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