Lighting the Path: A New Concept of Hospice Care: Recent Episodes
Harbor Healthcare System
Lighting the Path is here as a guide to help anyone with a life-limiting illness have a better end of life experience. Our goal is to provide you with honest, clear, and unbiased information about hospice and palliative care.
In this episode, we highlight the Harbor Foundation's Butterfly Release, a free, family-friendly event that supports hospice patients and their families. Learn how this meaningful gathering brings the community together to honor loved ones, celebrate life, and create moments of hope and healing. We also share how the purchase of butterflies and t-shirts helps fund compassionate care for those navigating end-of-life journeys. The Harbor Foundation supports the community through hardship grants, Bravehearts grief kits for children, and scholarships for high school seniors, nursing students and social work students. The butterfly release takes place on Saturday, August 8 at the Downtown Event Centre in Beaumont, Texas from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Visit the website at harborfoundation.com to pre-order t-shirts and butterflies, or purchases can be made at the event while supplies last.
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Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jerry Woodbridge, author and advocate for children navigating grief. Drawing from both professional insight and personal experience, Dr. Woodbridge shares a powerful perspective on how pre-teens process loss—and why their grief often goes misunderstood.
We explore the unique ways children respond to grief, including behaviors that may surprise caregivers, such as anxiety and panic attacks. Dr. Woodbridge speaks candidly about her own son's experience after the death of his father, offering a deeply personal look at how grief can manifest when children lack the language to express what they are feeling.
Her book, Joy Overcomes Sorrow, was written to meet children where they are. Centered on the story of a 10-year-old girl experiencing profound loss, the book serves not only as a resource for grieving children but also as a tool to help children who have not experienced loss develop empathy and emotional awareness.
Dr. Woodbridge also shares the challenges she faced while writing for this age group, and how her journey as both a mother and author shaped the message of her work. In addition, she introduces her newest book, which focuses on sibling loss—an often overlooked but deeply impactful experience for children.
This conversation offers valuable insight for caregivers, chaplains, counselors, and anyone supporting children through grief.
Resources & Links:
- Dr. Jerry Woodbridge's website: DrJerryLWoodbridge.com
- Books by Dr. Jerry Woodbridge (available on Amazon)
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Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge—educator, author of children's books on grief, and widow—talks about her journey through loss after the death of her husband in 2004. With honesty and wisdom, Dr. Woodbridge shares how grief showed up in unexpected ways and how she learned to navigate the emotional "buzz" that often accompanies profound loss.
One of the most powerful tools in her healing process was writing. She describes her thoughts and emotions as "bees buzzing" in her mind—constant, overwhelming, and difficult to quiet. Through writing, she found a way to give those feelings shape, focus, and release. What began as a personal coping mechanism eventually grew into meaningful work helping others, especially children, understand and express their grief.
Dr. Woodbridge also offers compassionate guidance for those walking their own grief journey. Her approach is gentle, practical, and accessible—reminding listeners that grief does not have to be faced alone or without tools for expression.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- How grief can feel overwhelming and disorganized, especially in the early stages
- The role of writing as a therapeutic and spiritual practice in processing loss
- How personal grief experiences can shape meaningful work and ministry
- Two simple, practical suggestions for navigating grief in daily life
Whether you are grieving, supporting someone who is, or serving in a caregiving role, this conversation offers both validation and practical insight for the journey.
To learn more about Dr. Woodbridge please visit her website here; Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Katie Ransdell, a certified child life specialist and founder of Grief Garden, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting children through grief.
Katie shares the personal and professional journey that led her to create Grief Garden, a space designed to help children process loss in developmentally appropriate and compassionate ways. Drawing from her expertise, she explains how children of different ages understand death and grief, and why their responses can look very different from those of adults.
A key part of Katie's work is play therapy, which allows children to express emotions they may not yet have the words for. She offers insight into the tools and techniques she uses, as well as how her virtual playroom extends support to children who cannot meet in person. This innovative approach creates safe, interactive opportunities for healing regardless of location.
Katie also provides practical guidance for adults—parents, caregivers, chaplains, and professionals—on how to better support grieving children. She highlights the importance of recognizing that children grieve differently than adults and recommends a helpful video from Child Bereavement UK that illustrates these differences. Films, books and resources | Child Bereavement UK
The conversation also explores often-overlooked grief experiences, such as when a child is mourning someone outside their immediate family, like a friend or neighbor. Katie emphasizes the importance of validating these losses and not minimizing their impact.
One powerful takeaway is Katie's perspective on how children struggle with emotional regulation when confronted with hurtful comments. She challenges the common expectation that the grieving child should be the one to forgive, encouraging adults instead to model accountability and advocate for appropriate apologies.
This episode offers valuable insight and practical tools for anyone walking alongside children in grief.
Learn more about Katie's work at griefgarden.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we sit down with child life specialist Katie Ransdell to explore how children experience grief and how hospice professionals can better support them. Katie shares her journey into the field of child life, practical insights for working with grieving children, and meaningful stories from her work that highlight the power of presence and connection.
About Our Guest
Katie Ransdell is a certified child life specialist dedicated to supporting children and families through serious illness, grief, and loss. Her work focuses on helping children express emotions, understand complex experiences, and feel seen and supported during difficult times.
Episode Summary
What does it look like to truly support a grieving child? Child life specialist Katie Ransdell joins us to share her expertise in helping children navigate serious illness, loss, and grief. With compassion and clarity, Katie explains how her role developed, what child life specialists actually do, and how hospice teams can provide developmentally appropriate, emotionally attuned care to children.
Whether you are a chaplain, social worker, nurse, or volunteer, this conversation offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for engaging children during some of life's most difficult moments.
What You'll Learn
- How Katie Ransdell became a child life specialist and what drew her to this work
- The role of a child life specialist in supporting children through illness, death, and grief
- Common misconceptions about how children understand death at different developmental stages
- Practical ways hospice professionals can show up for grieving children with confidence and compassion
- The importance of play, language, and presence in helping children process loss
- Memorable stories from Katie's work that illustrate the impact of simple, meaningful connection
Key Takeaways
- Children grieve differently than adults, and their understanding of death evolves with age and development
- Honest, age-appropriate communication builds trust and reduces fear
- Presence matters more than having the "right" words
- Small interactions—through play, art, or conversation—can have lasting impact
- Hospice teams can support both children and their caregivers by modeling openness and emotional safety
You can learn more about Katie and her organization, Grief Garden, at Grief Garden | Children's grief support | Omaha, NE, USA
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, Dawn Delaloye returns to talk about Reflekta, a digital platform designed to help people preserve memories, stories, and legacies of the people they love. Dawn shares the origin story of Reflekta, the need the founders saw, and the mission that continues to shape their work: giving people a meaningful way to remember, honor, and stay connected with loved ones through story and intentional reflection.
Dawn walks us through how Reflekta works and how individuals and families can use it to collect and store legacy information about loved ones—whether they are still living or have already died. Reflekta allows users to gather photos, videos, audio clips, written stories, and even voice recordings in one secure online space, creating a living archive of memory and meaning that can be revisited and shared over time.
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the role of technology and AI in grief support. Dawn and Jerry acknowledge the concerns many people have about AI and new digital tools, especially when it comes to something as tender as loss and remembrance. Together, they explore how technology, when thoughtfully designed and ethically used, can actually enhance our ability to remember, reflect, and connect across generations—not replace human connection, but support it.
Listeners will hear practical ideas for using Reflekta:
- Inviting family members to share stories and upload media to build a collective memory space
- Recording or uploading voice messages to preserve the unique sound and presence of a loved one
- Using prompts and reflections to help process grief and keep bonds alive through storytelling
If you are supporting someone who is grieving, working in end-of-life care, or simply wanting to be more intentional about preserving your own family's stories, this episode offers a hopeful look at how digital legacy tools like Reflekta can become part of a compassionate, human-centered approach to grief and remembrance.
You can learn more about Reflekta by visiting their website at Reflekta.ai.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, grief and bereavement specialist Dawn Delaloye, PhD, shares the story of how she was drawn into walking alongside people in seasons of deep loss. She gently introduces the idea of anticipatory grief—the kind of grief that shows up before a death or major loss—and talks about when it can surface for patients, caregivers, and families who know that change is coming. Dawn names some of the common signs of anticipatory grief, like feeling on edge, tearful, exhausted, distracted, or "not like yourself," and reassures listeners that these are normal responses, not personal failures.
From there, Dawn talks about how grieving before a loss feels different from grieving after a death, especially when you are still caregiving, making big decisions, and trying to hold on to small, meaningful moments at the same time. She offers kind, practical suggestions for how caregivers and family members can navigate this season—putting words to their emotions, making space for rest, creating memories with their loved one, and reaching out for support instead of trying to be "the strong one" all the time. The conversation closes with a list of resources and places to find help, so no one has to walk through anticipatory grief alone.
