Blog

hospice winston-salem
Wednesday May 22nd, 2013

When the worrying won't stop

Worry is useful when it calls us to action. But it's a problem when it becomes an ongoing state of mind. It can become a habit, bringing tension and stress. If you're a worrier, you may have mixed feelings. It may seem that worry keeps you on your toes; yet it makes you edgy and distracted, interfering with your sleep and peace of mind. Relieving the stress of worry doesn't mean you have to stop worrying. Here are some strategies to harness the positives of worry and keep the rest in balance:
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday May 15th, 2013

Is your relative at risk for a hip fracture?

Bone fractures are more common than you might think. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, "a woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. A man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer." Hip fractures are serious injuries that often result in an older adult's inability to live independently. People most likely to fracture a hip due to osteoporosis are:
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday May 1st, 2013

Stress and overeating

Caring for an ill family member is emotionally taxing. Ever use food for comfort? Sure, we all do. Eating favorite foods is a pleasure! And eating sugary or fatty foods appears to actually calm stress centers in the brain. But it's fleeting comfort. Such "emotional eating" may in fact ultimately add to your stress by leaving you feeling guilty. And it can certainly leave you with a few extra pounds!
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday April 24th, 2013

Do you know their wishes?

Suppose your loved one was in a coma or unable to speak. If you had to make healthcare decisions for him or her, would you know what to say? Making the choices that are right for your relative requires knowing his or her preferences in advance. But starting the conversation can feel awkward. Use a soft approach. Make it about your need to know versus their being frail. Choose a place that is comfortable and quiet. And allow plenty of time. Some possible starters:
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday April 17th, 2013

Stress and overeating

Caring for an ill family member is emotionally taxing. Ever use food for comfort? Sure, we all do. Eating favorite foods is a pleasure! And eating sugary or fatty foods appears to actually calm stress centers in the brain. But it's fleeting comfort. Such "emotional eating" may in fact ultimately add to your stress by leaving you feeling guilty. And it can certainly leave you with a few extra pounds!
hospice winston-salem
Wednesday March 27th, 2013

What to do if your loved one is depressed

Depression in older adults is very common. It is also very treatable. If you suspect depression, the first step is to have your relative talk with a medical professional. He or she can check for other health conditions. You want to get an exact diagnosis. Studies show that 60% to 80% of older adults who receive appropriate treatment for depression do feel better. Antidepressant medication is the most common approach. Things to know about antidepressants: