Serene Sunsets, LLC.

27/09/2024

End of life doula services!!
We are here to support you through the end of life journey. Sometimes an extra ear to listen, hand to hold, or heart to empathize can mean a world of difference. Seek all of the hospice support services. Also, there are community support services called end of life doula services (some are called death angels). These services will be a bridge to fill the gap of hospice. To support you to find a sense of comfort somehow. Watching the love of your life transition through this is a struggle and it's ok not to be ok. Acknowledging that you are not is being as strong as you can be. We are here to support you as you are navigating through this journey to help you process and draw the strength you need. Blessings!!

26/09/2024

HELP!!, SHE WON'T EAT!!
What do I do?..... NOTHING!!

Some doctors may recommend a medication such as Remeron. Some may recommend changing food consistency and texture. Sometimes in LTC we would add sweetener or sugar and that. would help. But if she flat refuses to eat unfortunately nothing is going to work because it's just her body's rejection of food. It's part of the natural process declining.

Hugs and thoughts to you.

26/09/2024

Hospice is not designed to end your life; It is designed to support, uplift, and give end of life dignity.

26/09/2024

How to say good bye....

Don't say goodbye. That may sound weird. But saying goodbye means leaving. Your LO is not leaving you. Their body is going to rest but their soul will continue to live within you through your memories. Create a legacy project, pictures, write stories, or even videos. Hold on to your memories and love to help guide you through the next journey of life. Blessings 💞

26/09/2024

When you are faced with having to support someone who is grieving, one of the greatest gifts you can give is LISTEN!!

26/09/2024

When you are not ok...... IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK!!!!

26/09/2024

Give her time!!.......

When your Love one is in denial and does not accept the process or don't understand! Give her time.....

When your Love one is not ready to let go and disagree with the process..... Give him time.....

When you are faced with having to be the support system of grieving and bereavement..... Give them time......

21/06/2024

As I watched my grandparents age and now witnessing the aging cycle of my mom. The process is challenging because it is heartbreaking to watch your role model weaken into a unrecognizable version of themselves.

There's a big difference in each individual case yet somethings are the same. Each individual has to be cared for accordingly.

Learning to juggle life and caregiving can prove challenging.
Life can at times be difficult from financial, physical, even mentally. Do not feel like you are not doing your best. Don't be afraid to seek assistance.

There is help and resources.......
`Home Care agencies
`Alzheimer's Society https://www.alz.org/
`Local hospice
`Local support groups
`Local Senior Centers

Alzheimer's Association national site – information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment, care and support resources.

21/06/2024

Are you and your loved one experiencing an increase of confusion, or an increase of behaviors..... Is your love one more restless than usual. Have you noticed your loved one appearing to be combative??.....

A few suggestions:
* Check for UTI
-UTI in the geriatric population is one of the biggest contributors of confusion and behaviors. https://www.healthline.com/health/uti-in-elderly
* Check meds.... Some meds can have a reverse reaction.
-Some medications can have an adverse reaction due in part to having too much in one's system that it is no longer effective. There's also a possibility that the medication does target the affected area. Also facing medication counter-reaction. Multiple medications can possibily over take the effects another medication.
https://memory.ucsf.edu/treatments-stays/medications-dementia
* Check for sores-
- Observe for signs of pain. Some elderly individuals can not express what they are feeling. At times an individual may be experiencing a pain that they can not explain so they react to the pain.
https://pathwayshealth.org/how-to-recognize-pain-symptoms-in-an-elderly-loved-one/

* How much stimulation is surrounding them.
- Overstimulation in older/aged loved ones can cause agitation and restlessness due to sensory overload.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-overload
* Are there any special holidays or occasions?
-Sometimes our loved ones are sadden more around special occasions holidays because they are missing love ones that have passed on or they are not able to celebrate these events and occasions as they would like. Holidays and special occasions are times that memories are created. The memories that were made are sometimes happy and sometimes sad.
https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/holidays-and-senior-depression/

*****This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. *****

Many of us will encounter bouts of depression as we age, particularly around the holiday season. For those age 65 or older, depression can be an overwhelming burden. OSF HealthCare offers several convenient treatment options to help manage depression in a variety of ways.

20/06/2024

Ever wonder how to get over grief??....

YOU DON'T!

Grief is an emotion. It is a feeling. Because you loved, you grieve your loss!!

Because you will never stop loving, you're NEVER stop grieving!

You'll learn to navigate through the process.

20/06/2024

Good morning!! Rise and Shine!!

Today is a fine day to have an AMAZING day!!

Have you had a day you wake up and feel like your world is spinning out of control??!!??...... In this moment your emotions are all over the place..... You're happy, sad, angry, and numb all at the same time!

GUESSS WHAT THAT MEANS......

You are human. It is OKAY 😊
Embrace what you're feeling, acknowledge your feelings, and although you're not sure of the source understand that there's a place from whence it comes.

Feeling is good! Crying is okay, smiling is healing, talking is saving!!
Don't be afraid to talk, smile if you want, cry if you need to, just be OKAY!!

Living with feelings is a ever changing journey. Learning to navigate through them is a daily challenge.

19/06/2024

In Honor of Avon Whyte....
Avon Whyte did not succumb to Sickle Cell he won the war!!

At a very young age (5 y.o.). Avon "T***s" battled an undiagnosed sickness. For years his mother watched her baby suffer a pain that no Doctor could determine what was ailing her baby boy. Dr. visit after Dr. visit. Until finally Dr. Derakshani insisted on taking him to John's Hopkins, where the fine physicians discovered he was stricken with Sickle Cell disease.

Avon spent days/months in the hospital. Doctor's told his family he was not going to live to see his teen years.

Avon was a warrior!! He not only beat the odds.... He overcame and lived 3 decades beyond expected!!...

T***s was blessed to witness the lives of 7 children, 12 grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

T***s led a life of LIGHT.... No matter his pain he ALWAYS had a smile, an encouraging word, and a friendly presence.

Although he has gone on to Glory, He beat Sickle Cell 's A$$!!

He left far too soon but much longer than he was expected!

In the times of sadness his children, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, cousins, best friends, family and friends will forever hold to the greatest memories they shared!! TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM!!