Yolo Hospice

Adding Life to Days

The Healing Power of Storytelling

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Who among us doesn’t enjoy a good story? Some tale of our personal lives or the lives of others. Storytelling can be particularly significant when the story helps someone else to grow and overcome something difficult they are going through in their life such as a serious illness.

True storytelling is an art form. However, there is an emerging field called narrative communications and the professionals in that field are identifying the effects of telling stories on the health and happiness of patients. It is through the connected feeling a person has when hearing a story that helps patients get through the tough news of a diagnosis or helps them to make changes to some strongly ingrained behavior in order to improve their health; like smoking or a drastic change in diet.

So why does this work? Well, storytelling is very human experience. From the earliest time, it was a way our ancestors told about the important moments in their lives and the lives of those around them. It was necessary for survival. It was also the earliest form of learning. It helped people make sense of their lives and the world they shared.

When a patient is suffering from a life-limiting illness, it is important to stay connected to family and friends in order to ensure greater quality of life. Storytelling helps loved ones remember times they have shared; memories collected and cherished. It sometimes invites laughter, sometimes tears, but always love and a connectedness that makes the patient and the loved ones feel close and united. It helps them to cope with whatever lies ahead knowing that they are sharing the experience.

So how does storytelling work? Humans all feel the need for a sense of identity, their place in the order of things. It’s instinctual. Tackling traumatic physical and emotional issues means an extreme shift in our own personal stories. Suddenly the story of our lives is being rewritten, usually without our permission. Storytelling helps a person assimilate or change direction. When it is an abrupt change or when the loss is great, it can cause a person to feel lost and alone. Storytelling helps them to reconnect, to find themselves again and to find a direction back onto the road of life.

As a family caregiver, your role in the storytelling process can be as the instrument of promotion. You can be both storyteller and active listener. Telling the story is vital, but so is finding an attentive, empathetic listener. Have you ever told someone a story and felt like your listener would rather be somewhere else? It made you feel unappreciated didn’t it? Being an attentive listener means tuning out all the other distractions and focusing on what is important at that moment – giving the storyteller your undivided attention. It is only then that storytelling produces its full benefit to both the teller and the listener.

You might even want to record these stories to share with others; perhaps with friends and family who live far away. Maybe you could preserve them for future generations who might benefit from the positive ripples caused by the impact of these stories. Today’s access to a multitude of multimedia tools makes it easier than ever. And you will have created a lasting family treasure.

Encouraging Words for Caregivers

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Caregiving is one of the most touching things you can do for a loved one. Though there are many struggles that a caregiver may go through, in the end, the rewards are something we can take with us for the rest of our lives. Another thing we can take with us on a day to day basis are words of encouragement. These uplifting thoughts can be used to lift our spirits at a moment’s notice and can help us to appreciate the important things in life. When going through a rough patch or a bad day, inspiration can come from the simplest of words. You will have many wonderful days a caregiver, but here is a little encouragement for the rough patches along the way.

Place a few of your favorite quotes around the house to serve as your daily dose of inspiration.

“If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.”

~ David Viscott

“Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity.”
~ Albert Einstein

“The greatest discovery of the 20th Century is that our attitude of mind determines our quality of life, not circumstances,”

~ William James

“In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.”

~ Brian Tracy

“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value”

~ Jim Rohn

“What we hope ever to do with ease we must learn first to do with diligence.”

~ Samuel Johnson

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hopefully, these encouraging words of wisdom will lift your spirits. At Yolo Hospice, we believe caregiving is on of life’s most rewarding ventures. We hold great esteem for our family caregivers and know what contributions they make to their loved ones every single day. We hope sharing these words of encouragement will refresh and keep your spirits high.

Taking a Trip with a Disabled/Elderly Loved Ones

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Summer is often the time for those much enjoyed family get aways. So you may be planning a special trip with an elderly loved one. It can be one of the most rewarding adventures you will take. You will build many fond memories and experience wonderful things together. Planning in advance for the added care necessary to ensure safe, comfortable travel is an important part of making the trip a success for all involved. Here are a few ideas that will help you enjoy the journey and keep the stress levels low. You can also ask your loved one’s primary care physician or your Yolo Hospice care team if you have additional questions about travel.

Step 1 – Where and How to Travel

Plan well in advance if possible. Include your loved one in the planning process as much as you can. Time spent planning will reduce stress and make your loved one more comfortable through the process of getting from here to there. If you are considering travel for shear pleasure, look into tours and cruises that specifically cater to elderly and disabled people.

