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 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...
Grandfather of Gentle Shepherd nursing assistant is only living Tuskegee Airman in WV
Honoring the grandfather of Timmea Wolfe, CNA The Tuskegee Airmen were African American military pilots who served their country diligently during World War II. They earned more than 150 distinguished flying crosses, and helped integrate the U.S. Armed Forces. One of...
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...
Grandfather of Gentle Shepherd nursing assistant is only living Tuskegee Airman in WV
Honoring the grandfather of Timmea Wolfe, CNA The Tuskegee Airmen were African American military pilots who served their country diligently during World War II. They earned more than 150 distinguished flying crosses, and helped integrate the U.S. Armed Forces. One of...
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...
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...
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...
Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
Did you know that 60% of people with flu symptoms leave the house during their illness? Furthermore, 70% of them go to the drugstore. A good reason to stay clear of the pharmacy during peak cold and flu season! Good preparation involves a lot more than a...
Making the home safer
Most hazards around the home are obvious once you are made aware of them. But they are easily overlooked in the course of day-to-day living. Don't let your loved one get injured because of a simple oversight! Here's a home safety audit you can do yourself. ...
Preparing for Hip or Knee Replacement
If your loved one is slated for joint surgery, don't underestimate the impact. Expect that he or she will have reduced energy and greater needs. Limited mobility will create surprising challenges. Things you take for granted will need extra care and attention. Plus,...
Life Can Change in a Moment
Job 8:9 “Our days on earth are like a shadow.” Last week, there was a long traffic jam on 81 North. When I heard it was an accident I called my son Tyler immediately to be sure he was not in it because he was not yet home. Relief flooded over me when I heard his...
Signature Strength: Wisdom
Each of us has strengths . . . and, well, areas that could use improvement. As a family caregiver, you may often feel inadequate. Or guilty. Or think that you aren't doing enough. Such negative self-assessments are common. A more balanced assessment would acknowledge...