Gentle Shepherd Blog

Our team at Gentle Shepherd Hospice wants you to have the practical information you need to make the most of every day. Check out these helpful articles and devotionals written by Kim Eckenroth our co-founder and VP of patient care.

Serving as a special needs trustee

Serving as a special needs trustee

A "special needs trust" (SNT) is typically created to provide financial support for a disabled individual. Aging parents of a person with Down syndrome might create an SNT to provide for their child's needs after they have died.  The SNT trustee must manage the...

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Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one out of seven Americans. It is among the top ten causes of death in the United States. At first, its symptoms are very subtle and it progresses slowly, getting worse over decades. People often don't know they have CKD. By the...

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Insomnia in older adults

Insomnia in older adults

Older adults need about seven hours of sleep at night. But they often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They frequently wake up early and are not able to go back to sleep. This is due in part to normal changes of aging. We just don't spend as much...

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What is “assisted living”?

What is “assisted living”?

There are many options for older adults who can no longer live at home independently.  Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are tailored to individuals with health concerns that do not require the 24-hour medical attention provided by a nursing home. ALFs enable...

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Dealing with disgust

Dealing with disgust

The emotion of disgust is a natural response. It evolved to protect us from potentially dangerous, scary, or infecting situations. But when it arises in the course of caring for a loved one—you involuntarily gag, for instance—it may cause you both distress. ...

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Maybe it’s not Alzheimer’s

Maybe it’s not Alzheimer’s

"Dementia" is not a diagnosis in and of itself. It describes a collection of symptoms that involve memory and thinking that are enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause, but there are many other reasons a person might have dementia...

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Tech support for your relative(s)

Tech support for your relative(s)

Technology has done wonders to help us stay connected with family members. But beginning users have to learn new terms and skills. In-person classes are often available through senior centers or the library. And AARP's AgeTech Collaborative offers online video...

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Burn and fire safety

Burn and fire safety

Persons over age 65 are 2.6 times more likely than the general population to die in a home fire. That's alarming! Older adults most often incur burns at home, typically when cooking or bathing. The most common burn injuries are from scalding hot water or flames. ...

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Early-onset dementia: Money issues

Early-onset dementia: Money issues

Finances are bound to be a concern if your spouse has received a diagnosis of dementia before age 65. As in many households, your partner's job may cover important monthly bills. And perhaps essentials such as family health insurance or retirement funding.  In...

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Making the most of regret

Making the most of regret

Regret tends to be one of those emotions we'd prefer not to feel. Which is unfortunate, according to researcher Brené Brown. Her point is that "regret can be a fair but tough teacher." If we don't let regret mire us in the past—with self-blame and guilt—then we can...

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Acting as a “human guide”

Acting as a “human guide”

If the person you care for has a low-vision diagnosis, you are likely concerned about their ability to orient themselves and learn to move safely without falling or becoming injured. Many people with low vision rely on the assistance of a "human guide." You may...

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Skin care and aging

Skin care and aging

The skin is the body's largest organ and its essential "armor." To maintain good health, skin needs extra attention as we age.   The skin has three layers. Working together, they act as the body's  shield by preventing bacteria and viruses from getting...

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