To learn more about Dawn, visit her website at Sunrise Coaching.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this deeply moving episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry Fenter sits down with Jason Rosenthal—attorney turned therapist, author, and widower of acclaimed writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
Just ten days before her death from ovarian cancer in 2017, Amy published a now-viral New York Times essay titled "You May Want to Marry My Husband." In it, she lovingly encouraged Jason to find happiness again after she was gone. What followed was an extraordinary public response—and a profoundly personal journey through grief.
Jason reflects on what it was like to process loss while suddenly becoming a public figure. He shares how his grief was both deeply familiar and uniquely exposed, and how Amy's final act became a guiding light—not just for him, but for countless others navigating loss.
In this conversation, Jason explores:
- The emotional impact of Amy's final essay and how he responded to it
- What it means to "live fully" in the face of mortality
- The complexities of grieving in the public eye
- How writing his own book became a tool for healing and helping others
- The unexpected ripple effect of his TED Talk and the gratitude it inspired
- His transition from a career in law to becoming a therapist focused on supporting others
Jason also offers thoughtful, practical wisdom for those walking through grief—reminding us that while loss is universal, each journey through it is deeply personal.
This episode is a powerful reflection on love, legacy, and the courage to keep living fully—even after profound loss.
To read more about Jason, visit his website at www.jasonbrosenthal.com
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter talks with Melissa Lunardini, Chief Clinical Officer at Help Texts, about transforming grief support through technology.
Help Texts is a pioneering service that sends thoughtful, personalized messages to people experiencing grief and loss — and just as importantly, to their friends and family who want to offer meaningful support but may not know how. Melissa explains the clinical philosophy behind Help Texts, the models that guide message design, and how the service helps normalize ongoing grief through timely, compassionate communication.
She shares powerful testimonials from participants whose healing journeys were eased by receiving these messages, and discusses what demographic trends reveal — including that the largest user groups are adults aged 40–64 and 65+, and that men find the service particularly supportive.
Together, Jerry and Melissa explore how grief can be met with empathy, connection, and innovative digital pathways that remind us all that healing begins with compassionate words.
Learn more about Help Texts at www.helptexts.com.
For pricing information please visit Pricing | Help Texts
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Children experience grief differently from adults—yet their feelings are just as deep and real. In this episode of Lighting the Path, Melissa Lunardini, Chief Clinical Officer for Help Texts and nationally recognized expert in children's grief, explores how we can better support children and teens who are grieving.
Drawing on her 20 years of experience, Melissa dispels common myths about how children understand and express loss. She shares practical ways adults can offer genuine help without unintentionally causing harm—highlighting specific words and phrases to avoid when comforting younger children.
Melissa also offers two key insights for helping grieving teens, whose needs often differ from younger children and adults alike. While grief touches all ages, she reminds us that the way people need to grieve can differ significantly based on age, development, and emotional capacity.
The episode concludes with a helpful tool Melissa recommends for anyone—parents, teachers, clinicians, or clergy—who walks alongside children and teens in grief.
Key Discussion Points:
- Common misconceptions about how children grieve
- Why language matters: what not to say to grieving children
- Two practical ways to support grieving teens
- Understanding developmental differences in the grieving process
- A practical tool to help children and teens process loss
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this follow-up episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter continues the conversation with Kera Sanchez, founder and editor of Get Griefy magazine. Kera shares how the idea for the magazine first came to her—quite literally—in the shower. Though she had no formal background in journalism, her passion for helping others share their stories of grief and loss led her to create a publication that now reaches readers across the globe.
Through Get Griefy, people from every walk of life have found a place to express their experiences with loss, healing, and transformation. Kera reflects on some of her favorite published stories and how they've connected a worldwide community of grievers and creatives alike.
The upcoming issue of Get Griefy focuses on women's issues—honoring resilience, vulnerability, and empowerment through storytelling. Listeners can explore more or read the free digital edition at getgriefymagazine.com, with a print version also available for purchase.
Key discussion points:
- The unexpected inspiration behind Get Griefy
- Turning passion into purpose without formal training
- Highlighting meaningful stories from around the world
- A preview of the next Get Griefy issue on women's issues
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
When grief meets creativity, something powerful can emerge. In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter talks with Kera Sanchez, founder and editor of Get Griefy—a heartfelt online and print magazine that explores grief, healing, and creative expression.
Kera begins by sharing the deeply personal story of her mother's sudden death while traveling abroad. The timing and circumstances brought unique emotional challenges, leaving Kera searching for ways to process the loss. Through that pain, she discovered the healing potential of creative self-expression.
Her first project—a guided grief journal—became a meaningful outlet for reflection and connection. That experience inspired her next endeavor: Get Griefy, a magazine dedicated to normalizing grief, amplifying voices of those in mourning, and creating community through storytelling and art.
Listeners will come away inspired by Kera's courage, her creativity, and her commitment to opening new conversations about loss, resilience, and the many ways we find meaning after heartbreak.
Key discussion points:
- The emotional challenges of losing a loved one abroad
- How creativity became part of Kera's healing journey
- The origins of Get Griefy magazine and its mission
- Why storytelling and creative community matter in grief work
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Licensed professional counselor and grief specialist Chuck Olliff returns to the podcast. Chuck has been leading bereavement support groups for more than 20 years, and in this episode he explains why grief support groups play such an important role in healing and connection after loss.
He walks listeners through the six key topics he covers in his six-week virtual grief groups, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own grief or supporting others who are. Chuck's compassionate and practical approach makes the process feel less daunting and more accessible to all.
All of Chuck's groups meet virtually via Zoom, allowing participants to join from anywhere.
To learn more about Chuck Olliff and to register for an upcoming grief group, visit chuckolliff.com.
Chuck also mentions the resources of Alan Wolfelt in this episode. To see Alan's resources you can visit his website here.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Chuck Olliff, a Licensed Professional Counselor and grief specialist with more than 25 years of experience leading grief support groups. Chuck shares the story of how his journey into grief counseling began unexpectedly — when a local funeral director asked him to facilitate a series of grief groups for families coping with loss.
Together, Jerry and Chuck explore the origins and lasting influence of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's work on the five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Chuck offers a thoughtful look at each stage, explaining how they appear in real-life experiences of grief and how understanding them can bring compassion and perspective to the grieving process.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the emotional landscape of bereavement, the evolving nature of grief support, and the deeply human connection that guides people through loss toward healing.
Topics discussed include:
- Chuck Olliff's personal path to becoming a grief specialist
- Understanding Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief
- How the stages appear in real-world experiences
- The evolving understanding of grief and healing
To learn more about Chuck Olliff and the services he offers, visit www.chuckolliff.com
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry sits down with Dr. Emma Jones, author of The Phoenix Blueprint, to talk about resilience, burnout, and the emotional tools needed to thrive as a caregiver. Dr. Jones shares what inspired her to write the book and opens up about the real causes of burnout among healthcare professionals—factors that reach far beyond workload and long hours.
She introduces the concept of "emotional PPE," a metaphor she uses to describe the inner armor caregivers need to protect their emotional well-being—just as firefighters use physical protective equipment to face the dangers of their work. Dr. Jones walks listeners through her six-step model designed to help professionals prevent burnout, restore balance, and reconnect with meaning in their work.
As the conversation unfolds, she offers practical wisdom drawn from her own experience and research, and finally shares the single takeaway she hopes readers and listeners will carry with them from The Phoenix Blueprint.
Listeners who want to connect with Dr. Jones can visit her website or follow her on Instagram for more insights and resources.
Resources mentioned * The Phoenix Blueprint: Emerging Stronger from the Blaze of Healthcare by Emma Jones, MD * Emma Jones, MD – website and additional resources for healthcare professionals (speaking, workshops, and support offerings)
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, hospice and palliative care physician Dr. Emma Jones shares her personal experience of spiraling into burnout and the moment that forced her to confront the depth of her mental and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from her book, The Phoenix Blueprint: Emerging Stronger from the Blaze of Healthcare, she reflects on how perfectionism, overwork, and the culture of silence around clinician distress pushed her past her limits, and how stigma and fear made it difficult to admit she needed help.
Emma also talks about early warning signs of burnout—emotional depletion, growing cynicism, and a loss of meaning in work—and shares statistics that reveal how widespread burnout and mental health struggles are among healthcare professionals. She then outlines key steps in her healing process, including setting boundaries, reconnecting with purpose, and finding support beyond traditional healthcare structures, emphasizing her belief that real change begins in communities and resources outside the system itself.
Resources mentioned * The Phoenix Blueprint: Emerging Stronger from the Blaze of Healthcare by Emma Jones, MD * Emma Jones, MD – website and additional resources for healthcare professionals (speaking, workshops, and support offerings)
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this encore episode, grief specialist Gary Roe discusses how survivors can manage feelings of guilt after the death of a loved one. Roe explores the difference between guilt and regret and offers methods for finding forgiveness and reducing emotional baggage.
Guilt vs. Regret
Roe explains that while often used interchangeably, guilt and regret are distinct emotions:
- Guilt is the feeling we experience when we knowingly do something wrong, usually related to ethical, moral, or legal reasons. - Regret is the emotion we feel when looking back on past actions, realizing we could have handled situations differently.
