Ascend Health Blog

The Ascend Health Blog offers expert guidance on hospice care, palliative support, grief, and emotional well-being.

Coping With Dementia, how to gain more cooperation with simple tasks.

How can we increase the level of cooperation we get from a loved one coping with dementia? A loved one...
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Gene Hackman’s Final Lesson: A Wake-Up Call for Caregivers and Families

A few months ago, beloved actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their New Mexico home. Investigators...
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A young boy hugs an older adult from behind, both smiling, in a warmly lit indoor setting.

Ways to honor your Dad on Father’s Day after he has passed

Honoring your dad on Father’s Day after he has passed can be a meaningful and healing experience. Here are ten ways to...
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A young woman sits against a wall in a dim hallway, illuminated by light coming from a window at the end.

10 ways to honor the memory of your Mom this Mother’s Day

Losing a mother is never easy, and Mother’s Day can be an emotional time. Honoring her memory in meaningful ways can bring...
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Tips for having difficult hospice conversations

At Ascend, we understand how difficult conversations about hospice can be. So, we’ve developed talking points to help ease the...
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12 Important Things To Understand About Hospice

Our expert care enriches life by controlling symptoms and managing pain, while also caring for the mind and spirit. Hospice often becomes...
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Healthcare professional in blue scrubs adjusting oxygen mask on elderly patient in a home care setting.

How Ascend Helps Families Cope With COPD

Caring for a loved one with COPD can be challenging and knowing when to align help can be challenging as...
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A young woman sits against a wall in a dim hallway, illuminated by light coming from a window at the end.

Grief at the holidays

Losing a loved one is painful and can cast a cloud over everything. Grieving during the holidays can be especially...
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Two women smiling and embracing in a bright, cozy living room filled with natural light and bookshelves in the background.

Caring For Caregivers

In Observation of National Care at Home Month, and National Family Caregivers Month, we’re centering on supporting family caregivers. We...
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A healthcare professional gently holds the hand of an elderly man, conveying warmth and support in a clinical setting.

Common Myths About Hospice

End of life decisions are difficult for both patients and loved ones. Many people avoid the discussion altogether, however hospice...
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Transitioning to Hospice Care: Resources and Tips for Centerville, NJ Residents

Hospice care, a compassionate approach to end-of-life support, is often shrouded in mystery and misconception. In Centerville, NJ, we are...
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A healthcare professional uses a stethoscope to examine an older woman's chest in a comfortable clinical environment.

Caring For A Loved One With CHF This Summer

Alzheimer’s is a devastating, progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Though memory loss and confusion are...
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A caregiver interacts warmly with an elderly woman in a bright room filled with plants and soft natural light.

Signs That Hospice May Be Right

Signs That Hospice May Be Right We often avoid conversations about hospice, but the one thing we keep hearing from...
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A caregiver interacts with an elderly woman, holding hands in a bright, plant-filled room promoting comfort and connection.

Hospice at Home: A Loving Option for Professional Care in Toms River, NJ

Facing the final stages of a loved one’s life can be daunting. Hospice care at home has emerged as a...
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Two caregivers assist a smiling man in a wheelchair, surrounded by greenery and a sunny courtyard setting.

Understanding Hospice: A Guide to Compassionate Home Care in Norfolk, VA

In the face of life’s ultimate transition, hospice care stands as an essential guidepost, providing comfort, assistance, and unmatched emotional...
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A smiling senior woman in a wheelchair holds the hands of a caregiver, with a warm and comforting look on her face.

When Is Hospice Care Recommended?

Caring for a loved one with a serious illness often comes with many unknowns, and one of the most difficult...
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A healthcare professional smiles while discussing information on a tablet with an elderly woman holding a cane.

How Does Palliative Care Work With My Doctor?

A comprehensive team approach to care Palliative care works in partnership with you, your family and your other doctors to...
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Is Palliative Care the Answer

Who Can Benefit From Ascend’s Palliative Care? Palliative care helps individuals cope with the symptoms, challenges and stresses associated with...
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Hospice Care in Suffolk, VA: Bringing Quality Care into Your Home

Are you seeking comfort and quality care for your loved ones during their most difficult moments? Look no further. In...
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A healthcare professional in a white coat checks the blood pressure of a smiling elderly man in a wheelchair.

