Gov. McCrory Commends Hospice, Palliative Services

When my mom was terminally ill she was in Hospice at her home where she passed away among family. The care workers that came to help were wonderful and a godsend. This is taken from the DHHS website. Community volunteers and professional staff have cared for more than 50,000 patients and their family members in hospices and palliative care centers across North Carolina over the past 35 years. To celebrate the physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, hospice aides and clergy working to care for, and preserve the dignity and worth of every individual, Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed November as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in North Carolina. “The professionals and volunteers who serve terminally ill persons and their families should be commended,” McCrory said in his proclamation. More than 5 percent of the patient care hours of hospice and palliative services are rendered by dedicated volunteers, ensuring that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive medical services, including pain and symptom control, emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and family, and live out their final days in relative comfort. Hospice workers collaborate with the Medicaid program to provide pediatric palliative care for children faced with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Hospice and palliative care volunteers and professional staff also work with veterans, who often have unique end-of-life needs, celebrating their heroism, honor, duty and sacrifice. Thanks to a partnership between the Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care and local hospices, patients and their families in North Carolina are assured of quality medical care, as well as strong emotional and spiritual support, helping friends and families cope with losses faced during illness and the grief experienced afterwards.

Durham County, NC Tax Values Rise 14%

Durham County, NC last reappraised real property values in 2008. The county wide increase is 14%. In 2008 the increase was 30%. I like the way we did it in my part of Virginia which was done yearly or in the case of Virginia Beach when houses were sold it set the value of that house for tax purposes. County Tax Administrators look at physical characteristics of a property such as age, square footage and changes could affect the value. Things like adding a deck, a garage or additions to the main structure. Real estate transactions of nearby properties are also looked at. Remember the 14% is an average so some properties will see a much higher increase and some may even see a decrease depending on location and condition. If you don't like the new tax value you can appeal it up until May 2. Information should come with your new assessment this month.