Strategies for Managing Guilt and Regret
Roe shares several strategies for managing these difficult emotions:
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Release these feelings through talking, writing, or creative expression
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Seek support: Talk to someone who listens well and loves you[3].
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Practice self-compassion: Remember that you're doing the best you can with the information you had at the time.
Reducing Emotional Baggage
To lighten the load of guilt and regret, Roe suggests:
- Accepting that you can't change the past: Focus on what you can control in the present. - Practicing forgiveness: Both for yourself and others involved in the situation. - Honoring the deceased: Find ways to celebrate their memory and continue their legacy. - Seeking professional help: If guilt or regret persist, consider talking to a grief counselor or therapist.
You can visit Gary's website for free resources and contact information at www.garyroe.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Enjoy this encore episode from Lighting the Path and Harbor Healthcare System.
The holiday season is loaded with hopes and dreams and expectations. For those who are providing care for someone on hospice the holidays can be difficult to manage. Rosalind Hall-Hiner is the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice. In this episode she shares ways that caregivers can avoid the depression that often comes with the holiday season.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with Harbor Hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor, Polly Stock.
For many people the holidays are not a season of joy and cheer, but a time of grief and sadness. Holidays are times when families come together and the death of an important person in the family can make holidays feel heavy. In this episode, Polly Stock, Bereavement Coordinator with Harbor Hospice of Missouri, shares tips on how to manage grief during the holidays.
In this episode, Polly shares some of her favorite resources, including the following books that you can find by following the links below.
- Healing Your Holiday Grief by Alan Wolfelt
- Surviving the Holidays Without You by Gary Roe
- The Empty Chair by Robert DeVries
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with grief specialist Gary Roe.
In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist Gary Roe, the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode:
Why Grief Intensifies During the Holidays * Emotional Triggers: The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who have passed. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of absence. * Isolation: Many people feel alone in their grief during this time, leading to feelings of sadness and disconnection from others who may not understand their experience.
Challenges of Grieving During the Holidays * Expectations vs. Reality: Society often promotes a cheerful holiday spirit, which can clash with an individual's personal experience of grief, creating additional pressure. * Coping Mechanisms: Some individuals may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as overeating or withdrawing from social interactions, as they navigate their pain.
Strategies for Managing Grief * Acknowledge and Process: Gary emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's feelings rather than suppressing them. He introduces the acronym A.I.R.: + Acknowledge what you are feeling. + Identify how those feelings affect you. + Release those feelings through expression—be it talking, writing, or creating art. * Seek Support: Engaging with loved ones who can listen and provide comfort is crucial. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation. * Personalize Your Grief Journey: Recognize that everyone grieves differently. It's essential to find what works best for you, whether that's honoring memories in a new way or creating new traditions.
Conclusion Gary Roe's insights remind listeners that grief is a personal journey without a set timeline. He encourages individuals to embrace their feelings and seek support as they navigate through the complexities of loss, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. For more resources and support from Gary Roe, visit his website at GaryRoe.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Author and dementia advocate Tracy Cram Perkins joins this episode of Lighting the Path to share the heart and purpose behind her book, Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Inspired by a moving comment from her father, Tracy walks listeners through what it means to truly prepare for the dementia caregiving journey.
She explains the value of creating a "survivor's binder" with essential documents and advance care plans, helping families avoid confusion in times of crisis. Tracy also emphasizes that people living with dementia are still themselves, deserving of dignity, respect, and opportunities to share their insights.
Listeners will hear helpful ideas for caregiver self‑care, including Tracy's Daily D.O.S.E. method and how to use her Meltdown Trigger List, available at tracycramperkins.com, to prevent stressful moments before they start. This conversation reminds every caregiver that with preparation and compassion, it's possible to bring calm, comfort, and connection into dementia care.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode Jerry welcomes Tracy Cram Perkins, author of Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Tracy describes what it was like to be thrust into the role of caregiver—first for one loved one, and eventually for four family members living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, she shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments of grace that shaped her caregiving journey.
Tracy talks about the overwhelming early days of caregiving and the key resources that helped her begin to navigate this challenging role. She explains why patience and laughter became her most valuable lessons and how they allowed her to sustain both compassion and hope over time. For those struggling with the constant repetition of questions so common in dementia care, Tracy reveals her thoughtful method for reducing "question fatigue."
Listeners will walk away with Tracy's practical tips for new caregivers, reminders about self‑care and realistic expectations, and encouragement drawn from her own hard‑won insights. Her website, TracyCramPerkins.com, offers additional tools and resources—and anyone who subscribes to her newsletter will receive her free guide, 10 Steps to Calming Aggressive Dementia Behavior.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry sits down with Shari Ross, a senior living specialist and author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.. Shari brings years of experience helping families navigate the difficult — and often emotional — decisions about finding the right living environment for their senior loved ones.
Her book uses the acronym S.I.M.P.L.E. — Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting go, Engagement — as a practical framework for families facing this transition. Shari shares how this approach provides clarity and confidence during one of the most stressful times in a caregiver’s journey.
We discuss some of the most common challenges families face when searching for senior living options:
- Guilt when making housing decisions for a loved one.
- Panic when faced with an emergency or rushed move.
- Neglecting self-care while being a caregiver.
Shari also talks about the relief families feel once their loved one is safe, cared for, and thriving in the right community. Beyond the book, she provides affordable tools and resources through her Etsy store, Senior Living Shop, to help families get organized and feel prepared.
For more information, visit Shari’s website at seniorlivingmadesimple.com or order Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E. online wherever books are sold.
If you’re a caregiver or family member facing senior living decisions, this episode offers both practical strategies and much–needed encouragement.
In this episode Shari Ross breaks down the biggest myths and misconceptions about senior living, providing clarity and reassurance for families facing difficult choices. Drawing from her personal experiences helping her own parents and in-laws, Shari shares practical strategies—including how to approach honest conversations about advance directives and long-term wishes.
Shari tells the story of her father-in-law’s move to a senior living facility and explains how the transition improved his quality of life and reinforced the value of compassionate, informed care. She also discusses the crucial partnership between hospice and senior living communities, outlining how these services work together for residents’ comfort, along with the unique challenges and benefits of blending both approaches.
Learn more about her real-world advice and find additional resources at her website, www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com. She is also on Facebook.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this touching episode, guest Larry W. Robinson—renowned faith-based media personality and author of Sacred Steps, A Faith-Filled Journey Through Transition into Eternity—offers a deeply personal account of his mother’s final chapter and the powerful legacy she leaves behind. Larry shares how his mother’s journey led her to Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, a facility known for providing comfort, dignity, and spiritual support for patients and families facing life’s greatest challenge.
A central theme of the episode is Larry’s inspiration for writing Sacred Steps, envisioned as a spiritual resource for Christians seeking encouragement and deeper understanding of the process of “transitioning” from this life to eternity. Larry explains his intentional use of the word “transitioning,” emphasizing the sacredness of the moment when one crosses from earthly life into eternity—a perspective rooted in faith and reverence.
One of the most stirring moments in the conversation comes as Larry reflects on his mother’s last breath, describing it as a “holy moment”—sacred ground that transformed his grief into awe. His story is a moving reminder of the spiritual significance of end-of-life experiences and the enduring power of a legacy rooted in love and faith.
To find out more about Larry's books and media, visit his website at www.ceolarry.com
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Debbie Compton, caregiver advocate, author, and founder of The Purple Vine, joins Lighting the Path to share her story and expertise. In this episode, Debbie discusses how her experience as a caregiver sparked the creation of The Purple Vine and explains the meaningful inspiration behind its name. She highlights the resources available on her website, including her books about caregiving, coloring books for adults and children, online courses, and opportunities for caregivers to schedule one-on-one consultations. Debbie talks about the stress-relieving benefits of coloring books and how they support connection and creativity for both caregivers and care recipients. She also provides simple, practical tips for caregivers on how to ask for help with dignity.
- Learn more about Debbie’s offerings and support for caregivers at: thepurplevine.com
- Highlights include: caregiving books, coloring books, online courses, consultation sessions, and weekly tips for caregivers.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Compton—author, caregiving advocate, and the founder of The Purple Vine. Debbie brings compassion and hard-won wisdom from years spent caring for her father, her mother, and her mother-in-law.
Debbie opens up about the personal journey that led her to leave her job in order to become a full-time caregiver. Like many, she initially saw herself as simply "a daughter taking care of her parents," not realizing she was part of a much larger community of caregivers.
We discuss the emotional and practical challenges she faced, including the experience of caregiver burnout and the many lessons she wishes she had known before beginning her caregiving journey. Debbie shares how hospice care changed her family's story and urges listeners to consider its benefits sooner rather than later.
A chance encounter with a hospice nurse inspired Debbie to start The Purple Vine, a supportive resource for other caregivers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. She offers advice, encouragement, and tangible tips for those walking a similar path.
