Time off from caregiving is precious. But after a break, many family caregivers find they don’t feel as refreshed as they hoped they would.

New research provides insights about how to get the most from a respite break.

Common respite mistakes

- Unplanned time. It may sound good to “have no plans.” But that can backfire if you end up simply watching TV. You may feel you “wasted” your time.

- Routine tasks. Doubtless, there are chores and tasks to be done. If completing a task will genuinely feel satisfying, great. But you may feel cheated if you use your respite to do “more of the same.”

- Obligations. Watch out for self-imposed “shoulds.” Such as, “I should go see my niece in that play.” If theater is not your thing, you’ll end up frustrated instead of rejuvenated.

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For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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In addition to providing hospice care, your gifts support needed programs available to our entire community. Most of these programs are available at no cost to anyone in the community. Your contributions support these programs, including:

- Grief counseling to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one

- Advance Care Planning so that end-of-life care choices will be known and legally documented

- Residential hospice care at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for those who cannot be cared for in their own residence

- Education of healthcare professionals in the important areas of end-of-life care and pain or symptom control

- Complementary therapies designed to help patients and families experience the best possible quality of life

For more information on contributing to Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, please contact one of the following staff members at 336-768-3972 or 1-888-876-3663.

For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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Depression is common in older adults living with a serious illness.
It’s long been known that brisk exercise can help reduce depression. Perhaps as a result of an “endorphin high” or changes in other brain chemicals.

But the exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous, according to new research. Even mild exercise can help combat disease-related depression. This is good news for people who are ill or disabled. Researchers have found that

- completing an exercise task yields a sense of achievement
- achievement boosts our sense of personal power
- increased self-confidence reduces feelings of depression and fatigue

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For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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One of every three older women is dealing with urinary incontinence. And one of every six older men. If your loved one has this problem, he or she is likely not talking about it. Not talking to you. Not talking to the doctor.

She may be embarrassed. Or he may assume nothing can be done.

In fact, urinary incontinence is a medical problem with many treatment options. Untreated, urinary incontinence is associated with

• social isolation. Fear of accidents often leads to withdrawal from activities outside the home.

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For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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