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.

The Sweetest Gift

The Sweetest Gift

Praying for our friends and families who have lost a loved one this year. May you find comfort in this beautiful song. God bless you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFvDieQpzZk&feature=youtu.be

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Stress or Burnout?

Stress or Burnout?

Most of us know it when we’re stressed. We talk about it, and we talk about needing to do something about it…when we have the time. But we might not be aware when we reach the point of burnout. That’s because going numb is the nature of burnout. To be so worn out that...

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Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter Weather Preparedness

Time to prepare your home, car and family for the season's first snow. Patients: please call us if you have any concerns or need assistance. We are here 24/7. Just give us a call at 800-789-0586. Check out this resource to help you get ready:...

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Gifts for Older Adults

Gifts for Older Adults

What to get for the "chronologically gifted?" The age-friendly ideas below address the special interests or concerns of persons in their later years. Providing an experience. Don't add to household clutter—give an activity! This way, you give the fun of anticipation...

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Exercise and COPD: an oxymoron?

Exercise and COPD: an oxymoron?

Does Mom say she feels too weak to exercise? Does Dad run out of breath just walking down the street? People dealing with COPD often believe that exercise will make things worse. Actually, in moderation, quite the opposite is true. Very real benefits. Even people with...

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The Resilient Life

The Resilient Life

Co-founder and Vice President Kim Eckenroth, MS, APRN, FNP-C, often writes devotionals for our staff. We thought you might also appreciate them, so we created a special section on our blog to share them with you. We hope they touch your heart too. I am reading a book...

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Savoring good experiences

Savoring good experiences

Sharing happy experiences, like sharing a good meal, warms and strengthens friendships and family bonds. There are other benefits to savoring positive experiences. Even in the privacy of your own thoughts, reflecting on pleasant memories is an easy and effective way...

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When your parent drinks too much

When your parent drinks too much

Alcohol is a sensitive subject. Consider asking your parent's doctor or a respected friend to initially bring up the subject. Tell them the reasons for your concern: slurred speech, unexplained falls or bruises. Be specific in your examples. Your parent will have less...

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Late-life veterans’ issues

Late-life veterans’ issues

If the person you care for is a combat veteran, you may not have heard much about those experiences. You are not alone. In generations past, veterans made it a point to put the war behind them and "forget." But things can take a dramatic turn in later life. As they...

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Signature Strength: Courage

Signature Strength: Courage

In the tradition of "positive psychology," we encourage family caregivers to know and use their signature strengths. These personality traits can become reliable tools. Courage, for example, has many faces beyond bravado and derring-do. See if you recognize yourself...

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