Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays tend to be particularly challenging for the bereaved, painfully triggering memories and longings for times past. For many, Halloween has replaced Thanksgiving as the “kick off” to an ever-lengthening marathon of holiday preparations and activities. Even…
For those who are experiencing their first holiday following the loss of a loved one, the emotions of the holiday season can be overwhelming. To help, Pathways of Hope at Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice is offering Hope for the Holidays,…
Bereavement means that we are deprived, robbed or stripped of someone or something of high personal value. In other words, it’s the objective state of having suffered a loss. Griefrefers to our internal and external reactions to loss. Mourningis the way…
Myth: Hospice is a place. Fact: Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of an individual’s home, but can be provided in any environment in which a person lives, including a nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care facility.…
Intense grief can be a new and frightening experience. Most people feel like strangers in unfamiliar territory when experiencing grief for the first time. Fear of “going crazy” may prevent grievers from asking others if their experience of grief is…
Ohio's Community Mercy Hospice care is a philosophy that embraces family members, providing care for them along with hospice patients. We recognize that a life-limiting illness impacts everyone in the family circle. That’s why support for family caregivers is a…
It is flu season again. It is especially important for those caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses to avoid the flu virus. Caregivers may themselves experience compromised immune systems due to lack of rest and stress. If they contract…
For those not familiar with him, Dr. J. Kevin Ahern has a long history of service to the Clark and Champaign County communities. He currently serves as the Medical Director for Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice and was formerly the Chief…
Miss Beverle, as members of Springfield Masonic Community staff call her, has dementia. She experiences confusion, memory loss, and sometimes, depression. Dementia can be isolating. Sometimes Miss Beverle has difficulty interacting with people, but she always looks forward to visits…
Loneliness is not to be taken lightly. While everyone feels lonely and socially isolated sometimes, those who live in a persistently lonely state are subject to increased levels of stress and health problems that can be downright deadly. As a…