Embracing the Journey: How Edison, NJ Hospice Care Transforms Your Home Experience

Navigating the final stages of life can be challenging, especially when facing illness. But what if there was comfort in...
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Discover Why In-Home Hospice Care Triumphs in Voorhees, NJ: A Compassionate Choice

Watching a loved one approach the end of their life can be incredibly challenging, but remember, you are not alone....
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Elderly hands clasped together, symbolizing companionship and support in a serene setting, showcasing warm, gentle touch.

Personalized Care at Home: The Unique Advantages of Portsmouth, VA Hospice Services

Opting for at-home hospice services in Portsmouth, VA means receiving expert medical care in the comfort and familiarity of your...
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Hospice Services in Quantico, VA: Finding Peace and Comfort

When facing the challenge of a life-limiting illness, peace and comfort become more than just words; they transform into lifelines....
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A happy young female caregiver smiles at the camera with her hand on the shoulder of a cheerful elderly man, as they sit together on a couch.

Montclair, VA Hospice Care: Supporting Your Loved Ones with Dignity

Facing the twilight of life can bring about challenging emotions for all involved. If your loved one is in this...
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Hands of an elderly couple gently clasped together, symbolizing connection and support in a warm, cozy environment.

Elizabeth, NJ Hospice Services: A Guide to Compassionate Care

Imagine a place where compassion meets medical expertise at a time when your family needs it most. This is what...
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Exploring Hospice Care in Morristown, NJ: What You Need to Know

Delving into the world of hospice care can feel like navigating a labyrinth during a difficult time. Break free from...
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A caregiver and an elderly woman share a warm moment on a couch in a bright, inviting living space.

Dignity and Comfort: The Impact of Hospice Care at Home in Paterson, NJ

The ability to remain in the comfort of your own home while receiving end-of-life care is a blessing that changes...
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Navigating End-of-Life Care: Choosing the Right Hospice Firm in New Jersey

Navigating the winding path of end-of-life care decisions can be a complex, emotional journey. It can feel like an uphill...
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The Importance of Quality Hospice Care in Hampton, VA for a Peaceful Transition

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of an end-of-life journey is never an easy path, further underscoring the importance of top-quality hospice...
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Finding Solace at Home: The Role of Hospice Care in Newark, NJ

Losing a loved one is never easy. It is a profound, transformative experience that changes our lives forever. But, amid...
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An Introduction to Hospice Care Services in Westfield, NJ

Understanding end-of-life care options can be daunting, especially when it’s for a loved one. Hospice care is a compassionate choice...
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The Comfort of Home: Exploring In-Home Hospice Care Benefits in Newport News, VA

Imagine the peace of finding compassionate care for your loved one, right in the comfort of their own home. That...
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How to Select the Best Hospice Care Provider in Arlington, VA for Your Loved One

Navigating the labyrinth of healthcare decisions becomes particularly grave when dealing with end-of-life scenarios. Selecting a hospice care provider in...
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Is Hospice Care the Answer?

Here are 13 easy-to-read signs hospice may be right for your family Patients and loved ones often avoid conversations regarding...
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A healthcare professional in blue scrubs is smiling and interacting with an elderly patient in a bright, welcoming environment.

Navigating End-of-Life Care: How Chesapeake, VA Hospice Services Support Families

Facing the end-of-life journey with a loved one is a profoundly emotional and overwhelming experience. With the right support, however,...
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A smiling elderly man is embraced by a woman in scrubs, both conveying warmth and companionship in a bright setting.

The Essence of Home Hospice Care: A Quality Choice for Families in Jersey City, NJ

Discover the transformative impact of high-quality home hospice care as we delve into understanding compassionate supportive services in Jersey City,...
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Healthcare professional and elderly patient in a wheelchair engage in conversation, seated by large windows in a bright, modern environment.

Is Home Health Care the Answer?

Eight signs home health care may be right for your family Deciding if and when home health care is appropriate...
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An older man uses an inhaler while wrapped in a red and black plaid blanket, resting on a sofa in a cozy room.

