"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras
Pets are often a wonderful addition to a home, and become integral and beloved members of our family. They can make especially good companions for seniors, as they develop into loyal friends who remain at our side, especially at fragile times in our lives. There are many physical and emotional benefits of having a pet at any age, but especially for seniors who tend to be at a stage in their lives that they have additional free time and often spend more time at home.
People in our society remain profoundly uncomfortable with the dying process and even with discussing the needs of the dying. With our aging population, more and more people are confronting this challenge for themselves or for their parents.
Hospice is care that is provided during the last few months of a person’s life. People frequently think of hospice as a place. While hospice care may be provided in an inpatient facility or nursing home, hospice is actually a program and a philosophy of care that focuses on treatment of symptoms in the terminally ill patient. Hospice care can be provided in the home as well. The hospice philosophy includes treating physical, emotional and spiritual symptoms. Hospice care extends to the emotional and spiritual concerns of the family as well. This unique approach to the family as the unit of care enables those closest to the patient to be included in treatment issues.
The Passover meal is full of tradition and symbolism. Each year our families and guests expect to see the “usual” holiday foods on the table. While we never seem to want to deviate from a time-honored menu, it never hurts to try a new recipe here and there. Check out the recipes below. Perhaps a new dish at Seder this year will be an unexpected welcome!
