July, 2004

Relatives looking after Alzheimer's patients face challenges

Hearts broke worldwide as Nancy Reagan laid her head on the flag-draped casket of her husband, former President Ronald Reagan, little more than a week ago.

For those who care for people with Alzheimer's disease as Nancy Reagan did, her gesture was especially poignant. They know firsthand just how difficult the disease is and the weariness it engenders. They also know the stress the illness places on caregivers. Full Article

Parish nurses care for body and spirit

Don't ask Ella Collier what her typical day is like, because there isn't one. "I could spend my day talking with people on the phone and answering questions about what their doctor has told them about their medications," she said. "I could be meeting with people in my office, because they're in a crisis situation, or they need someone to talk to about a health or emotional problems.

"A lot of my day is spent talking with people and trying to find resources in the community that they need." Full Article

in this issue

• Parish nurses can share their faith and health care skills with patients
• Getting in shape a hospital-wide affair at DeKalb Medical Center
• Georgia State to offer clinical doctorate in physical therapy
• Reporting suspected child abuse mandatory for school nurses
• Camp Bluebird: Giving respite to cancer patients, survivors