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A Note from Dr. Peggy
Over the past decades as a physician, I have had the privilege of treating families from all walks of life with their children, friends, and extended families, promoting health and healthy lifestyles. Yet, despite my best efforts, patients often presented with...
When is Hospice Recommended?
Hospice is an invaluable service for patients and their caregivers alike to help manage the physical and emotional pain that comes with terminal illness. However, many people aren’t sure when the right time to enter hospice care is. Please keep reading to learn more...
Is Hospice Care the Answer?
Healthcare providers often bring up hospice care when a loved one receives a terminal illness diagnosis. But if you have no prior experience with hospice care, other than what you’ve seen on TV and in the movies, you may be unsure whether or not hospice care is the...
How Hospice Care Helps Cancer Patients and Their Families
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering diagnosis and one that often comes with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety — for both the patient and their loved ones. Hospice care is a special kind of care that helps thousands of cancer patients and their families each year as...
World Lung Cancer Day
August 1st is World Lung Cancer Day, an important day to raise awareness about a disease that affects the hospice and palliative care community significantly. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and kills more people yearly than colon, breast, and prostate...
CVA Stroke and How Hospice Can Help
Every year, more than 795,000 Americans suffer from a stroke, which happens when blood flow is lost to a part of the brain. When the brain cells can no longer receive the oxygen and nutrients they need from the blood, they die within minutes, leading to brain damage...
How Hospice Works and Why You Should Consider Early Admission
Across the U.S., more than 5,500 hospice centers provide services for pain management, emotional support, and spiritual resources and therapies for patients and their families. If you're considering hospice care for a loved one, you probably have many questions. Keep...
The Hidden Suffering on the 4th of July
For many of us, the 4th of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence with backyard barbecues, time spent on the lake, and other social gatherings. But, the holiday can be an excruciating time for people with illnesses such as dementia and PTSD. The Problem...
Veterans Hospice Care
Military service is commendable and noble. But, it’s also highly demanding and can take a lifelong toll on a veteran’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The good news is that hospice care is available for our nation’s veterans to help them increase their quality...
America’s “Other” Independence Day — Juneteenth
We all know that July 4th is America’s birthday, celebrated for decades. But, June 19, 1865 — 89 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence is when four million enslaved African-Аmericans were finally able to have their own taste of freedom. So, today,...
Commemorating D-Day
On June 6, Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care commemorates one of the most significant moments in history: D-Day, the day that Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, initiating the final chapter of Nazi tyranny. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the...
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
The Alzheimer’s Association invites the world to commemorate Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month every June. The month aims to raise awareness for the more than 55 million people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia worldwide. Alzheimer’s Disease...
PTSD Awareness Month
June is recognized as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month. The month is intended to raise awareness about the disorder and issues that come with it, reduce the stigma associated with the condition and help people suffering from PTSD’s invisible wounds...
National Senior Health & Fitness Day
The last Wednesday in May is National Senior Health and Fitness Day. This year, the event will fall on May 25. The day focuses on the importance of staying active and eating healthy as we age. There is a wide range of benefits associated with physical activity for...
ALS Awareness Month
May is designated as ALS Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about the disease and the severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens it creates for people living with ALS and their families and caregivers. Keep reading to learn more about the disease and...
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Stroke Awareness Month is a yearly event held in May with the goal of making Americans aware that they may be able to ‘Save a Life’ of someone experiencing a stroke. The month is run by the American Stroke Association to help people ‘Save a Life’ by raising...
May is Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our country in the observance of Older Americans Month. This year, Older Americans Month is focused on aging in place. In other words, how older Americans can stay in their homes and live independently for as...
Thanks To Our Hospice Volunteers on Volunteer Awareness Week
Did you know that April 17-23 marks Volunteer Awareness Week? The week marks the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation to our amazing hospice and palliative care volunteers who dedicate their lives to caring for some of the population’s most vulnerable...
Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month
This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we wanted to take some time to raise awareness of the disease and show our appreciation to hospice and palliative care teams who do so much for patients living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Symptoms of Parkinson’s...
Celebrating World Health Day
April 7th, 2022, is World Health Day. The date of April 7th marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The theme for 2022’s World Health Day is Our Planet, Our Health. Our Planet, Our Health Amid a pandemic, increasing...
