HopeHealth Blog
Stories of courage, compassion, hope, healing and support from our experts, caregivers, patients, families and loved ones.
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“It’s a lifeline”: The surprising power of caregiver support groups
As a longtime volunteer with HopeHealth, Stella already had a deep appreciation for the power of community. In fact, she’d spent years co-facilitating a grief support group, and marveled at the healing she witnessed there. But when her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it didn’t occur to her that she might need her own Read More
“She took the time”: A hospice aide’s gift, one patient at a time
At the end of life, a hospice aide brings patients comfort, dignity and often much more. Family members share what CNA Nancy Fraser means to their loved ones.
A parade for Alex: How one town rallied for a boy in hospice care
When 11-year-old Alex became too sick to go on his dream trip, his community brought the dream to him — a parade of 250 cars, organized overnight.
Caring for the caregiver: 25 ways to support a family caregiver
Caregivers often don’t ask for help — or know how. This list offers 25 ways to offer support someone who’s focused on caring for someone else.
“Hospice means enjoying the time you have”: A Mother’s Day story of care, comfort and love
Kara’s mom made her promise to chase her dreams. This Mother’s Day, Kara is honoring that promise — and giving back to her mom’s hospice team.
“We show up with compassion”: A hospice nurse reflects on 20 years of care
“It is very much a calling.” Meet Annie Green, a hospice nurse of 20 years whose story is rooted in compassion, community — and her grandmother’s legacy.
“It’s like a miracle”: A volunteer helps unlock memories through music
When words fade, music remains. Here’s how one volunteer brings hope and happiness to patients with dementia, one familiar tune at a time.
6 Steps to Create a Healing Music Playlist for Grief
Have you lost someone special? Creating a music playlist may help you heal — no special tools or training required. Here are tips.
Full circle: From HopeHealth student to doctor
In 2018, medical student Jacob Ramos first walked through the doors of HopeHealth, searching for his calling. Today, Dr. Ramos is at the heart of our hospice team.
How do hospice social workers help people with dementia?
Meet Olivia Gould, a hospice social worker focused on dementia in long-term care settings. “We can give patients that one-on-one attention they might not get otherwise,” she explains.
Caring for the caregiver: 10 signs of caregiver burnout
Over time, the stress of caregiving can lead to a more serious problem: burnout. If you have a caregiver in your life, here’s what to watch for.
Does Palliative Care Mean Someone Is Dying?
Many people confuse palliative care with end-of-life care. But in truth, palliative care doesn’t mean someone is dying. It’s for any stage of a serious illness.
“You cannot do it alone”: One couple’s journey with dementia
When a caregiver discovers free dementia resources in Massachusetts, it leads to weekly respite care for her husband, 24/7 hospice support, and more.
“Palliative care has been a game changer”: Reno’s story
When 64-year-old Reno first heard about palliative care to help with his chronic illness, he resisted. Now, he calls it a “game changer.”
Hospital, clinic, home: Understanding the settings of palliative care
Palliative care is one of medicine’s fastest-growing specialties, which means it will soon be available in more settings. Here’s a guide.
“This is my love letter to you”: Healing after the loss of a partner
When her husband died, “I was simply frozen,” Pamela says. “The pain was unrelenting.” Now, she opens up about her grief journey in the months since.
Where do you find the sacred? Reflections of a hospice chaplain
Chaplains help patients at the end of life connect to whatever they find spiritually meaningful. But what does that mean, and how does it help? Our chaplain explains.
The farewell gift: A hospice volunteer helps a son say goodbye
In his father’s final days, a son made an unexpected connection with a hospice volunteer. Their conversation left a lifelong impact.
Every Life Is Unique. So Is Every Death.
Most of us have an expectation of what dying “should” look like. But just as no two lives are the same, no two deaths are the same either.
Can music help you cope with grief? This researcher aims to find out
A Brown University medical student is working with HopeHealth to research how music can help us cope with grief. The response has been powerful.
Why every caregiver should try mindfulness meditation
If you’re a caregiver, mindfulness and meditation can help you navigate difficult moments with less stress. At home and in our group, here’s how to get started.
At age 14, he lost his dad. Now, this teen is helping other kids heal at Camp BraveHeart
Dyllan first arrived at Camp Braveheart at age 14, a few months after losing his dad. Five years later, he’s helping other kids heal from their own losses.
“She healed my heart”: In grief support group, a friendship blossoms
The two women came to the group because they were grieving. They found a friendship that helped them heal — inspired by a baby on the way.
5 stages of dementia: What to expect & how to connect
If your loved one has dementia, here’s what to keep in mind at each stage — and how to create moments of connection along the way.
“Dying is an important part of living”: Lessons from a hospice volunteer
Hospice volunteers give so much of themselves to help patients and families. Often, they learn these life lessons along the way.
