April 16th often takes a backseat to the day that precedes it: April 15th has all the infamous glory of being Tax Day. As the designated day for National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16th is becoming known in its own right as a day to remember. The connection between the two dates emerges from Ben Franklin's saying that "In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes." National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is an annual event designed to remind everyone over the a

Hospice is more than healthcare: it helps individuals and their loved ones during their time of need. Providing care--physical, emotional, and spiritual--gives us an opportunity to support one another when it matters most. Understanding the role hospice plays can help dispel myths and ease concerns that sometimes surround the idea of hospice care. Common misunderstandings about hospice care sometimes prevent people from getting the care they need. Myth #1 : Hospice is only fo

The traditional holiday celebrations that focus on joy and gratitude can sometimes leave those who are grieving a loss feeling at odds. Feelings of guilt and sadness might seem out of place in a season marked by merriment and good cheer. However, grief is a natural response to loss at any time of year. In fact, the holiday season can intensify these feelings and can add a sense of isolation that can be hard for others to understand. Even a loss suffered long ago can intensify

How might we live today to move towards gratitude and joy? As the end of life draws near, our thoughts tend to focus on relationships with others and with ourselves, not with accomplishments or social status. Balancing wants and needs, work and life, is not an easy task. Our priorities tend to focus more clearly as life draws to a close, and our ability to reflect on the life we have lived can help others understand more about what is important in their own lives. The follow