National Minority Health Month
April is National Minority Health Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about health disparities that impact racial and ethnic minority groups and encouraging action through: Health educationEarly detectionControl of disease complications Give Your...
American Diabetes Alert Day 2022
March 22, 2022, is American Diabetes Alert Day, a one-day “wake-up call” focused on the severity of the disease and the importance of understanding — and mitigating —your risk. Keep reading to learn more about this awareness day and how you can get involved....
World Kidney Day 2022
On March 10, 2022, healthcare providers, counselors, hospice care workers, patients, and communities around the world will come together to celebrate World Kidney Day. The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2022 as the year of “kidney health for...
National Kidney Month: What is End-Stage Renal Disease?
When you think of March, you probably think of leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day, and maybe even melting snow and budding flowers. But, March is also National Kidney Month. Hospice and palliative care play a pivotal role in treating patients with end-stage renal...
Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
Although nearly 1 million US adults live with multiple sclerosis (MS), most people don’t understand the complexity of the unpredictable disease. March is MS Education and Awareness Month, aimed at changing that and showing those in the MS community support,...
Saluting Our Hospice Social Workers
In the United States, March is National Social Work Month. Social workers play a pivotal role in hospice and palliative care, from identifying patient emotional and spiritual needs to offering support to families as they navigate the challenges that come with having a...
National Caregivers Day
February 18 is National Caregivers Day, an important day to draw attention to the selfless work hospice and palliative caregivers do all over the nation. On average, caregivers spend 13 days per month on their duties, including laundry, house cleaning, transportation,...
Benefits of Counting on Hospice to Care for Our Loved Ones
Sometimes, the words “hospice” or “palliative care” may have a negative connotation associated with them, as some people only relate the terms to death. The truth is, hospice is all about living — getting patients to live out their final days as comfortably,...
February is American Heart Month
The hearts you see everywhere during February aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Some of them have an extremely important cause behind them, American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But, the good news is that there are...
World Cancer Day
Friday, February 4th, is World Cancer Day, a day aimed at preventing millions of cancer-related deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and by pressing governments and individuals around the globe to take action in the fight against cancer....
How Long Does Hospice Usually Last?
If you or a loved one has received a recommendation to enter hospice care, it’s important to know you’re not alone. We know you likely have a million questions running through your mind, and we are here to answer them, starting with “How long does hospice usually...
Does Hospice Care Mean Death?
Hospice is not a death sentence. Unfortunately, there’s an association in our society between hospice care and death. But, this is not reality. Hospice care helps patients live their lives to the fullest — in the most comfort and peace — no matter how long they are in...
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is an exceptional kind of care focusing on the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. Hospice care provides compassionate care for people in the final stages of incurable diseases to allow them to live as fully and comfortably...
Grief and the Holidays
The holidays are a time for cheer, warm fuzzy feelings, and family. But, for people who have just lost loved ones or are dealing with their loved one’s terminal illness, the holidays can be an extremely lonely and depressing time. It’s important to know that you’re...
Seasonal Depression Awareness Month
Although the holiday season can bring feelings of comfort and joy for many, it’s not like that for everyone. About 5% of U.S. adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. That’s why December is Seasonal Depression Awareness...
World HIV/AIDS Day
December 1st is World HIV/AIDS Day. This year’s theme for HIV/AIDS Day is“Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice.” Since 1988, organizations and individuals worldwide have observed World HIV/AIDS Day to bring attention to the HIV epidemic and...
COPD Awareness Month
November is National COPD Awareness Month. Nearly 16 million American adults live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease that kills more than 150,000 people in the U.S. and more than 3.2 million annually across the globe. Keep reading to learn...
Veterans Day
We wanted to take some time this Veterans Day to commemorate all of the veterans who have served our country. Each year, on November 11th, we gather to pay respect to those who have served for our nation’s freedom. While we celebrate the admirable service of these...
Multiple Sclerosis
Many Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and their families turn to hospice and palliative care to ensure their final days together are filled with comfort, harmony, and the best care. MS is a condition that worsens over time, meaning as the disease progresses, more care...
American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month — a month set aside to recognize and bring awareness surrounding a condition that affects almost one in five Americans. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects blood sugar and insulin. National Diabetes Month comes with many...