If you are traveling to visit family and friends, simply give yourself enough time to attend to all the pre-travel arrangements that must be considered. If a passport is necessary, allow 8-10 weeks for that process to be completed. Also, make sure the people at your destination have considered your loved one’s needs while they are staying as a guest – dietary needs, sleeping arrangements, local emergency contacts should all be a part of the plan.

Research all travel options before deciding which would be the best option. If air travel is the ticket for your journey, sign your elderly loved one up for a frequent flyer program in advance of booking flights. They may receive discount fares and special accommodations that will make the trip easier. Book refundable tickets if it is an option in case of last minute health issues or at least understand what the consequences are for changing or cancelling tickets.

Request and reserve special services ahead of time and confirm these services a day or two ahead of the actual departure. These might include special meals, wheelchair or electric cart services, special seating or human assistance if your loved one is traveling alone.

Step 2 – Prepare all Documentation

Okay. So you know where you are going and how you are getting there, now comes the paperwork. As stated earlier, if a passport is needed take care of that first as it requires weeks to get it. If a passport is not necessary, then a photo I.D. will suffice.

You will want to make sure your loved one is cleared by their physician to travel. If you don’t already have one, a medical summary of your loved one’s condition should go along in your carry-on luggage. Include any medications necessary for the trip along with contact information for their primary physician and other healthcare providers.

Step 3 – Let’s talk Security, Safety and Comfort

Medications must be in their original containers so avoid those cute, daily pill packs. If liquid meds are involved, ask the pharmacist to put them in 3 oz. containers so they can pass through security. The TSA will authorize larger quantities, but you are required to seek this authorization well in advance. EpiPens are allowed as long as the seal is in tact.

It’s a good idea to have your loved one wear their medical identification bracelet or necklace if they have one. It can be life saving for emergency people to know about severe allergies or illnesses like diabetes. For dementia patients travelling, it is a good idea, if you haven’t already, to have them registered with MedicAlert or Safe Return. If respiratory issues are a concern, make sure oxygen will be made available if necessary and carry an inhaler as a precaution.

Medical Equipment needed for the trip should also be considered. First, be aware that hearing aids and hip and knee replacements usually don’t affect security equipment, but it is a good idea to notify the TSA so they are aware before trying to make it through security checks.

External equipment such as crutches, walkers and canes can be maneuvered through security and stored easily on the plane. Advance notice to the airline when booking the flight always helps so airline personnel know that a little extra time might be needed. You can make arrangements for wheelchairs or electric cart transportation at the time you book your travel. If your loved one is bound to a wheelchair, you will want to make sure you are on a plane with double aisles or the bathrooms will not be accessible during the flight. Plan accordingly. Here’s a very useful website to research wheelchair access when traveling (http://disabledtravelers.com)

Step 4 – Day of Travel

The day of you adventure should be a fun-filled day. Make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Curbside check-in is a plus for you as caregiver so you expend as little time as possible lugging suitcases. Your hands will be full as it is. Layer clothing for maximum comfort. Have high protein snacks, reading materials, cell phone charger and a camera to record the trip. Keep yourself and your loved one hydrated. However, be aware of the need for bathroom breaks as well. If your loved one is able, have them walk whenever possible because travel involves a lot of sitting around. If your loved one is traveling alone, make sure someone reminds them about taking medications during their travels.

With proper preparation, your trip will give you and your loved one many precious memories. If you have concerns about traveling or need help while you are traveling, Yolo Hospice is here to help.

Getting Help When A Loved One Suffers From Dementia

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A common misconception about dementia is that it is one specific disease. Dementia is more accurately defined as a group of symptoms that affects brain functions such as reasoning, memory and the ability to socialize successfully or even perform daily functions. Alzheimer’s is probably the most common form of what’s called progressive dementia.

While memory loss generally occurs in patients suffering from dementia, this alone does not indicate a person has dementia. Most commonly, in addition to memory loss, a person might experience impaired judgment, the ability to speak clearly, become disoriented and unable to perform daily functions such as keeping appointments or personal hygiene. Since individuals with advanced dementia cannot report their symptoms, these symptoms often are untreated, leaving them vulnerable to pain, difficulty breathing and various other conditions. And their families often struggle alone in their attempts to care for their loved ones with advanced dementia.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a very challenging journey. Often you will see the quality of your loved one’s life begin to diminish, this can take a serious toll on you, as their caregiver, as well. Simple acts of daily care are often combined with complex end-of-life decisions and painful feelings of bereavement. You are likely to feel overwhelmed at times, but the more information and support you gain, the more confidence you will have.

