Hospice News
New Jersey -- The holiday season is upon us and it is no secret that it triggers emotions, sadness and expectations, especially when individuals are coping with a serious illness.
“Caring for an ailing family member can be one of the saddest and most difficult experiences in a family's history together,” explains Ellen Coughlin, CHPN, MA, MPA, Vice President, Patient and Family Services, Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center (BHHPCC). “Yet, it can also be one of a family's most fulfilling, meaningful and intimate experiences. A lot of love, and even laughter, can be shared as the patient and family learn to accept and live with their circumstances.”
Finding the joy in the holiday season can be difficult for families coping with serious illness, but with education and support, you can enhance the quality of the time spent together. BHHPCC has employed a link to its website to provide support and understanding surrounding serious illness. Whether you are a family member or caregiver, the new online tool can assist in finding resources and support during a difficult time. To access the site, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org and choose “seriousillness.org” from the left menu.
In addition, BHHPCC offers these tips on getting through the holiday season:
- Express your emotions; don’t hide them.
- Plan ahead, and plan easy; minimize surprises.
- Turn to others for support.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Rest, rest, rest.
“Everyone copes with serious illness differently,” reminds Ms. Coughlin. “It is best to be true to yourself and your needs, particularly around the holidays.”
Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center offers comprehensive services to Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Passaic and Union County residents from its locations in West Orange and at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark; to Monmouth County residents from BHHPCC at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch; and to Ocean County residents from Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Toms River.
For more information about Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.
Date: November 17, 2011
Contact: Lisa Tortorello
Public Relations: ltortorello@barnabashealth.org
973-322-4924
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