If you are a caregiver, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of caregiving, this episode is filled with empathy, honesty, and hope.
Topics Include:
- Debbie’s personal caregiving journey for three loved ones
- The decision to leave work and take on full-time caregiving
- Why so many people don’t ‘identify’ as caregivers
- The realities of caregiver burnout
- The comfort and relief hospice care brought her family
- Things Debbie wishes she had known at the beginning
- The inspiration behind The Purple Vine and its mission
- Advice for new caregivers
Resources:
- Learn more about Debbie and discover support for your caregiving journey at thepurplevine.com
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Episode Overview In this enlightening episode, Dr. Barry Jacobs shares his journey from clinical psychologist to widely-read AARP columnist and best-selling author. Dr. Jacobs discusses how he began collaborating with AARP and the path that led him to write a monthly column addressing the needs and struggles of caregivers across the country.
Together with his wife and co-author, Dr. Julie Mayer, Dr. Jacobs recently released The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, a comprehensive new resource designed to support and empower those caring for loved ones.
Key Topics Covered * Origins of the Collaboration: How Dr. Jacobs connected with AARP and became a regular contributor. * Inside The AARP Caregiver Answer Book: An overview of the practical guidance included in the book, including:
+ *Self care* strategies and why this chapter is the most extensive—caregivers need to care for themselves first to effectively care for others.
+ *Advance care planning* tools and conversations.
+ Managing *finances* and navigating financial stress.
+ Addressing *sibling issues* and family dynamics.
+ The process of handling *grief* and loss.
-
Addressing the Unspoken: Dr. Jacobs highlights key topics that are often underrepresented in caregiving literature:
- Feelings of anger, resentment, and emotional exhaustion.
- Relationship challenges between caregivers and care receivers.
- Practical advice for tackling tough conversations and setting boundaries.
Resources Mentioned * The AARP Caregiver Answer Book by Dr. Barry Jacobs & Dr. Julie Mayer * Dr. Barry Jacobs’ monthly AARP column (check the AARP site for recent articles)
Who Should Listen? * Family caregivers and those supporting loved ones * Healthcare professionals advising families * Anyone interested in the emotional and practical realities of caregiving
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Dr. Julia Mayer, a seasoned psychotherapist and co-author of the newly published The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, written with her husband, Dr. Barry Jacobs. Dr. Mayer brings her extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive look at the caregiving journey—from its challenging beginnings to its often-overlooked end.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Comprehensive Caregiving Guidance: Dr. Mayer shares insights from her book, which covers every stage of the caregiving experience, providing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers at all points in their journey.
- Life After Caregiving: Dr. Mayer emphasizes the importance of the chapters dedicated to what comes after caregiving ends. She encourages caregivers to recognize the difficulty of what they've accomplished and to give themselves credit for their dedication and hard work.
- Coping with Guilt and Regret: The conversation delves into the common feelings of guilt and regret that many caregivers experience after their responsibilities conclude. Dr. Mayer offers compassionate advice on processing these emotions and finding peace.
- Preparing for Caregiving: Dr. Mayer advocates for proactive preparation, urging listeners to plan for caregiving roles before they arise to minimize stress and uncertainty.
- Affirmation for Caregivers: Throughout the episode, Dr. Mayer reminds caregivers that their efforts matter deeply and that they deserve acknowledgment for the significant, often unrecognized, work they do.
Whether you are currently a caregiver, have been one in the past, or anticipate stepping into this role in the future, this episode provides validation, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement.
For more information:
www.loveandmeaning.com
www.aarp.org
The AARP Caregiver Answer Book
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, we welcome Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and acclaimed writer for AARP, known for his expertise on caregiving issues. Dr. Jacobs brings a unique perspective, blending his professional background with his deeply personal journey as a caregiver.
Join us as Dr. Jacobs opens up about the complexities of caregiving—sharing candid stories from his own experience, the emotional highs and lows, and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the rewards that come from caring for a loved one, but also the frustrations, guilt, and emotional fatigue that so many caregivers face. Dr. Jacobs emphasizes that, despite his years of professional work, nothing has shaped his understanding of caregiving as profoundly as living it himself.
Whether you are a caregiver, know someone who is, or want to better understand the realities behind caregiving, this episode offers heartfelt insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone walking this challenging path.
Key Topics:
- Dr. Jacobs’ personal caregiving story
- The emotional challenges: frustration, guilt, and burnout
- How personal experience reshaped his professional perspective
- Advice and encouragement for caregivers
Guest Bio: Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and author specializing in caregiving and family dynamics. He is a regular contributor to AARP and a leading voice on the complexities of caregiving in America.
For more information:
www.loveandmeaning.com
www.aarp.org
The AARP Caregiver Answer Book
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this insightful episode, Jerry sits down with Dr. Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s issues and caregiver support. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Mayer opens up about the unique challenges, emotional complexities, and unexpected rewards of caregiving.
The discussion includes,
- The emotional impact of becoming a caregiver unexpectedly
- Balancing personal well-being while supporting loved ones
- Navigating family dynamics and communication during times of crisis
- The importance of self-compassion and seeking support
Dr. Mayer also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming book, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (co-authored with Dr. Barry Jacobs), which will be published in July. She shares practical tips, resources, and encouragement for anyone walking the caregiving path.
Key Takeaways:
- Caregiving is both challenging and deeply rewarding
- Self-care and support systems are essential for caregivers
- Open communication can ease family tensions and foster understanding
- Every caregiving journey is unique, but no one has to go it alone
For more information:
www.loveandmeaning.com
www.aarp.org
The AARP Caregiver Answer Book
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we sit down with Shanna Briggs, Regional Manager for the Southeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Shanna shares a comprehensive look at the wide range of resources the Association offers to individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Key topics covered:
- Caregiver Support: Shanna highlights the importance of caregiver support groups, which offer a safe space to connect, share experiences, and find guidance. She also discusses the Association’s 24-hour caregiver helpline, available anytime for information and emotional support.
- Fundraising Initiatives: Learn about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Association’s signature fundraising event. Shanna explains how the funds raised support local programs, research, and advocacy efforts. Register for the Beaumont walk at act.alz.org/beaumont.
- Volunteering and Getting Involved: Discover the many ways you can make a difference, from volunteering at events to participating in outreach and education programs.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Shanna discusses the Association’s work in advocacy, raising awareness, and educating elected officials to improve support and resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
For more information about local and national resources, visit alz.org.
If you or someone you know needs support, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Shanna Briggs, the Southeast Texas Regional Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. Shanna opens up about her deeply personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. She shares the challenges and rewards of being a “sandwich caregiver,” balancing the responsibilities of raising her two daughters while supporting her father in caring for her mother.
Shanna discusses how caregiving became a family affair, involving her daughters in the process and fostering in them a passion for helping and caring for older adults. Her story highlights the importance of support, resilience, and love in the face of dementia, and offers practical insights for families navigating similar journeys.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What it means to be a “sandwich caregiver”
- How to involve children in caregiving in a positive way
- The emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia
To learn more...
Visit the Alzheimer's Association website at alz.org
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Jill Couch, a DAWN Dementia Care Specialist, Trainer, and Occupational Therapist, who brings years of expertise helping families and professionals navigate the challenges of dementia care. Jill explains how the DAWN Method offers a strength-based, person-centered approach that transforms the caregiving experience for both families and professionals.
The DAWN Method helps caregivers reduce their stress and find deeper meaning in their roles by focusing on the skills retained by people living with dementia, rather than what has been lost. Jill highlights how this approach not only improves the well-being of those with dementia but also empowers caregivers to feel more confident and less burdened.
The conversation also explores how the DAWN Method provides training for professional caregivers-whether in home care, assisted living, or healthcare settings-giving them practical tools to enhance their confidence, reduce workplace stress, and improve outcomes for their clients. Jill shares stories from her work with Better People Care and offers practical advice for anyone supporting a loved one or working professionally with dementia.
Key Topics Covered:
- What is the DAWN Method and how is it different from traditional dementia care?
- How strength-based, person-centered care can reduce caregiver stress and foster hope.
- The emotional and practical benefits for families and professional caregivers using the DAWN Method.
- Real-life examples of how DAWN training has improved care environments and caregiver satisfaction.
- How to access DAWN Method training and resources for families and professionals.
Resources Mentioned:
- The DAWN Method of dementia care
- Better People Care agency
- DAWN Method training and certification programs for families and professionals
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we sit down with Jill Couch, a dementia care specialist, DAWN Method trainer, and founder of Better People Care. Jill shares her personal journey into dementia care, sparked by her experiences as a caregiver for her father, who recently passed away after living with dementia for several years.
Jill opens up about the challenges and rewards of caring for a loved one with dementia, offering invaluable wisdom drawn from both her professional expertise and personal experience. She also addresses a critical issue many families face: what to do when a dementia patient doesn't meet criteria for hospice services. Jill provides practical advice and actionable tips to help caregivers navigate this difficult situation.
Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or simply looking to learn more about compassionate dementia care, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and empower you.
