Family First Hospice Care

09/23/2024

Let's talk about lung cancer.

09/23/2024

Family First Hospice & Palliative Care is currently seeking CNA, LPN, LMSW, and RN professionals to join our hospice team. We are also looking for a Chaplain and some volunteers. If interested, please send your resume to info@familyfirsthospicecare.com.

Send a message to learn more

09/23/2024

John’s Journey with Prostate Cancer

John was a 55-year-old father of two, living a busy life as a high school teacher. He had always been healthy, so when his doctor suggested a routine PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test during his annual check-up, he didn’t think much of it. A week later, he received a call that would change his life: his PSA levels were elevated, and further tests were needed.

After a biopsy, John was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news was devastating. He felt a mix of fear, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. His doctor explained the various treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. John decided to undergo a radical prostatectomy, hoping to remove the cancer entirely.

The surgery was successful, but the recovery was challenging. John experienced side effects like incontinence and fatigue, which affected his daily life and work. However, he found strength in his family and friends, who supported him every step of the way. He also joined a local support group, where he met other men who had gone through similar experiences. Sharing stories and advice with them helped John feel less alone.

Two years later, during a routine follow-up, John’s PSA levels began to rise again. The cancer had returned. This time, he underwent radiation therapy and hormone treatment. It was a tough battle, but John remained positive and focused on his recovery. He started practicing mindfulness and meditation, which helped him manage stress and stay hopeful.

Today, John is in remission. He continues to share his story to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. He encourages men to get regular check-ups and not to ignore any symptoms. John’s journey has taught him the value of resilience, the power of community, and the importance of staying proactive about health.

04/08/2024

Will you be viewing the Solar Eclipse today? Shoutout where you’ll be observing from and be sure to protect your eyes with approved safety glasses to prevent future eyesight impairment.

04/01/2024

Happy 1st of April! Let’s welcome this month’s challenges and changes with the surrounding and support of family and friends, laughter, and the mindset of perseverance.

02/23/2024

In honor of Black History month, let's talk a little about hospice care and African Americans.

We know many African Americans are skeptical of hospice care and advance directives, but why is this?

1. African Americans are more religious than other ethnic groups.

2. African Americans have a history of negative medical events such as segregated hospitals and the Tuskegee syphilis study, a government-led experiment on black males, that lasted until 1972 and killed more than 100 men.

3. Some are unaware of hospice misconceptions, such as hospice being a death sentence or you have to give up all control of your life once admitted, or hospice care is expensive, which are all false.

When we look more in aftercare statistic in the African American communities we find that,

"Only 15% of older Black Americans complete advance directives, compared to 52% of older White Americans. Ultimately, Black Americans tend to elect more aggressive measures than White patients do at the end of life despite limited potential benefit.

Why is that a problem?

For one, not discussing one’s preferences for end-of-life care can cause increased suffering from aggressive procedures. Dying in a hospital can rob people of peaceful time with loved ones in a familiar, comfortable environment. And relatives may be left ill-prepared for painful decisions and face costly medical bills for someone who may not have even wanted life-prolonging treatments." (Maisha T. Robinson, MD, MSHPM, 2022)

At Family First Hospice Care we want to make our intentions clear.

Our goal is to listen to your life desires and plans, meet you where you are, and to support you and your loved one's, while increasing your quality of life.

We have a team of diverse professionals ready to help you and your family navigate your advance directives. As well as, health care providers who are ready to educate and are comfortable discussing end-of-life measures and advance care plans.

Our goal is to always acknowledge your beliefs and to never push our personal beliefs.

For anyone considering hospice care and living in the metro Atlanta area, we would love to talk with you. Hope to hear from you soon and Happy Black History Month!

Black seniors are more likely than whites and Latinos to forgo hospice care. Due to deeply felt religious beliefs and a long history of discrimination in the U.S., African-American patients are often reluctant to plan for the end of their lives, and more skeptical when doctors suggest stopping treat...

02/21/2024

Happy Hump Day!

"If we tap into our intuition, we can make difficult decisions, heal, and thrive. Even when we are going through something hard, what we need is available to us." - Emily Silva, Sunrise Gratitude

02/10/2024

Happy Lunar New Year! This year is the year of the dragon. Please enjoy some drawings submitted from some of our patients, friends, and family. We hope this year brings lots of strength and good fortune to all.

02/08/2024

Are you ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Let's hear it. Who are you rooting for, Chiefs or 49ers?

02/01/2024

How many times can you say this tongue twister?

01/23/2024

Please join us in welcoming and getting to know one of our newest registered nurses, Brunhilda, RNCM.

Within the short time span Brunhilda has been with the company, she has already received several compliments from our patients and caregivers, expressing the great service she provides to the families. We are very proud to have her a part of the Family First Hospice & Palliative Care, LLC team and look forward to her continual development.

Here are 6 additional things you should know about Brunhilda:

1. Brunhilda is from South Africa.

2. She has been an RN for 10 years and loves being able to connect with patients and their families.

3. What’s unique about Brunhilda’s nursing approach is how she helps patients navigate their health and coping skills through every stage of their condition.

4. Brunhilda’s first job was a home health aid.

5. Her favorite books are the classic Goosebump books by R.L. Stein and she is currently reading Radical Wisdom: A Daily Journey for Leaders by Regi Campbell.

6. Lastly, Brunhilda was asked what animal she most aligns with and why? She stated, “I believe an elephant. It has the power to be slow but can also rule the jungle if it needs to.”

Thank you Brunhilda for allowing us to get to know you a little better and for sharing your talents with our team and families. We welcome you once again!

01/18/2024

In celebration of Braille Literacy Month, we would like to mention our very own patient, Ms. Vivian. Ms. Vivian is visually impaired and expressed her desire to learn braille late last year. Beginning this month, Ms. Vivian has worked closely with our social worker and her facility staff to understand this new way of communicating. She hopes soon to learn all her alphabets so she can move on to typing! We would like to thank Hadley School for the Blind for providing the materials to make this possible and Ms. Vivian for allowing us to celebrate with her on this awesome endeavor.