Made the Right Decision
HOSPICE CARE
FULFILLING ‘IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH …’ Navigating the Complexities of Spousal Caregiving When you enter into a marriage, you pledge to love and support your spouse “in sickness and in health.” Some marriages test this vow more than others, and as you age, the likelihood that one of you will have to care for the other after a mental or physical ailment increases. Stepping into this role can be perilous. However, you can avoid common pitfalls and foster a healthy marriage. Here’s how. First, acknowledge it is hard. Providing care for someone else is difficult, and when that person is your spouse, complications can arise because you are taking on a new role within the relationship. Being tasked with medical care, household chores, bills, and other responsibilities that were once split is a major shift. You may feel unappreciated or ignored while your spouse may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or a lack of control. It’s a transition that shouldn’t be entered into lightly. Then, seek professional guidance. What this may look like for each couple varies. Some couples may be capable of handling the day-to-day routines of caregiving and household maintenance, but they may struggle with intimacy and connection when these roles shift. In these cases, a therapist or counselor can help each person discuss their feelings in a safe, effective way. Other couples may find that one spouse is struggling to complete all their added responsibilities. Perhaps a handyman company could take care of household chores, or an at-home caregiver could relieve complicated medical duties. Either way, an extra hand can help the spouse in charge of caregiving succeed. Finally, set boundaries. Remember, you are spouses first. The way you connect with each other is just as important today as it was when you were both healthy and independent. Set aside time to connect as a couple, whether that’s by going out for a designated date night, playing your favorite games, or listening to your favorite music together. Finding ways to still be a couple — without giving or receiving care — is necessary for your marriage to thrive. Likewise, caregivers should schedule time for regular respite to ensure their emotional, physical, and mental needs are met.
to provide comfort and care that adheres to a high quality of life to those who are dying. With round-the-clock care, patients are able to die how they wish and receive the comfort they need in their final months and weeks. It’s important to remember that a person’s prognosis can include months, not just days and weeks to live, to live when choosing hospice. This allows family members to relinquish their roles as caregivers and focus solely on spending quality time with their loved one. It’s our experience that many families do not utilize hospice care long enough. Furthermore, hospice care can be stopped at any time, should a person improve or opt for further treatment.
Hospice is not quitting; it’s a way of taking some control back from the illness.
If you or your loved one is struggling to determine end-of-life care, we can help. At Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning, we outline options for all our clients, providing them with a sounding board to make the best decision. Please call us today with further questions.
NO-BAKE VALENTINE’S YOGURT DOG TREATS
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups oat flour (or pulverize rolled oats in the food processor)
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1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, shredded
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup coconut flour
2 tbsp dried pomegranate seeds
1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/3 cup strawberries
Directions
1. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients. 2. Pulse until they have reached a desired consistency. 3. Roll the mixture into balls, squeezing tightly as you go. The size will depend on what you think your dog would prefer. 4. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Inspired by Rover.com
If you have further questions about long-term care, please contact Trinity Elder Law at 724-256-8850.
724.256.8850
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