Learn more about Jill’s work at BetterPeopleCare.com.
In this episode, we welcome Carrie Aalberts, also known as The Dementia Darling, to discuss her work in gerontology and dementia care. Carrie, the founder of Dementia Darling, provides valuable resources, speaking engagements, and consulting services for both private and professional caregivers.
Episode Highlights: * Carrie shares her journey into gerontology and what inspired her to create Dementia Darling * A personal story that illustrates the rewarding aspects of caregiving for individuals with dementia * Candid discussion about the challenges and difficulties faced by dementia caregivers * Insights into the resources and support available through Dementia Darling * Tips for both private and professional caregivers working with dementia patients
Carrie Aalberts brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, with her Master of Science in Gerontology and over a decade of work in senior care and technology. Her dedication to supporting the dementia community, particularly through her social media presence as @dementiadarling, has made her a valuable resource for caregivers seeking guidance and support. To connect with Carrie, please view her webiste at dementiadarling.com. Carrie co-hosts the podcast "Gather Darlings" with Nicole Will, focusing on real, unfiltered conversations about caregiving. The podcast provides support, resources, and community for caregivers.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Carrie Aalberts, widely known as The Dementia Darling, to share her inspiring journey in the field of dementia care and support. Carrie shares her expertise, personal experiences, and the mission behind Dementia Darling, offering valuable insights for anyone touched by dementia care.
Carrie recounts her pre-teen experience of watching her grandmother battle dementia while being cared for by Carrie's father. This pivotal experience shaped her future, leading her to pursue both undergraduate and master's degrees in gerontology.
Carrie holds a Master of Science focused in Gerontology and has over a decade of experience in dementia care. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Through her platform, Dementia Darling, founded in 2019, Carrie provides a safe space for dementia caregivers, offering education, resources, and encouragement. Her mission is to enhance quality of life, encourage joy, and challenge the tragedy narrative around dementia and aging.
Carrie co-hosts the podcast "Gather Darlings" with Nicole Will, focusing on real, unfiltered conversations about caregiving. The podcast provides support, resources, and community for caregivers. For more information, you can visit Carrie's website at www.dementiadarling.com. Additionally, the episode mentions Lorenzo's House as a valuable resource for children with parents who have dementia.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we explore the world of hospice volunteering with Deanna Sonnier, the volunteer coordinator for Harbor Hospice of Beaumont. With 14 years of experience, Deanna shares valuable insights into the roles of hospice volunteers and the process of becoming one.
Key Points
-
Volunteer Roles: Hospice volunteers can contribute in various ways, including:
-
- Providing companionship to patients
- Offering caregiver relief
- Assisting with practical services and errands
- Supporting patients spiritually
- Helping with administrative tasks
- Becoming a Volunteer: The process typically involves:
- Completing an application
- Undergoing comprehensive training
- Flexible scheduling options
- Training Topics: Volunteers receive education on:
- Hospice philosophy and services
- Communication skills
- End-of-life care
- Grief support
Deanna shares a touching anecdote about hospice volunteers facilitating a special photo session for a husband and wife, highlighting the profound impact volunteers can have on patients and their families.
For those interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, contact Harbor Hospice at (855) 542-7267.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this powerful episode, we welcome Sheralin Samuels, a dedicated caregiver who shares her personal journey of caring for her mother with early-onset Alzheimer's. Sheralin opens up about the challenges of balancing her caregiving responsibilities with raising two young children, maintaining her marriage, and working full-time. She offers valuable insights into the unique difficulties of caring for someone with early-onset Alzheimer's and provides practical advice for other caregivers facing similar situations.
Sheralin discusses how she found support and resources through the Alzheimer's Association's support groups, which proved instrumental in her caregiving journey. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed, drawing from her own experiences of managing multiple roles.
As an extension of her caregiving experience, Sheralin has created a YouTube channel dedicated to offering resources and encouragement to fellow caregivers. She shares how this platform has become a way for her to connect with and support others in similar situations.
Throughout the episode, Sheralin provides practical tips for managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and maintaining quality of life for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer's. Her story is a testament to the resilience, love, and strength required in the caregiving journey.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Sheralin Samuels, a dedicated caregiver and medical professional, who shares her personal journey of caring for her mother diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Sheralin's story highlights the challenges of recognizing the disease at a young age and the profound impact it has on families.
- She reflects on how she and even some physicians were initially in denial about the possibility of Alzheimer's at such a young age—her mother was just 48 when symptoms began.
- Sheralin shares the difficulties in getting a diagnosis, as many healthcare professionals were hesitant to consider Alzheimer's due to her mother's age.
- She talks about the emotional struggle of coming to terms with the diagnosis and how it affected her family's dynamics.
- Sheralin shares valuable insights and advice for others who may be facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and seeking support.
- She concludes by highlighting the resilience and love that have sustained her family throughout this journey.
Sheralin has a YouTube channel dedicated to helping others understand early-onset Alzheimer's.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field:
- Hope Nelson, office coordinator in Oakdale, Louisiana
- Genevieve Himes, volunteer coordinator in Victoria, Texas
Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include:
- What drew them to work in hospice
- Memorable experiences that have shaped their work
- Challenges and rewards of the job
- Advice for those interested in pursuing hospice as a career
Whether you're a healthcare professional exploring new career paths or simply curious about the world of hospice, this episode provides an illuminating look at this vital area of healthcare from two of its most dedicated practitioners. For more information about careers at Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice, please visit the following link: Harbor Hospice Careers
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, grief specialist Gary Roe discusses how survivors can manage feelings of guilt after the death of a loved one. Roe explores the difference between guilt and regret and offers methods for finding forgiveness and reducing emotional baggage.
Guilt vs. Regret
Roe explains that while often used interchangeably, guilt and regret are distinct emotions:
- Guilt is the feeling we experience when we knowingly do something wrong, usually related to ethical, moral, or legal reasons. - Regret is the emotion we feel when looking back on past actions, realizing we could have handled situations differently.
Strategies for Managing Guilt and Regret
Roe shares several strategies for managing these difficult emotions:
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Release these feelings through talking, writing, or creative expression
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Seek support: Talk to someone who listens well and loves you[3].
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Practice self-compassion: Remember that you're doing the best you can with the information you had at the time.
Reducing Emotional Baggage
To lighten the load of guilt and regret, Roe suggests:
- Accepting that you can't change the past: Focus on what you can control in the present. - Practicing forgiveness: Both for yourself and others involved in the situation. - Honoring the deceased: Find ways to celebrate their memory and continue their legacy. - Seeking professional help: If guilt or regret persist, consider talking to a grief counselor or therapist.
You can visit Gary's website for free resources and contact information at www.garyroe.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome grief specialist Gary Roe, author of several books on grief, to discuss how loss impacts relationships. Gary shares insights from his extensive experience and personal journey with grief. This episode offers valuable insights for those navigating grief and its effects on past, present, and future relationships. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the grieving process and learn strategies for maintaining and rebuilding connections during difficult times.
The Impact of Grief on Relationships
--Grief profoundly affects relationships in various ways:
- Changes in relationship dynamics: Grief can alter the nature of connections with friends, family, and partners. - Communication challenges: The overwhelming emotions of grief can make it difficult to express feelings and thoughts. - Emotional rollercoaster: Grieving individuals may experience a range of emotions, including anger, which can strain relationships.
--The Five Stages of Grief and Their Effects on Relationships
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Denial: This initial stage can lead to disbelief and numbness, potentially causing withdrawal from loved ones.
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Anger: Grieving individuals may lash out at those closest to them, creating conflict and misunderstandings.
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Bargaining: This stage might involve attempts to restore or rebuild relationships, which can be challenging.
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Depression: Isolation and loneliness may occur, impacting social connections.
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Acceptance: Gradually, individuals come to terms with their loss and may be ready to open up to new experiences and relationships.
For more information, visit GaryRoe.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist Gary Roe, the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode:
Why Grief Intensifies During the Holidays * Emotional Triggers: The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who have passed. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of absence. * Isolation: Many people feel alone in their grief during this time, leading to feelings of sadness and disconnection from others who may not understand their experience.
Challenges of Grieving During the Holidays * Expectations vs. Reality: Society often promotes a cheerful holiday spirit, which can clash with an individual's personal experience of grief, creating additional pressure. * Coping Mechanisms: Some individuals may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as overeating or withdrawing from social interactions, as they navigate their pain.
Strategies for Managing Grief * Acknowledge and Process: Gary emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings rather than suppressing them. He introduces the acronym A.I.R.: + Acknowledge what you are feeling. + Identify how those feelings affect you. + Release those feelings through expression—be it talking, writing, or creating art. * Seek Support: Engaging with loved ones who can listen and provide comfort is crucial. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation. * Personalize Your Grief Journey: Recognize that everyone grieves differently. It’s essential to find what works best for you, whether that’s honoring memories in a new way or creating new traditions.
