njHealth Launches St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Drawing njHealth Hospice and Palliative Care is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Drawing —and you’re invited to test your knowledge! Participants who answer the questions on the St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Drawing link will be automatically entered for a chance to win New Jersey Lottery Scratch‑Offs . Think you’ve got the luck of the Irish ? Put your St. Paddy’s Day smarts to the test and see

Every family has a heartbeat—a quiet rhythm made of traditions, memories, and stories passed down from one generation to the next. Some of these stories are told around dinner tables; others are whispered during long car rides or shared during holidays when everyone gathers under one roof. But as time moves forward, these precious pieces of a family’s history can fade unless someone takes the time to write them down. This is why the NJHealth Team has launched My Memories , a

Choosing a hospice provider is one of the most important decisions families face when a loved one requires end-of-life care. This choice affects not only the quality of care but also the comfort and dignity your loved one experiences during a difficult time. Don’t leave this decision to chance. Understanding what to look for and how to evaluate hospice providers can make a significant difference. Understand What Hospice Care Means Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality o

We’re thrilled to spotlight our compassionate hospice services on Nancy Adler Nutrition Live on WOND 1400 Radio this Saturday, February 21 from 11 am to 1 pm. with members of the team from NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care . On this week’s show is a frequent guest our own Margie Barham, director of public relations and volunteer services. And joining her is Tim Bretschneider, music therapist, who brings comfort and connection to patients through the healing of music. Tim

Caring for hospice patients is a calling rooted deeply in compassion. It means stepping into some of the most tender moments of a person’s life and offering comfort, dignity, and presence. Loving this work isn’t about the ease of it—because hospice care can be emotionally heavy. It’s about the profound meaning found in being there for someone when every moment truly matters. Honoring patient stories, their history, and their humanity is what drives the NJ Health Hospice Care

With the Super Bowl approaching, we could not help but notice the surprising similarities between a football team and a hospice care team. With each person’s particular role and expertise working together as one unit for a shared purpose, each “team” member contributes their own specialized skill to support the goal.   In football each player is part of the team, and at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care we refer to our staff as team members. Our website njhealthteam.com

Learning that there will be no early spring is not the news we were hoping for here at NJHealth. The hospice and palliative care teams are not thrilled to be out and about in this cold and icy weather. But their dedication to the care of our patients always comes first. Not even the Groundhog Day prediction of more winter weather will stop them. Did you know that Groundhog Day is celebrated throughout the county with a range of animals. Beyond the traditional groundhog, other

Love it or hate it; winter is upon us.  Snow and ice make for beautiful yet dangerous conditions and outdoor activities. Even getting in and out of your vehicle can cause a tumble.   The NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care teams are on the road in these conditions caring for our patients. We offer a few tips learned along the way to reduce your risk of slip and falls.  Safe Winter Walking Tips Use caution when shifting your weight while exiting your vehicle. Maintain three p

Y ou are mourning a loss that hasn’t happened yet.   You feel anxiety, sadness, fear and the emotional pain of bereavement. Anticipatory grief, also known as preparatory grief, comes when you foresee the loss before it occurs.  This is a complex reaction to any significant life change including the loss of a job, marriage, or an impending death. It is particularly common among caregivers of terminally ill family members, and the patient themselves, and it can be debilitating.

The holidays are particularly challenging after the death of a loved one. You may not feel up to ringing in a new year if you are facing it with a loss. Although they are no longer with you physically, fond memories of your time together will help bring them into this new year spiritually.  These are the people who helped make the holiday joyful and missing them can be profoundly challenging. Those memories may bring a tear, but some may also make you smile, even laugh. It'

Much like the layers of clothing we put on to keep warm in winter, Palliative Care provides the important layers of support for those with serious or chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiac and pulmonary conditions. ​It's a specialized medical care that aims to alleviate symptoms, pain, and stress associated with a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis.  The goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. A team of expert healthcare pr

Just for fun... and a chance to win a $50 Wawa Gift Card take this short Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz. No strings attached.  You can even look up the answers. Plus, even if you don't win, we'll give you the answers. All participants will be entered into the gift card drawing. Deadline November 30 Click on this link to give it a try. Thanksgiving Trivia

Many people do not get the support they need and are entitled because they do not understand or fear the word “hospice”.  If you or a loved one struggling with serious illnesses or terminal diagnosis hospice care can provide much-needed support and comfort. “At the end of life, patients and their families are often faced with many challenges - both physical and emotional,” explained Suzanne Martinelli, administrator and CEO at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care. “They are

Caring for an aging or ill-loved one is a selfless act of love and responsibility.  It can be rewarding to help others, yet it also can be stressful. The demands of caregiving can cause burnout. As a caregiver you may find it difficult to take time to care for yourself, but it is essential. Juggling work and family responsibilities will drain you of energy.  "You can 't pour from an empty cup." is a metaphor that sums up the importance of self-care.    Yes, caring for yoursel

Play checkers and make a difference a difference to a hospice patient in your community. NJ Health is looking for people who are willing share their time, talent and compassion with hospice patients. Your volunteer service will fit your schedule and interests, and visit assignments are your choice. Both patients and their families appreciate hospice volunteer visits as it provides a welcome break in the day. Simple conversation, a game of checkers, or a cup of coffee means s

The holidays can be a celebrated and bring joy even when facing a terminal diagnosis, The NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care team members Julia Hertz, RN case manager, and Elizabeth Parkinson LPN help patient Janet Lesperance of Sewell decorate for the holidays. The holidays often bring warmth, tradition, and togetherness, but when a loved one is facing a terminal diagnosis, this season can also bring intense emotion, uncertainty, and sadness. The joyful anticipation of the

Don't be afraid of hospice. It's a word that causes some to be uncomfortable, but that is because it is misunderstood. Hospice simply is specialized care for people with advanced illnesses. It maintains quality of life through symptom and pain management for those with a terminal diagnosis. It is provided to the patient wherever they may call home. Unfortunately, because of misconceptions about hospice, many do not get the care they need and are entitled to receive. Let's dis

We are happy to offer massage therapy to our hospice patients, providing them with additional care options that is not offered by all hospice providers. Massage offers the following benefits: ALLEVIATES ACHES AND PAINS Greater ease of movement Reduces need for pain medication Better able to perform physical activities of daily living with greater comfort INCREASES CIRCULATION Improves skin condition Provides greater joint flexibility Decreases risk of pressure ulcers PROVIDE