Tag Archives: encouragement

Life Changing Value of a Caring Smile

Life Changing Value of a Caring Smile

This week I learned of my brother’s good example of a caring smile offered hope for others and encouragement. I think he was as surprised as I that his simple acts of kindness meant so much to others.

We were leaving a gospel concert when an enthusiastic lady practically jumped into his arms. The two of them hugged, giggled, wept like long-lost family as I stood by. He finally introduced me to Lois.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said. “I’m sure you are wondering who in the world I am!”

Well, that was indeed an understatement.

“Your brother saved my life. I do not know how I could have made it through the past few months without his caring smile.”  As Lois shared her story, I saw a different side of my little brother. Lois’ husband had been in dialysis three times a week with Richard. Apparently, her husband did not take it well, was harsh with her and gave the employees a difficult time.

She said Richard’s steady smile had saved her much pain. “Walking out of that place and seeing your brother’s broad smile and bright twinkling eyes gave me courage to keep going one more day.”

Apparently her husband had to be coaxed into returning each visit and grumbled and complained the entire four hours.

My brother, on the other hand, had accepted this as a part of life; he followed doctor’s orders as far as eating and activities and readily came to his appointments. He chose to look beyond his circumstances and encourage those around him.

I am told that he often brings the men and women working in that unit freshly baked treats. He also brings them his first Iris blooms, given heartily with hugs and smiles.

I did not know my brother was such a ray of sunshine! He has chosen to be an encourager and live every day of his life for others regardless of circumstances. I am proud of him.

Perhaps this is a lesson for each of us. When we get tired and want to run away, maybe we need to find someone needing a hug or smile and therefore lighten both our loads.

God bless you on your journey, let me hear from you.

Caring for Others Palliative Care Option

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Needless stress can be alleviated as we learn options available. One object of this column is to help caregivers and caring families know about choices available. I was not aware until recently of palliative care; what it meant and who may need it. Perhaps, you also find the term unfamiliar.

As we learned last week, hospice care is generally for patients with life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care is an area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients without dealing with the underlying cause. This care may be available in all disease stages, not simply end-of-life situations.

The rapidly growing field of pediatric palliative care has clearly shown the need for services geared specifically for children with serious illness.

Immediate palliative care is indicated for patients with serious illness and who have physical, psychological, social, or spiritual distress as a result of the treatment they are seeking or receiving. Palliative care increases comfort by lessening pain, controlling symptoms, and lessening stress for the patient and family, and should not be delayed when it is indicated. Palliative care  can increase quality of life and lengthen the patient’s life.

Depending on the circumstances and need, both hospice and palliative care are provided by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, chaplains, various therapists, volunteers and family. It would be wise to visit with your primary physician concerning the help available to you or your loved one. As with any care, this may not be a viable option for you; be sure to become well-informed.

Several of you are facing complicated issues. From personal experience, I also know when in the middle of a crisis or potential crisis, it is difficult to make sound decisions. I cannot stress enough to communicate, not only with your health care providers, but also family and volunteers who may be helping you.

During the years I took care of Mother, it was often an aide or friend of the family who had been in similar circumstances and therefore, provided some timely information.

I believe our loving Heavenly Father equips many people according to their gifts to help others cope when the inevitable trials come. My husband has served as a hospice chaplain nearly twenty years and often shares with me how God has worked through ordinary people to accomplish great things.

My prayer is that you will trust and rely on Him for guidance in all your decisions and never lose hope.

Hugs,

Please let me know if you found this helpful to you. I would like to hear from those who have used this care. Next week we’ll look on the lighter side of caring for others. Blessings to you.

Every Person Needs to Understand Hospice Care

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Every adult, regardless of age or physical condition, will do well to become familiar with hospice care: what it is and what it is not. Family caregivers, professionals, and individuals need to be informed before major decisions have to be made for yourself or a loved one.

            Sudden illnesses or accidents can quickly disrupt any family. While many do not want to consider end-of-life decisions, much stress is alleviated as families are well-informed concerning future options. These decisions are better made before a person’s health is declining.

            Living wills are designed to simplify this process and to make sure individual desires are met with dignity and compassion. Living wills record personal requests for end-of-life care. Family members are then relieved of the stress of making decisions based on emotions or feelings of the moment. 

            Hospice is not simply an agency that moves in to hold hands of the dying as their life ends. The services they provide are invaluable. Here are just a few of the benefits of hospice care:

1. Hospice care will help free up the time of the primary caregiver and family members. You can be assured your loved one is getting good care.

2. You will have a nurse or aide available to answer your questions. Because their focus is on one patient at a time, they can take time to fully address each concern.

3. A hospice person will be up-to-date on the latest services available to help you as well as your loved one.

4. Hospice care can reduce ER visits and inpatient hospitalization which are costly and emotionally traumatizing for the patient and family.

5. Hospice care is often covered by Medicare and some insurance providers. Be sure to check what is available in your state.

6. There is children’s hospice services dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and young people who are not expected to live to reach adulthood.

Hospice began in the 11th century as a way to treat incurably ill and dying and to provide refuge for travelers throughout the world. Volunteers were counted on to maintain this movement and provide needed care. In other countries, hospice refers to a building or institution; here in the U.S. we refer to the service itself. While the very word brings the idea of impending death and sadness, hospice programs now focus more on helping patients live productive and pain-free lives as long as possible.

Now there is long-term care available, not just for the dying. Next week we will look into palliative care. I believe this will be an encouragement and help to you and your loved ones.

Please leave a comment below if you’ve found this helpful to you in your journey.

Hugs,

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