Life's Journey
A collection of articles and stories to help you better understand and experience the full benefit of hospice care, palliative care and grief support.
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What a Hospice Nurse Wishes Families Knew Earlier
Hospice nurses are invited into some of the most tender moments in a family’s life. They sit at kitchen tables. They adjust pillows in quiet bedrooms. They answer late-night phone calls filled with worry. They witness love in its most vulnerable form. If you asked a hospice nurse at Heartlinks...
How Hospice Supports the Whole Family
When most people think about hospice, they think about the patient. They think about pain management. Nursing visits. Comfort care. What many families do not realize is that hospice is designed to support more than one person. At Heartlinks, hospice care embraces the entire family. Serious illness does not affect...
What Happens After You Call Hospice?
At Heartlinks, we understand that calling hospice is one of the most difficult phone calls a family will ever make. It often follows months, sometimes years, of treatments, hospital stays, and hard decisions. Other times it comes after a sudden decline. Almost always, it comes with a mix of emotions....
Practical Tips for Living with Grief During the Holidays
For many people grieving the loss of someone dear, the holidays aren’t always joyful. Traditions shift. Familiar routines feel heavier. A room full of cheerful people can still feel lonely. Religious services or family gatherings may stir up unexpected emotions. If this is your experience—or the experience of someone you...
When is the right time to call hospice?
Important Takeaways Families don’t need to wait until the final days to reach out for hospice care. Early hospice care offers more time for comfort, support, and peace of mind. Anyone—patients, family, or friends—can start the conversation. No referral needed. Heartlinks walks beside families from the first difficult decisions to...
Understanding Palliative Care: Relief, Support, and Living Fully
Key Takeaways Palliative care is specialized medical support that focuses on comfort, symptom relief, and care coordination for people of all ages living with serious illnesses. It’s not the same as hospice—you can receive palliative care while continuing treatments like chemo, radiation, or surgery. Starting early improves quality of life...
New Overdose Loss Support Group in Yakima
A new support group for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to overdose or substance use disorder begins September 9 at 6 p.m. in Yakima. During the six, monthly sessions, attendees will feel safe and supported as they connect with others who have lost a...
What’s the Difference? How to choose an Adult Family Home, Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home, or Skilled Nursing Facility
When a loved one needs more care than can be provided at home, families are often faced with a flood of unfamiliar terms. It’s common to feel overwhelmed while trying to understand the differences between an Adult Family Home, Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home, and Skilled Nursing Facility. These settings each serve...