Yolo Hospice can help. With our holistic, multidisciplinary tradition of care, we can make a dramatic difference in the lives of dementia patients and their families. With our strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and support for the patient and you as their caregiver, you can begin to regain hope for your loved one’s quality of life and your own peace of mind. It becomes about easing discomfort and providing meaningful connections to family and loved ones.

Physical examinations at home, education, support and counseling are provided by our nurses, social workers, counselors, and chaplains. A certified nursing assistant can provide assistance with personal care. On-call nurses are available 24 hours a day in the case of a medical crisis. Hospice volunteers can give a break to the caregiver allowing them time away to run needed errands or enjoy some downtime with friends liking meeting for coffee or going to the movies.

The quality of life for dementia patients and their families can improve as the Yolo Hospice care team, in cooperation with your loved one’s physician, develops a care plan to meet the patient and family’s specific needs and share in the care. Never feel like you have to handle this journey alone, we are here to help.

Care for Caregivers, Know Your Limits

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As with any difficult period you go through in life, caring for a loved one is a job you might gladly accept, but the impact of caregiving on you, your physical and mental health and your relationship with your family, can be severe. The National Alliance of Caregivers has done extensive research on the subject:

“Nearly three quarters (72%) of family caregivers report not going to the doctor as often as they should and 55% say they skip doctor appointments for themselves.

63% of caregivers report having poor eating habits than non-caregivers and 58% indicate worse exercise habits than before caregiving responsibilities.

20% of employed female caregivers over 50 years old report symptoms of depression compared to 8% of their non-caregiving peers.”

By making you aware of these statistics, we hope you will take a few moments to reflect on just how important taking care of yourself is to the process of providing outstanding support to your loved one who needs you now.

Becoming a caregiver may or may not have been a conscious decision. You may be gladly caring for your spouse out of love and dedication. You feel it is your choice and duty to them and you would not want to be anywhere else during this time.

On the other hand, maybe you are the only child living close to your parent who is going through an end of life journey. You may be feeling the weight of the responsibility that has become yours. Either way, it is an admirable path you are on, but it is often a lonely one, so you should make a conscious effort to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.

The real challenge is to know yourself and your limitations in order to take care of yourself. This precious time you have to spend with your loved one will be richer if you are healthy and whole.

Here are some ideas for doing just that. We hope some of them will provide you with avenues for caring for yourself in addition to your loved one.

First and foremost, give yourself and your loved one the best outside help and support you can find. You may feel like you have to do this all alone. That is a common misconception. You are most certainly not alone. Hospices, like Yolo Hospice can provide a lot of support to both the patient and the family. Families caring for a loved one can benefit from the support our hospice caregiving team brings. We can share some of the responsibilities of providing day-to-day care.

Educate your self about your loved one’s disease. The more you know, the less fearful it will seem and you will be better equipped to help your loved one if you understand what’s going on. Check out information from the library, online information sources and ask the doctor or your Yolo Hospice team any questions about things you don’t understand.

Keep a Caregiver’s Notebook. Use it for record keeping or writing down those questions that come up so you don’t forget to ask them later. The notebook can include a calendar to keep track of your own appointments so you don’t miss medical appointments, yoga classes, group support meeting or therapy sessions. You can record when medications need to be taken by the family member you are caring for as well as your own regular medications if you are taking any.

On that calendar, make sure you schedule caregiver breaks, which can be provided by a hospice volunteer or family and friends. If you strive to follow your Caregiver’s calendar, you will keep yourself healthier and be the best caregiver you can be.

The little things CAN make a difference. Things like eating right, exercising, expressing yourself by writing or through art. Watch movies you like with the loved one you are caring and invite other family members or friends so you have others around you. If you love books, read them aloud or get books on CD. The loved one you are caring for will enjoy them and so will you.

Attend a support group. Emotional health is just as important as physical health. There are many organizations in your community willing to assist with emotional support. Yolo Hospice offers a variety of support groups you can take advantage of.

Remember to follow the Cardinal Rule of Caregiving: Take care of yourself so you CAN take care of your loved one.

Contact Us

Yolo Hospice
1909 Galileo Court, Suite A
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 758-5566 or (800) 491-7711

Service Area

Yolo Hospice serves Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo Counties.

View cities and our Service Area Map

Yolo Hospice

Yolo Hospice

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