Everyone wants to think that they'll have a little more time with their aging family members. It's hard to think about losing someone you love, so a lot of families tend to put off talking about end-of-life care. Having an open and honest conversation with your loved one about their wishes for care is important, and having that conversation early is imperative to providing them with the best quality of life.

In-home primary care is for anyone homebound with a serious injury or illness, regardless of age or prognosis. It’s a personalized experience, in the comfort of one’s own home. This type of care focuses on managing symptoms and providing treatment to promote a better quality of life. In-home primary care is offered by Hospice of Southwest Ohio’s partner organization, CareBridge Primary and Palliative Care.

As an older adult, or as an adult child or caregiver of one, it can be overwhelming to know what senior living and healthcare options exist and where to begin when looking into them. The good news is that there are experts who can help you and your family navigate the major life decisions that need to be made as you age.

Many people think of hospice as a physical building you go to when you are nearing the end of your life. But hospice is not a place, even though there are hospice care centers around the country that specialize in end-of-life care. Hospice care most often takes place in the home or in a place that is currently home, such as an assisted living facility, skilled nursing center or long-term care community. While hospice care is typically reserved for the last six months of life, it can extend beyond that timeframe. Rather than a cure, hospice focuses on comfort and improving the quality of life.

There are likely multiple options available to you when it’s time to choose a hospice provider. It can sometimes be an overwhelming choice to make and one that should not be taken lightly. Doing research beforehand can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are ten reasons why Hospice of Southwest Ohio should be at the top of your list if you live in Clermont, Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties in the greater Cincinnati area.

When a parent, relative or friend receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, you may quickly find yourself stepping into the role of a hospice caregiver. In recent years, many adults have taken on this role much earlier than anticipated. In some cases, the individual with cancer may not yet be eligible to receive Medicare benefits, potentially putting the caregiver in a difficult place financially as they deal with medical costs. Discover resources to help you prepare and care for your loved one as you step into your new role of caregiver.

It’s not easy taking care of a hospice patient in a home setting. Sometimes, caregivers suffer from physical or emotional exhaustion from taking care of a loved one around the clock. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between supporting a loved one in hospice and tending to the rest of your life and responsibilities. Don’t give up activities that are important to you, such as your work or your hobbies. To prevent burnout, here are some tips for hospice caregivers.

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to know where to begin. You want to ensure they receive the best care possible and are comfortable during the rest of their life, while also understanding what the options are for care and how everything will be covered financially. First things first, it’s important to define the criteria for who can receive hospice care.

Verena Shiflett, a 48-year-old Cincinnati-area mother in hospice care for a lung disorder, had one final dream: to see her 18-year-old daughter, Rhonda, graduate from high school.

The Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice (OCHCH) presented the Hospice Award of Excellence Joe McDermott, LPN for his compassionate dedication of more than 7 years of service to the patients, family members and staff at Hospice of Southwest Ohio.