Chaplains in the Dallas area are trying to start an organization that will give the opportunity for fellowship and support. At our most recent meeting, we were privileged to hear Dr. Ken Bateman, professor of counseling at Amberton University, motivational speaker, and founder of New Directions Counseling in Richardson, Texas. His topic was stress and burnout.

(NationalPainFoundation.org) - A recent article by Debra K. Weiner, MD describes ten myths that relate to the kinds of pain that older adults experience. Striking among these is the myth that "Older adults should not take opioids because of the potential for addiction." That this is a myth is borne out in our experiences in working with the elderly. This is an important article for laypersons who have an elderly loved one with symptoms of pain (or depression - a major symptom of pain).

(NationalPainFoundation.org) - A recent newsletter from the National Pain Foundation referred to this new article that offers help to improve outlook when facing pain. Pain can severely diminish our outlook on life. Those who are in pain find it hard to find medical professionals who take their pain seriously, family who know how to support them when they are in pain, and the ability to keep up with a positive sense of self. This article may provide some help.

(The Chicago Sun-Times) - On March 20, 2004 Pope John Paul clarified the teaching of the Catholic Church on artificial hydration and nutrition (ANH) causing an uproar among caregivers, healthcare systems, and medical ethicists.

Each month ElderHope does two short tapings for the thrice daily Community Focus segment on KEOM 88.5FM (don't you just love using words like thrice). We are in a rotation with a number of other community based organizations. This month we did the following segments:
Life Review and Family Lore and What Do I Say to Those Who Are Grieving?