National Hospice & Palliative Care Month
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month — a time when hospice and palliative care organizations across the country come together to raise awareness about the highest quality of care for people dealing with life-limiting illnesses. According to the...
World Hospice & Palliative Care Day
In honor of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day on October 9th, we wanted to take some time to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who makes the hospice and palliative care field so special, and those who continue advocating for the needs of the community. The day is...
Recognizing Our Chaplains for Clergy Appreciation Month
October is Pastor and Clergy Appreciation Month. We’re extremely grateful for the chaplains that serve our hospice and palliative care communities. For hospice chaplains, providing comfort to the spirit is just as essential as a doctor offering physical comfort...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Statistics show that around one in eight women in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Women between the ages of 40 to 49 are encouraged...
Liver Awareness Month
October is Liver Awareness Month — a month designated as a time to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of liver health and the causes of liver disease. Our livers serve many vital functions, including: Breaking down, creating, and balancing nutrients...
Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Did you know that September 22 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day? About 36 million older adults fall every year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. On this Falls Prevention Awareness Day, we wanted to share some tips for older adults to prevent slips and falls,...
Aging Awareness Day
September 18th is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. The holiday is intended to call attention to the growing number of people living full and long lives with HIV and all of the aging-related challenges that come with HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and...
Grandparents Day
September 12th is National Grandparents Day — a day that’s dedicated to celebrating grandparents! Being a grandparent is an amazing and heartwarming venture, but did you know that studies have shown that grandparents and grandchildren have a special connection that...
World Alzheimer’s Month
September is World Alzheimer’s Month. The international campaign is intended to raise awareness and money as well as challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s. World Alzheimer’s Month is a good time for a refresher on what Alzheimer’s is and its symptoms,...
National Grief Awareness Day
August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day. Why would somebody create a day celebrating grief? The day was created by Angie Cartwright in 2014. Cartwright was familiar with loss and became consumed by her grief. She wanted to find a way to support other people going...
Hospice and Palliative Care for COPD
One of the biggest concerns among end-stage COPD patients and their families is how to handle not being able to breathe? Hospice and palliative care help alleviate this concern. What is COPD? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a chronic inflammatory...
Ways Hospice Caregivers Can Get Some R&R on National Relaxation Day
August 15th is National Relaxation Day — and who couldn’t use a little extra R&R after the past 18 months? We wanted to take some time to honor all of the hospice and palliative caretakers out there on this National Relaxation Day and remind them about the...
World Lung Cancer Day – August 1
August 1st is World Lung Cancer Day. We wanted to take some time to raise awareness about a disease that impacts many hospice and palliative care patients and their families. Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers around the globe. It claims...
Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Medicare’s and Medicaid’s birthday is July 30, 1965. We wanted to take a moment to say “Happy Birthday” to one of the United States’ most outstanding healthcare achievements. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the nation’s federal health insurance...
Why Self-Care Matters for Hospice Caregivers
International Self-Care Day is July 24. It’s a day when people around the world are encouraged to focus on themselves with a bit of self-care. The focus is to encourage and support efforts of general health and wellness that begins with the individual....
Fireworks Safety Month – June 1 – July 31
Although fireworks are a sign of celebration and a familiar sight during the summer months — Memorial Day through July Fourth, what you may not realize is that fireworks can alarm your loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. This Fireworks Safety Month, we...
National HIV Testing Day
June 27 is recognized as National HIV Testing Day across the nation. Knowing your HIV status helps you stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV. Perhaps...
National PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day is commemorated every June 27th. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD occurs in people of all ethnicities, nationalities, cultures, ages, and occupations. It affects about 3.5 percent of American adults each year,...
National Nursing Assistant Week
National Nursing Assistant Week is June 17-24, 2021. We wanted to take some time to recognize the invaluable role nursing assistants play in delivering the best end-of-life care possible. National Nursing Assistant Week is a great time not only to show appreciation...
Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Month is commemorated nationwide every June with the goal of bringing awareness to health issues all men face. The month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness via a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. ...
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Did you know that someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds? There are currently 50 million people across the globe living with dementia. That number is expected to more than double and reach 132 million by 2050. Every June, the Alzheimer's...
