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.

When Dad resists a walker

When Dad resists a walker

For many older adults, use of a walker carries great stigma. It's a symbol of disability and often of isolation. In actual fact, a walker can be the key to staying actively engaged with favorite activities. The benefits of a walker It can bear up to 50% of a person's...

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Medicare Open Enrollment Tips

Medicare Open Enrollment Tips

Are you happy with your relative's Medicare plan? If not, fall is the annual "Open Enrollment" period. This is when you can change plans for the coming year. Open Enrollment for 2019 is October 15 to December 7. Even if your loved one likes the current plan, consider...

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A doctor’s visit after a fall

A doctor’s visit after a fall

A surprising number of conditions, from simple to serious, can cause an older adult to fall. If you observed the fall or arrived soon after, find out if your loved one had a warning or felt dizzy beforehand. Any chance he or she fainted? Was the fall from stumbling on...

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What is MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)?

What is MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)?

"Senior moments" are a normal part of aging. They happen to everyone. We just don't process things as quickly as we did in younger years. Some people develop significant memory and thinking problems. These people are eventually unable to live safely on their own....

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If Mom is afraid of falling again

If Mom is afraid of falling again

Many older adults who have fallen believe it is best to "stay safe" and avoid falling again by restricting their activities. Unfortunately, that's the worst thing they can do! Inactivity is a path to reduced strength and mobility, which increases the risk of a fall...

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When caregiving ends: Emotions

When caregiving ends: Emotions

Waves of emotionsWhen a person you've been caring for dies, you are likely to have many feelings. Sometimes conflicting feelings. You may find that emotions wash over you unexpectedly, arising suddenly like a wave, and then subside. This is a normal part of life after...

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How Parkinson’s affects communication

How Parkinson’s affects communication

If the person you care for has Parkinson's, you may be surprised to discover the many ways the disease hampers communication. Voice problems alone affect 60%-80% of people with this condition. Low volume and slurred speech may make it hard at times for you to grasp...

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Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s

Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s

These days, most everyone is wondering if they are likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. If someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with the disease, you might feel at especially high risk. There is a test for an Alzheimer's gene (APOE4). But it's not...

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Start a safe walking routine

Start a safe walking routine

Walking for exercise is recommended for every phase of life! Walking is the easiest physical activity to engage in, and it brings multiple benefits. The ability to get around readily is often the deciding factor in whether an older adult can stay living at home. Many...

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Sunrise Sunset

Sunrise Sunset

Psalms 65:8 -- “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” There is nothing more beautiful than watching a sunrise or sunset. A few weeks ago, we went to the farm and sat listening to...

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