What Aggravates COPD Symptoms?

COPD is a lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes it hard to breathe. If you are coping with COPD,...
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A nurse in blue scrubs engages warmly with an elderly woman, fostering a caring connection in a bright, inviting setting.

Understanding Hospice Care Options in Virginia Beach, VA: A Guide for Families

Facing the realities of a loved one’s end-of-life journey is a challenging experience, one that raises many questions about quality,...
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Healthcare professional in blue scrubs smiling while engaging with an elderly woman in a striped shirt seated in a wheelchair.

Tailoring Hospice Care to Your Needs in Richmond, VA: What to Look For

Facing the inevitability of end-of-life is a challenging experience for both the patient and their loved ones. However, the journey...
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How Mountainside, NJ is Pioneering Quality Hospice Care Solutions

Embarking on life’s final journey carries its unique challenges for those in need and their loved ones. Choosing the right...
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Supporting Loved Ones: Navigating Hospice Care in Clark, NJ

Facing the reality that your loved one needs hospice care can be a daunting journey filled with myriad emotions –...
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An elderly man with a nasal cannula embraces a younger man in a warmly lit, modern indoor setting.

How to Discuss Hospice With Your Doctor

Discussing hospice care with your doctor is an important and often emotionally charged conversation. Hospice care is typically considered when curative measures...
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The Top Hospice Care Providers: A Union, NJ Overview

When facing a life-limiting illness, every moment becomes precious. In such instances, high-quality hospice care can make a world of...
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An elderly woman with grey hair stands by a window, looking thoughtfully outside, arms crossed in a cozy interior.

Coping with Alzheimer’s anxiety and depression

Alzheimer’s is a devastating, progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Though memory loss and confusion are...
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An elderly man with a nasal cannula embraces a younger man in a warmly lit, modern indoor setting.

Living With a Life-Limiting Illness

When diagnosed with a life threatening illness our world shifts. Time becomes thought of ‘before’ the illness to ‘after the...
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Compassionate Care at Home: Finding the Right Hospice Provider in Alexandria, VA

Navigating the waters of end-of-life care can be difficult, but finding a compassionate, caring home hospice provider shouldn’t have to...
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A young boy smiles while being carried on his father's shoulders, with a grandfather standing behind them in a bright outdoor setting.

Spending the First Father’s Day Without Dad. 7 Tips On How to Survive.

If you’ve lost a parent it’s normal to feel apprehension and even dread as holidays like Father’s Day approach. That...
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How to Survive The First Mother’s Day Without Mom

The second Sunday in May, usually a time of celebration and family, can be the opposite for someone who has...
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5 questions to consider when living with a serious illness

April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public...
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Caring for a loved one with CHF

Caring for a loved one with any serious illness can feel overwhelming, stressful and frightening. But caring for a loved...
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Senior man smiling while using a tablet, sitting on a comfortable chair with an oxygen tank and bookshelf in the background.

Caring for a loved one with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, chronic disease. COPD is also a leading cause of disability and death in...
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Two men embrace warmly in a welcoming hallway decorated for the holidays, with family members in the background.

Hospice and the Holidays

Eight Ways Hospice Improves Quality of Life During the Holidays Hospice improves quality of life. But talking about hospice is...
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Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving: 7 signs it’s time for extra support

When to gain support for Alzheimer’s caregiving is a personal decision and different for every family. Caregiving for a loved...
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How Hospice Works

The hospice process can begin as soon as a referral is made by a patient’s doctor. The hospice staff will...
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How Home Health Care Works

After your doctor refers you to Ascend Home Health, one of our clinicians will visit your home to assess your...
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Healthcare worker and elderly woman share a joyful moment, emphasizing compassionate care in a bright, welcoming environment.

Are End-of-Life Doulas for Us?

By Marina McGough A death positive movement is sweeping across the country and with it, there has been much buzz...
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Hospice, Palliative, and Home Health Care

Ascend Health offers hospice care in Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. Some locations also offer palliative care and home health care options. Get started by finding a location near you, and we can help you understand your options.

Find Care Near You