December 6 to 12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) which highlights the importance of getting the flu vaccination. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness brought on by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and even the lungs in some cases. Causing…
Changes naturally occur throughout the seasons. From summer and hot weather to the colder holiday time peppered with family gatherings, the seasons can indeed have a major effect on your loved one’s life, particularly as it pertains to home health care…
U.S. Antibiotic Week is November 18 to 24, an annual observance highlighting the steps everyone should take to improve antibiotic prescriptions and use. Antibiotics can indeed save lives and are vital tools for treating many common and serious infections, such…
You may assume the debilitating sorrow of loss can’t set in until your loved one actually dies, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Especially when someone you love has been in hospice in Santa Clara and elsewhere for…
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, designated by President Ronald Reagan back in 1983. At that time, fewer than two million Americans suffered from Alzheimer’s; today, that number has increased to nearly 5.4 million. November also happens to be…
Veterans Day is coming up on November 11, which pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but particularly gives thanks to living veterans who have served their country honorably during war or peace time. Veterans Day takes place on November…
Pain in the bones and joints is common in the final stages of life, especially if the patient suffers from bone cancer or osteoporosis. Just lying in bed for prolonged periods of time can cause pressure on the bones and…
If you have recently lost a loved one in Alameda County and elsewhere, but you’re feeling empty inside, you may wonder: is it possible (or even healthy) to not grieve? Well, like everything else about grief, it’s complicated. There’s something…
Saturday, October 10 marks World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, with this year’s theme being Palliative Care: it’s “My Care, My Comfort.” This day of action was created to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care globally. We thought it…
It’s very likely, yes. October is National Depression Education & Awareness Month, an annual designation observed to raise awareness of the signs of depression and how people can get the help they need. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance say…