Conclusion Gary Roe's insights remind listeners that grief is a personal journey without a set timeline. He encourages individuals to embrace their feelings and seek support as they navigate through the complexities of loss, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. For more resources and support from Gary Roe, visit his website at GaryRoe.com.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field:
- Dina Stepan, receptionist
- Carey Davis, social worker
Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include:
- What drew them to work in hospice
- Memorable experiences that have shaped their work
- Challenges and rewards of the job
- Advice for those interested in pursuing hospice as a career
Whether you're a healthcare professional exploring new career paths or simply curious about the world of hospice, this episode provides an illuminating look at this vital area of healthcare from two of its most dedicated practitioners.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
As the holiday season approaches, many individuals find themselves grappling with grief and sadness rather than experiencing the traditional joy and cheer. The holidays, typically a time for family gatherings, can feel particularly heavy when a significant family member is no longer present. In this replay episode, Polly Stock, the Bereavement Coordinator at Harbor Hospice of Missouri, offers valuable insights on navigating grief during this challenging time of year.
In this episode, Polly shares some of her favorite resources, including the following books that you can find by following the links below.
- Healing Your Holiday Grief by Alan Wolfelt
- Surviving the Holidays Without You by Gary Roe
- The Empty Chair by Robert DeVries
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, host Jerry Fenter interviews Susanne White, founder of Caregiver Warrior. As a family caregiver with personal experience, Susanne has created an organization dedicated to supporting the family caregiver. Tune in for invaluable insights and encouragement for caregivers everywhere!
Episode Highlights: * Inspiration for Caregiver Warrior: Susanne shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her parents and the motivation behind starting the organization.
- Resources for Caregivers: An overview of the helpful tools and support available on the Caregiver Warrior website.
- Meaning of "Caregiver Warrior": The significance of the name, honoring her father's service as a bombadier pilot in World War II.
- Discussion of "Self-Care for Caregivers": Insights from her book, emphasizing the importance of self-care amidst caregiving responsibilities.
You can find the resources of Caregiver Warrior on their website. Susanne and her "weapon of the day" for caregivers on X (Twitter) can be found here. You can connect with Susanne on LinkedIn here. To purchase her book on Amazon or buy it on Audible you can go to Amazon here.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Susanne White, who dedicated a decade to caring for her family members, including four years for both of her parents, who passed away just seven weeks apart. Susanne opens up about her transformative caregiving journey, sharing invaluable lessons learned along the way. She hopes to empower fellow caregivers, offering hope and guidance drawn from her own experiences. Tune in to discover how you can navigate the challenges of caregiving with resilience and grace.
Episode Highlights: * Susanne reveals the unexpected way became her parents caregiver * The lessons she learned about herself through her experience as a caregiver * The need to step away from shame and guilt * Planning self care activities as a caregiver * How she dealt with competing demands while caregiving
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field:
- Shannon Britan, RN Case Manager
- Erica Sanchez, RN Case Manager
Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include:
- What drew them to work in hospice
- How to overcome the myths of hospice
- Challenges and rewards of the job
- Advice for those interested in pursuing hospice as a career
- Memorable experiences that have shaped their work
Whether you're a healthcare professional exploring new career paths or simply curious about the world of hospice, this episode provides an illuminating look at this vital area of healthcare from two of its most dedicated practitioners.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field:
- Shawna Sibley, Hospice Administrator
- Graham Paterson, Hospice Spiritual Counselor
Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include:
- What drew them to work in hospice
- Key skills and qualities needed to thrive in hospice care
- Challenges and rewards of the job
- Advice for those interested in pursuing hospice as a career
- How their roles as administrator and spiritual counselor complement each other
- Memorable experiences that have shaped their work
Whether you're a healthcare professional exploring new career paths or simply curious about the world of hospice, this episode provides an illuminating look at this vital area of healthcare from two of its most dedicated practitioners.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we welcome Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughterhood: The Podcast for Caregivers and a recognized advocate for aging. Rosanne shares the inspiring story behind Daughterhood, a vital resource for caregivers, and discusses how her personal caregiving experience was helped by this supportive community.
Rosanne brings her wealth of experience and compassionate approach to caregiving, offering listeners valuable insights and strategies for managing the complex world of care. Whether you're a current caregiver or anticipating this role in the future, this episode provides essential information and inspiration for your caregiving journey.
Episode Highlights: * The origins and mission of Daughterhood * How Daughterhood provides support, resources, and a sense of community for caregivers * The creation and impact of Daughterhood: The Podcast for Caregivers * Rosanne's role as a Daughterhood Circle Leader since 2019 * Her recognition as one of Next Avenue's 2024 Advocates for Aging * The importance of authentic conversations and expert insights in navigating caregiving challenges
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode of Lighting the Path, Rosanne Corcoran shares her transformative journey through 12 years of caregiving for her mother with dementia. Rosanne discusses the emotional and practical challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and the importance of community and support for caregivers. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of caregiving, including strategies for self-care and coping mechanisms.
Join us in this heartfelt discussion and find the support you need on your caregiving journey.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: * Daughterhood Website: For more information, support, and community resources for caregivers, visit Daughterhood. * Judy Cornish and the DAWN Method: Learn about the DAWN Method of dementia caregiving, which focuses on person-centered care and understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia. Visit Judy Cornish's website for more resources.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we explore the vital role of caregiver support groups in helping family caregivers manage the multifaceted stresses of caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. Our guest, John Wayland, a spiritual counselor and facilitator for a caregiver support group at Harbor Hospice, shares his insights and experiences on the practical benefits of these groups.
Key Discussion Points:
- Introduction to Caregiver Support Groups:
- Definition and purpose of caregiver support groups.
- Overview of the types of support provided: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
- Guest Introduction:
- Background of John Wayland.
- His role as a spiritual counselor and facilitator at Harbor Hospice.
- Practical Benefits of Support Groups:
- How support groups help caregivers handle stress and prevent burnout.
- The importance of sharing experiences and learning from others in similar situations.
- Practical tips and knowledge shared in these groups that make caregiving easier.
- Emotional and Spiritual Support:
- The role of emotional support in maintaining caregiver well-being.
- Spiritual support and its impact on coping with the challenges of caregiving.
- Encouragement and Community Building:
- Stories of encouragement and support from fellow group members.
- Building a community and sense of belonging among caregivers.
- Facilitation and Participation:
- John’s approach to facilitating the group sessions.
- How participants can join and what to expect in a typical session.
Resources and Links:
- For more information about Harbor Hospice or Beacon Hospice support groups, visit their website at www.harborhospice.com or www.beacon.life.
- Current caregiver support groups are being offered at Harbor Hospice of Lufkin, Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles, Harbor Hospice of Gulf Coast (Rockport), and Harbor Hospice of East Kansas City (Independence, MO).
Call to Action:
- If you are a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, consider joining a support group. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to local resources or online support groups to find the help and community you need.
Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about how caregiver support groups can make a significant difference in your caregiving journey.
Jennifer O'Brien, author of The Hospice Doctor's Widow, joins us to discuss her experiences and resources for caregivers and those facing end-of-life situations.
Key points from the interview:
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Jennifer created "Precious Time," a resource to help healthcare professionals communicate effectively about end-of-life situations.
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She discusses the concept of the "triad of certainty".
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Jennifer's website (www.hospicedrswidow.com) offers several valuable resources for caregivers, including: - A guide to better sleep - A griever's guide to major days - The "At Peace Toolkit" - a step-by-step guide for end-of-life preparation and discussions
Additional resources mentioned: - A free download of five art journaling prompts - A comprehensive position description for family caregivers
Jennifer's book, The Hospice Doctor's Widow, is a beautiful, artistic journal exploring the caregiver's journey through dying and grief.
Connect with Jennifer:
- Visit her website: hospicedoctorswidow.com
- Follow her on social media for more insights and updates.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Jennifer O'Brien, author of "The Hospice Doctor's Widow," returns to discuss her free "At Peace Toolkit" in this episode. This essential resource, available at hospicedrswidow.com, guides individuals through simple yet crucial steps for end-of-life planning.
The At Peace Toolkit offers:
- A streamlined approach to end-of-life preparations - Potential life-saving measures for individuals - Strategies to alleviate family stress and complications after death
O'Brien, drawing from her personal experience as a caregiver and widow of a hospice physician, designed this toolkit to empower people in making informed decisions about their end-of-life care. The episode explores how this free, downloadable resource can help listeners:
- Navigate difficult conversations about death and dying - Organize important documents and information - Communicate end-of-life wishes effectively
By discussing the At Peace Toolkit, this episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to proactively address end-of-life planning, ensuring peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Connect with Jennifer:
- Visit her website: hospicedoctorswidow.com
- Follow her on social media for more insights and updates.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In this episode, we delve into the poignant and insightful journey chronicled in Jennifer A. O’Brien’s book, The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal. Jennifer shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her husband, Bob, a hospice and palliative care physician diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and emotional landscape faced by caregivers.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Jennifer's Caregiving Journey: Learn about Jennifer’s transition from wife to caregiver and how she coped with the anticipatory grief and eventual loss of her husband.
