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It is hard these days to not be aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink is everywhere, from socks of NFL football players to lids of Yoplait Yogurt. Of course, as with everything, there are people who argue the pros and cons of this multi-media, national exposure. But there is no denying that the work done by many foundations to raise money for research and educate the public on the importance of proper screening for early detection is doing good.

Here at Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, we are proud to honor our veterans and all they have done for our country.

It’s a big decision to have Mom or Dad move into a smaller living situation. Often more emotionally challenging, however, are the many little decisions your relative must make about what to keep and what to let go. Possessions, from furniture to garden tools, hold many dear memories. Giving them up forces recognition that one day your loved one's life will come to a close. The first step to reduce emotional strain is to allow plenty of time. Senior move experts recommend a minimum of three months lead-time. Consider these steps:

Hospitals have changed a lot in recent years. At the bedside, there is a new doctor in charge: the "hospitalist." Hospitalists specialize in the care of patients in the hospital. They are experts in handling serious illness. Unlike a community doctor, hospitalists are part of the hospital's staff. They can help your loved one recover faster and return home sooner because of their:

When your family member is in pain, you are suffering too. The "mirror neurons" in our brains are programmed to recognize pain in others. That's good news, in that it arouses compassion and spurs us to action. But it can be bad news, too. When you're highly attuned to a loved one's pain, you're at higher risk of depression and self-neglect. Learn about pain management. Your ability to reduce your relative's experience of pain will help both of you.

Many adult children are encountering the uncomfortable reality that their parents don't have enough money. Perhaps they've simply outlived their savings. Or their medical expenses have grown beyond anything ever imagined. Whatever the cause, it's an issue that poses hard choices. How much should you support them? And what about your own needs? Your children's? Here are some thoughts to consider.

There are many options for seniors who no longer want to live at home. If an elder in your life is ready to let go of some responsibilities, she or he may be interested in assisted living.   Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are tailored to individuals with only mild health concerns. They enable residents who are relatively capable to be freed from chores such as meal preparation and housework. They also offer social opportunities. ALFs typically provide

Source: SeriousIllness.org In casual musings, a long-time hospice nurse blogged her list of common end-of-life regrets. While these are by no means the only ones we've seen, they do ring true for many who are experienced in end-of-life care. Consider using them as inspiration to engage in reflection. What can you do NOW to be sure YOU don't have any of these regrets?

PRESS RELEASEFor more information, contact:Ann Gauthreaux, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter – 336-331-1303Scott Dickson, Dickson Interactive, LLC – 336-331-2185 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 12/16/11 Hospice & Palliative CareCenter Launches New Website and Mobile App