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.
Overcoming sadness
Whether you are caring for a loved one with dementia or helping a relative with cancer, sometimes the sadness of it all feels overwhelming. Especially at the holidays. The sadness is natural, of course. But you don't want to get paralyzed by it. Pivoting from the...
Visiting in the digital age
Today, there are many ways to stay in touch with the elders we love. That's a good thing because research suggests that older adults who are socially engaged enjoy greater happiness and a sense of purpose. Those who are isolated and lonely are at a higher risk of...
Coping with the Holiday Blues
Caring for a seriously ill family member can lend a tinge of blue to the holidays. It may be sadness that cherished family rituals are no longer possible. Or you may be worried that this year will be the last for a sick or ailing loved one. Perhaps the thought of...
Diet and Parkinson’s
Dietary habits make a big difference in quality of life for people with Parkinson's. Eating-related symptoms often crop up. For example, difficulties with swallowing. Also, problems with constipation as a result of slow muscle response. And problematic food–drug...
Celebrating 25 Years!
The other day, Leana Kail, our CEO, sent an all-staff email that is quite timely, considering that December 1 commemorates 25 years of Gentle Shepherd Hospice providing end of life care in Roanoke, Lynchburg and the surrounding communities. From Leana.......
Too much gratitude?
The benefits of gratitude are well understood. Studies show, for example, that approaching life from a grateful stance yields a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and better sleep. Plus, people who report more gratitude also report greater feelings of joy,...
The Season of Thankfulness
We woke early this morning, at 5 a.m., threw our sweet Bella [golden retriever] in the car and decided to take a few days away for some R&R. We felt this was much needed after Don’s recent return on a 16,000 mile flight from travels in a familiar yet foreign land...
A Dream Come True
A while back, we were contacted by the son of one of our CNAs, Tracy Ritter, seeking support for his Eagle Scout project – to rebuild one of the overlook decks on Mill Mountain. Impressed with Wesley’s initiative for such an ambitious undertaking, Gentle Shepherd made...
Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis is Key to Effective Treatment
Last week, Gentle Shepherd Hospice sponsored and attended the annual Central and Southwest Virginia Alzheimer’s Association conference in Roanoke. We learned some alarming statistics: Currently, there are 5.8 million Americans living with dementia. One in three...
Talking about brain health
Are you concerned a loved one may have dementia? If so, be careful how you bring it up. It’s a scary subject! Before jumping to conclusions, gather some information. Ask family members and close friends what they have observed. Have others noticed changes? Think of...
Preventing flare-ups of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) thickens airways, making it harder to breathe in and get enough oxygen. Damage to the lungs also makes it harder to exhale and get rid of waste gas (carbon dioxide). COPD is characterized by flare-ups that rather suddenly...
Making Memories with Mom
Many on staff here at Gentle Shepherd are also personally dealing with serious illness in their own families too. Here’s a sweet and thought-provoking email we all received this morning from a nurse practitioner who works with us. Happy Wednesday everyone! I just...