National Skilled Nursing Care Week
May 9-15 is National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW)— formerly known as National Nursing Home Week. This week is a particular time to recognize the residents of skilled nursing facilities, their family members, and the staff who care for them around-the-clock. It is...
National Nursing Week – Thank You to Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses!
Every year, National Nurses Week starts on May 6th and ends on May 12th—Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates are intended to enhance planning while also positioning National Nurses Week as an established event. This year, we wanted to take a...
What Qualifies a Person for Palliative Care?
People who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a number of other serious illnesses are eligible for palliative care. The primary goal of palliative care is to facilitate...
What Are the Five Stages of Palliative Care?
There is no set age or milestone one must reach to determine when an individual should go into palliative care. Instead, it is determined on a case-by-case basis. But, it is still important to understand that palliative care is an excellent way to help patients get...
National Volunteer Week— Volunteering for Hospice
National Volunteer Week is April 18-24, 2021. We wanted to take a moment to show our appreciation for our hospice volunteers, who are so integral in the quality of care we are able to provide. Hospice volunteers keep patients company and offer companionship when...
Stress Awareness Month – Part 2: How Hospice and Palliative Helps Caregivers Caring for a Dying Loved One
Caregiving for a loved one during the dying process is an extremely stressful and emotionally taxing time in line. It’s very easy (and normal) to get stressed out and overwhelmed with the caregiving process. The good news is that hospice and palliative workers are...
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
According to the ALS Association, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis— more commonly referred to as “ALS” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which causes a loss of control of voluntary muscles. The nerves that...
Stress Awareness Month – Part 1: Tips For Caregivers Dealing With Stress From Caring for a Dying Loved One
April is Stress Awareness Month. The month is a national effort to raise awareness about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we wanted to give some tips for caregivers who...
Regional Patient Care Manager Announcement
Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care is proud to announce the promotion of Heather Hinson to Regional Patient Care Manager Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care is a community-based organization dedicated to palliative and hospice care. They are proud to announce...
National Doctors’ Day: Thank You Doctors!
On this National Doctors’ Day, we wanted to take some time to offer our biggest “THANK YOU” to all of the doctors worldwide. The COVID-19 global pandemic has reinforced how critical good doctors are for our entire world. What is National Doctors’ Day? National...
The Benefits of Local Hospice Management and Care
If you’re getting ready to entrust a loved one in the care of hospice, you may be feeling overwhelmed with options, and you may be feeling uncertain about what to do. In this article, we’ll go over the differences between local management and large corporations. ...
National Kidney Month: Renal Disease
March is known for St. Patrick’s Day, melting snow, and the long-awaited return of the sunshine. But, did you know that March also happens to be National Kidney Month? The month is intended to raise awareness nationwide about kidney disease, also called...
National Social Worker Month: Social Workers in Hospice
Did you know that March is National Social Worker Month? We wanted to take a moment to commemorate social workers in honor of the occasion as they play such a large role in what we do. What is a Social Worker? Social workers are in charge of placing...
Silent Frontline Workers – Hospice Volunteers
If the COVID-19 global pandemic has taught us one thing, it is the value of frontline healthcare workers. Though all of the praise that doctors and nurses get is well-deserved, there is a group of frontline workers that choose to give in the shadows: hospice and...
Veterans & Hospice – What You Need To Know
Veterans are among our nation’s most upstanding citizens. They gave up their freedom for the greater good of our country. This is why we believe that when they are in a time of need, like at the end of their lives, they deserve the utmost respect and the highest level...
Hospice & Hospital Fast Facts
Every year, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization puts together a report with statistics on the state of hospice in America. With that report, we have compiled this list of hospice and hospital fast facts. Hospice is a term for a broad range...
Executive Director Announcement Oklahoma
Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care, is community-based organizations dedicated to palliative and hospice care. They are pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Neill, MSW to Executive Director of Oklahoma Palliative and Hospice care organization. His background...
Director of Clinical Services Announcement
Founded on Christian principles, Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care is a locally owned and independently operated organization dedicated to palliative and hospice care. They are focused on exceeding patients' individual medical, emotional and spiritual needs,...
Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care Continues to Serve Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic
Founded on Christian principles, Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care (OPHC) is a locally owned and independently operated community based organization dedicated to palliative and hospice care. They are focused on exceeding patients' individual medical, emotional...