- Art and Healing: Discover how Jennifer used digital art and journaling as a form of self-care and emotional expression during her caregiving journey.
- Advice for Caregivers: Practical tips and advice for those currently in caregiving roles, including how to navigate the emotional and physical demands.
- Understanding Grief: Insights into the different processes experienced by patients and caregivers, and how to honor and live through grief.
Connect with Jennifer:
- Visit her website: hospicedoctorswidow.com
- Follow her on social media for more insights and updates.
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:
- Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
- For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
- For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
- For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
- Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Rev. Dr. Rodney Bolejack emphasizes that "Companioning" is a crucial quality for hospice professionals. In this episode, he outlines the key principles necessary to be a truly supportive companion for someone nearing the end of life, highlighting that it involves more than just physical presence. Personal caregivers and hospice professionals alike can gain valuable insights into how to provide the compassionate companionship that individuals need during their final moments.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Learning and growing as a professional is important in any field, including hospice and palliative care. In this episode Rev. Dr. Rodney Bolejack shares the messages he presented to a conference of hospice chaplains for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice. Rodney has been working in hospice for over 30 years and has spent many of those years teaching and training others. Whether you are new to hospice or are a seasoned veteran, hospice conferences are a valuable resource for growth and learning as a professional.
To learn more about the Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Organization and their chaplains' conference, please visit txnmhospice.org
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Elizabeth Uslander is a medical social worker and the spiritual director of Empowered Endings. Elizabeth has also been a bereavement counselor using the concept of "transformational grief" to aid individuals who have experienced losses and help them discover ways of finding meaning. In this episode she will dive deep into this important concept of transformational grief.
To learn more about Elizabeth Uslander and Empowered Endings you can visit their website at Empowered Endings. You can also connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Elizabeth Uslander is a medical social worker and a spiritual counselor, and the co-founder of Empowered Endings with her husband, Dr. Bob Uslander. In this episode Elizabeth shares how spirituality and spiritual practices can be medicine for the soul. She believes this is especially true for someone at the end of life. She also discusses how spiritual counselors can provide care for a population of people with very diverse belief systems.
To learn more about Elizabeth Uslander and Empowered Endings you can visit their website at Empowered Endings. You can also connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In the current culture, conversations about death are often avoided, but Dr. Bob Uslander shines a light on the importance of embracing these discussions with openness and empathy. As the founder of Empowered Endings and a physician of 30 years specializing in end-of-life care, Dr. Uslander brings a wealth of experience and wisdom about how to make these difficult conversations easier.
To learn more about Dr. Bob Uslander and Empowered Endings you can visit their website at Empowered Endings. You can also connect with Dr. Uslander on LinkedIn.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Navigating the complexities of end-of-life decisions can be daunting. In this episode Dr. Bob Uslander will shed light on the importance of proactive planning and how it can empower individuals and families during the critical moments at end of life. Dr. Uslander brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to the podcast, with over 30 years of experience in emergency, palliative, and end of life medicine.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
To learn more about Dr. Bob Uslander and Empowered Endings you can visit their website at Empowered Endings. You can also connect with Dr. Uslander on LinkedIn.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Since 2005, the Harbor Foundation has been assisting hospice patients and their families through hardship grants. These grants cover essential expenses such as electricity bills, appliances, and rent, all aimed at ensuring the comfort of hospice patients. The Harbor Foundation is expanding its support by offering scholarships to nursing students and high school seniors. Tune into this episode to hear Harbor Foundation's Executive Director, Brenna Rodriguez, share more about the Harbor Foundation's vital role in providing critical services to families and communities.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Despite the fact that most end of life professionals work with people who are nearing death, it's sometimes uncomfortable for them to discuss death and dying with the patient or family. Lisa Pahl is a hospice social worker and understands the challenge of uncomfortable conversations, so she and her creative partner, Lori LoCicero, created a spinoff game from the Death Deck called the E-O-L Deck. In this episode Lisa explains how the E-O-L Deck can be used by healthcare professionals (and families) to facilitate meaningful conversations.
To learn more about The E-O-L Deck and The Death Deck, please visit thedeathdeck.com.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Most of us are uncomfortable talking about death, whether it's our death or the death of someone we love. Death will eventually affect everyone, however, and it's better to be prepared for it. If you have difficulty having a conversation with the people you are close to about your end of life wishes, there's a game that can help make it easier. The Death Deck was developed by a hospice social worker and the wife of a hospice patient. Social worker Lisa Pahl, shares how they created the game and how it can be used to have conversations about death that are fun and enlightening.
To learn more about The Death Deck, please visit thedeathdeck.com.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Hospice does more than just provide care to a person who is facing the end of their life, we also help those who are close to this person, both before and after the person’s death. Hospice is also there to provide grief support, through grief counseling and grief therapy. In fact, most hospices will provide some level of grief support for up to a year following the person’s death.
Rosalind Hall-Hiner, System Director of Social Work for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice, explains the benefits of grief counseling and grief therapy provided by hospice.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
One of the priorities of every hospice team member is to help prepare the patient and family for whatever might happen in the future. We want them to be as prepared as possible, and one of the ways we do that is by helping them to create advance care planning documents.
To provide information and assistance about how to create advance care plans is Rosalind Hall-Hiner, the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Maryclaire Torinus is a hospice chaplain serving in her home state of Wisconsin. She is our first external guest on Lighting the Path. As a professional hospice provider Maryclaire experienced a very personal grief event when her husband died. Maryclaire shares how this experience affected her as a hospice professional.
Our thanks to Maryclaire for sharing her very personal story with you.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Caregivers are the backbone of the care that’s provided for a hospice patient. Many of them are family members who are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can be exhausting.
On this episode Rosalind Hall-Hiner, the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice, is providing some practical tips and strategies for self care.
If you’re a caregiver, we would encourage you to prioritize self care. How you care for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. We would invite you to share your caregiving experiences and self care strategies with us. Send me an email at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
The holiday season is loaded with hopes and dreams and expectations. For those who are providing care for someone on hospice the holidays can be difficult to manage. Rosalind Hall-Hiner is the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice. In this episode she shares ways that caregivers can avoid the depression that often comes with the holiday season.
If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In part two of our series on the most common hospice diagnoses, Hannah Brightwell, clinical liaison with Harbor Hospice explains about the characteristics and hospice criteria for cancer diagnoses and lung diseases. In part one she explained the hospice criteria for neurological and cardiac diseases.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
In the early days of hospice care in the United States, cancer was the main reason someone might be admitted to hospice. Now, 50 plus years later, cancer is the third most common diagnosis in hospice. The most common group of diagnoses today are neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's, followed by heart disease.
Hannah Brightwell is a clinical liaison with Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas and she will explain the characteristics and criteria that are considered before someone is admitted to hospice. In this episode she covers Alzheimer's and dementia diagnoses.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
November is almost here and that means the holidays are right around the corner. For many people the holidays are not a season of joy and cheer, but a time of grief and sadness. Holidays are times when families come together and the death of an important person in the family can make holidays feel heavy. In this episode, Polly Stock, Bereavement Coordinator with Harbor Hospice of Missouri, shares tips on how to manage grief during the holidays.
In this episode, Polly shares some of her favorite resources, including the following books that you can find by following the links below.
- Healing Your Holiday Grief by Alan Wolfelt
- Surviving the Holidays Without You by Gary Roe
- The Empty Chair by Robert DeVries
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Grief and loss are experiences that are never easy to navigate. The emotions are like waves on the ocean--just when you think the waters are finally calm, another wave hits you. Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice are here to help you navigate the sometimes choppy waters of grief and bereavement. Bereavement support groups are one of the services that Harbor and Beacon offer to help families navigate their grief journey. Polly Stock is a bereavement coordinator with Harbor Hospice of Missouri, and she shares how support groups can provide a transforming experience for those who attend. If you would like to know more about our bereavement services and find helpful tips and resources, please visit our bereavement page at this link.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
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October is Clergy Appreciation Month and we want to recognize these remarkable individuals who provide spiritual care to patients and their families in hospice. They come from various faith backgrounds and are well-trained in offering support to individuals from diverse belief systems. Our guest is spiritual counselor Polly Stock from Harbor Hospice of Missouri. Polly shares the training and motivation that brought her to work as a hospice chaplain, and shares stories of her journey as a chaplain--stories of heartbreak and humor, love and grace. Harbor and Beacon would like to recognize all of the 70+ spiritual counselors who provide spiritual care to patients and families.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Being a caregiver for someone on hospice is one of the most critical roles on the hospice team. If you're a caregiver, you are with the patient more than anyone else, sometimes 24 hours a day. It can be challenging and difficult to manage the many aspects of care for this person. In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry provides 7 tips to help make the caregiving experience easier and better.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
One of the most difficult and emotionally charged decisions a person can make is related to a Do Not Resuscitate order. The Do Not Resuscitate order is an advance care planning document that allows a person to die a natural death without any medical interventions, such as CPR, intubation, or any other mechanical devices. In this episode, Hannah Brightwell, RN shares the who, what, when, and why related to a DNR order for someone on hospice.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
One of the many valuable benefits of hospice care are the 4 levels of care provided, depending on what each patient may need. In this episode information is shared about the 2 most widely used levels of care, Routine Home Care and General Inpatient. This episode focuses on Inpatient Hospice Care and how it can improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Our thanks to Amy Killman, Community Education Coordinator with Harbor Hospice of Beaumont, for sharing her expertise on this subject.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Karen Ferguson is the Director of Volunteer Services for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice. In this episode she describes the many ways that hospice volunteers bring helpp and hope to patients and families.
