hospice salisbury

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:

Are you helping support a loved one? Perhaps you and several family members are each giving a little bit. Don't overlook a potential tax benefit. One of you may be able to claim the elder as a dependent. First, your loved one must meet IRS guidelines to qualify as a dependent:

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:

Many families choose to have a family member care for an aging parent. It seems like the "natural" thing to do. But all too often, unspoken assumptions lead to family conflict. For instance, when is caring done "for love"? At what point should a family member get paid for their time? What if they have to cut back on income-earning activities in order to help? A good solution is to prepare a written "caregiver agreement" before the first dollar is paid.

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:

Are you stretched thin, trying to work and care for your family member? You may be able to take job-protected time off. You won't get paid. But you are assured that you can come back to your same (or nearly the same) job. The national Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave time each year. You can use this time to address family or personal medical issues. It covers time off to

We all get the blues now and then. But depression is different. It is more than a passing mood. Depression is actually a biochemical imbalance in the brain. It's not something you can just "snap out of." It requires treatment. In general, there are nine symptoms of depression. If a person experiences four or more of these symptoms every day, for most of the day, over a two-week period, medical professionals would call it "major depression":

People with a serious illness sometimes experience distressing symptoms. This can be a result of their medical condition. Sometimes the symptoms are from the treatment itself!  That's when palliative care comes into play. A palliative care professional focuses on removing distress, regardless of the cause. What counts as distress?

Is your older relative traveling by air anytime soon? Use these suggestions for an easier, less confusing trip. Preflight planning

In past newsletters, we've talked about the holiday blues as you anticipate a loved one's final season. This year, we present touchstones for coping with the holidays after a loss. For instance, you may be comforting your mother as both you and she grieve your father's absence. Or you may be expecting a visit from a bereaved aunt or uncle. This is a fragile time of year. Use these tips to help support your loved ones through the season.