness.  Hospice staff and family caregivers can learn…

Though it impacts millions of people across the U.S., an individual’s life takes a drastic turn the moment they hear the words “you have breast cancer.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the stats can be sobering: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the…

Difficulty breathing is one of the most stressful symptoms for patients with chronic lung conditions, and colder fall and winter temperatures can exacerbate respiratory problems. The dry, cold air tightens airways, resulting in heavy coughing, excessive mucus, shortness of breath, and increased discomfort. Patients often rush back to the emergency…

If you’re a caregiver for an aging loved one in the home, you may notice they become more agitated and confused as afternoon fades into evening, often continuing into the night. You may be unaware, however, that this phenomenon is known as Sundowners Syndrome, or Sundowning, and is most common…

While heart disease is the number one cause of death among adults in the United States, only 6.4% of Medicare hospice beneficiaries have a primary diagnosis that is heart-related. That means many patients with congestive heart failure or other cardiac conditions are dying alone or in the hospital without comfort…

Pet Therapy Provides Comfort and Delight for Hospice Patients “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” —Author Orhan Pamuk, My Name Is Red There’s no denying the special bond between people and their pets, who provide happiness, comfort, and companionship. The same is true for…

How to Meaningfully Say Goodbye If your loved one in hospice care becomes nonverbal and unresponsive, it’s easy to believe the misconception that they can’t hear you. A recent study, however, reveals that hearing is the last sense that remains for dying patients. With this in mind, Heart to Heart…