Hospice volunteers play a vital and compassionate role in providing invaluable support and care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. These dedicated volunteers offer a range of essential services, encompassing emotional companionship, respite care, and practical assistance. With unwavering empathy and understanding, they lend a listening ear, offer comfort, and create a nurturing environment that helps patients navigate their end-of-life journey with dignity and respect. Whether engaging in meaningful conversations, helping with daily tasks, or simply offering a comforting presence, hospice volunteers contribute to enhancing the quality of life for those in need during their most vulnerable moments, fostering an atmosphere of solace, and ensuring that each person's final chapter is filled with love and support.
For more information about how to volunteer with Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about how to volunteer with Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
One of the members of the hospice team that has more patient contact than any other team member is the Nurse Aide or CNA. The work of the CNA is to help the patient with personal care needs so they feel clean and comfortable. The guest on this episode is Lee Johnson, a CNA with Harbor Hospice of Gulf Coast. She shares the many ways that a CNA goes above and beyond to make sure each hospice patient receives clean and comfortable care with dignity and respect.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Military veterans have unique needs when they come to the end of life. We Honor Veterans is a specialized program that provides training and education for hospice professionals who care for veterans. Through this unique program, veterans receive the honor and recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they made for our country. This episode explains how Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice use the We Honor Veterans program to care for the military veterans we serve. For more information about Harbor Home Health, please visit HarborHH.com
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Hospice care and home health care are not the same. There are some major differences between these two healthcare services. In this episode, Brenna Rodriguez explains the differences and also the ways home health and palliative care can work together for the benefit of the patient.
For more information about Harbor Home Health, please visit HarborHH.com
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
"All hospice is palliative care, but not all palliative care is hospice." If that sounds confusing then this episode with Brenna Rodriguez will provide the guidance you need to understand the differences between hospice care and palliative care. Brenna is the Vice President of Operations with Harbor Healthcare System and has been instrumental in helping launch the HarborCare and BeaconCare palliative care services. In this episode she will explain how palliative care and hospice care are different, as well as the ways palliative care can fill the gap in today's healthcare system. Share this episode with friends or family who are struggling with a chronic or serious illness to learn more about the many benefits of palliative care.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Changes and transitions are never easy and a person's first day on hospice care can be scary and challenging. With kindness and consideration for the patient and the family, Kathleen Flanigan, RN, explains in this episode what will happen the first day a person is on hospice. A great deal of education is provided by the hospice team, in order to mitigate any fears that the person or the family may have about the first day on hospice.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
When it comes to creating a positive hospice experience, communication and education are extremely important qualities for the hospice team to practice. In this episode, Kathleen Flanigan RN, explains the importance of hospice teams providing education to the patients and families receiving hospice care. Kathleen has been working in hospice for over 20 years and is now the Director of Nursing Orientation for Harbor Healthcare System.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
National Nurses Week is May 6-12, 2023 and it seemed the appropriate time to celebrate the compassion and professionalism of the nurses who work in the field of hospice. Kathleen Flannigan is the clincal educator for Harbor Healthcare System and has been working in hospice for over 20 years. In this episode, she joins host Jerry Fenter to celebrate the many individuals who have made hospice nursing their career.
To all the nurses who work in hospice we want to say thank you for the compassionate spirit that you bring to your work every day, and for caring with such genuine kindness.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
It's common for people to be concerned about the costs of healthcare. However, hospice care is generally paid for 100 percent by the Hospice Medicare Benefit. In this episode, Brenna Rodriguez shares the details of how hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.
The Harbor Foundation 11th Annual Butterfly Release is being held on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas. This family-friendly event often draws over 2000 people for free food, free activitites for children and adults, and an opportunity to participate in a spectacular butterfly release.
To pre-order your individual butterfly, visit www.harborfoundation.com/events. Butterflies are $10 per butterfly. T-shirts can also be pre-ordered online at the same website for $20 each. For current updates, please visit our Harbor Foundation Facebook page.
The address for Ford Park is 5115 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, Texas.
There's a great deal of misunderstanding about the role of the social worker in hospice, so in this episode Rosalind Hall-Hiner, the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Healthcare System, and Raymond Turner, the Regional Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice in Houston, Texas explain the many critical functions performed by hospice social workers.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
March is National Social Work Month and at Harbor Healthcare we value the work of our social workers. Rosalind Hall-Hiner is the System Director of Social Workers and Raymond Turner is the Regional Director of Social Workers in Houston, Texas. Rosalind and Raymond joined Jerry to discuss the important work that social workers do and the education that's necessary to provide the best care for patients and families.
For more information about social work, please visit socialworkers.org.
Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com.
For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life.
For more information about HarborCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
A person with a life-limiting illness may express fear or anxiety related to possible symptoms at the end of life. "Will I experience uncontrollable pain?" "Will I feel like I'm suffocating?" These fears, and others, are the reasons why hospice care is so crucial at the end of life. In this episode, Sabina Diebel, RN, will explain the many ways hospice can manage a person's symptoms at the end of life, through the use of medications as well as spiritual and emotional care provided by the social workers and chaplains.
For more information, please visit our websites at Harbor Hospice, Beacon Hospice, or HarborCare Palliative Care.
Choosing a hospice agency for yourself or a loved one can be challenging and overwhelming. In this episode you will learn what should be considered when selecting a hospice agency that will provide quality care that meets your expectations.
To learn more visit www.harborhospice.com. www.beacon.life, www.myharborcare.com
For the Hospice Compare website mentioned in this episode, you can go to Care Compare-Hospice.
For questions or comments, please write to Jerry Fenter at jfenter@harborhcs.com, or Brenna Rodriguez at brodriguez@harborhcs.com.
There's a misunderstanding about stopping and starting medications when a patient is on hospice. Many times the hospice physician or nurse will deprescribe medications that are no longer effective and will start certain medications to help control the patient's symptoms.
In this episode, hospice nurse practitioner Crissy Kicak explains the reasons why certain medications are stopped (called deprescribing) and other medications are started. Crissy is the Director of Clinical Affairs with Harbor Healthcare System.
To learn more about hospice, please visit any of our websites:
For our hospice locations in Detroit, Michigan, San Antonio, Texas and Austin, Texas please visit beacon.life.
For all of our other hospice locations, please visit harborhospice.com.
To learn more about our community-based palliative care services, HarborCare, please visit MyHarborCare.com.
Thanks for listening to the podcast and please leave us a rating or review. For questions or comments, please send an email to jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Welcome to the introductory episode of the Lighting the Path podcast. Jerry Fenter and Brenna Rodriguez introduce you to the mission and purpose of the podcast and provide some basic information about hospice and palliative care. Brenna Rodriguez is the Vice President of Operations for Harbor Healthcare System and Jerry Fenter is the System Director of Spiritual Counselors for Harbor Hospice, Beacon Hospice, and HarborCare Palliative Care Services.
To learn more, please visit our websites at harborhospice.com, beacon.life, and myharborcare.com
Some people believe that choosing hospice means "giving up." What many people discover is that hospice gives them a better quality of life. In this "Facts and Fears" series we're looking at the many myths and misconceptions that people have about hospice and end of life care.
In this episode, Jerry talks with administrator and hospice RN, Sabina Diebel about the many ways that hospice can improve a person's quality of life before their journey ends.
To learn more about hospice, please visit any of our websites:
For our hospice locations in Detroit, Michigan, San Antonio, Texas and Austin, Texas please visit beacon.life.
For all of our other hospice locations, please visit harborhospice.com.
To learn more about our community-based palliative care services, HarborCare, please visit MyHarborCare.com.
Thanks for listening to the podcast and please leave us a rating or review. For questions or comments, please send an email to jfenter@harborhcs.com.
Welcome to Lighting the Path. This podcast is designed to provide honest, clear, unbiased informaiton about hospice and palliative care. You will hear from experienced providers that have worked in hospice and palliative care for many years.
In this introductory episode you'll learn about a few of the topics and subjects that will be covered by our host, Jerry Fenter and his guest, Brenna Rodriguez. Most of all, you'll discover that the myths that you often hear about hospice are not true, and you'll hear the truth about hospice from those who have experienced hospice as providers and from personal experience.
Lighting the Path is here as a guide to help anyone with a life-limiting illness have a better end of life experience. Our goal is to provide you with honest, clear, and unbiased information about hospice and palliative care.