Compassion Crossing is a website that provides valuable resources for family members, caregivers, or hospice and palliative care nurses of terminally ill patients. The website features educational articles that cover diverse topics related to end-of-life care, such as pain and symptom management, palliative care options, grief and coping strategies, spiritual support, and ethical issues. Compassion Crossing aims to help you navigate the challenges and emotions of caring for someone with a terminal illness and provide comfort and guidance.
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Compassion Crossing offers you support and guidance when a loved one is dying. You can learn from our topics. These are the main categories of information for caring for a terminally ill loved one:
The Most Recent Articles
- Best Practices for IDG Meetings in Hospice CareHospice care is about providing compassionate support and comfort to patients during their end-of-life journey. Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings ensure the highest quality care for hospice patients and their families. These meetings bring together a diverse team of professionals to discuss patient care plans, address concerns, and collaborate on providing holistic support. However, these meetings can sometimes become overwhelming and time-consuming. Let’s explore some best practices to make the most of IDG meetings while keeping patient-centered care at the forefront.
- A Summary Review of the Twelve Known Types of DementiaThis article summarizes the twelve known types of dementia, which are the most common and well-studied forms of this condition. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of each type, how they are diagnosed, what causes them, and how they are treated. This article is intended for family members and caregivers of people with dementia who may want to understand more about the condition and how to support their loved ones.
- Navigating the Stormy Waters of Dementia-Related AggressionExplore the complex world of dementia-related aggression and learn how to identify its underlying causes. This comprehensive guide offers insights into medication-related issues, pain management, and non-pharmacological interventions. Discover compassionate care strategies to support patients and caregivers on this challenging journey.
- Unveiling the Complexities of SSRIs: Half-Life, Risks, and MisconceptionsDive into the world of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and their role in treating depression. Discover the importance of medication half-life, the risks of serotonin syndrome, and why the chemical imbalance theory of depression is being challenged. Learn about the concerns of overprescription in older adults.
- How Hospice Patients Can Access Emergency Care Without Losing Their BenefitsHospice care focuses on comfort, not curing illness. But what if an emergency arises? This guide explains when hospice covers emergency care, how to proceed, and how hospice services continue during/after hospitalization – ensuring you make informed decisions without losing benefits.
- When It’s Time for Hospice in Dementia CareThis article provides a compassionate guide for families and caregivers of individuals with dementia. It aims to offer insight into the progression of dementia and how to recognize when it may be time to consider hospice care. This article seeks to empower you with knowledge and understanding so you can make informed decisions that honor the dignity and comfort of your loved one.
- Estimating Dementia Stages Without a DiagnosisThis article is like a flashlight in the dark. It’s here to shine a light on the path ahead, even when we don’t have all the answers. We’ll talk about how dementia can affect people differently and share some common signs that can help you guess what stage your loved one might be in.
- Who are the Primary Caregivers for Hospice Patients?Discover the unsung heroes of hospice care: primary caregivers. From family members to trained professionals, these compassionate individuals provide essential support to patients nearing the end of life. Learn about their crucial roles, challenges, and their impact in ensuring comfort and dignity for hospice patients.
- White Matter Disease: A Guide for FamiliesDiscover the essentials of white matter disease, its impact on brain health, and how to support affected loved ones. This comprehensive guide offers insights into symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and practical tips for caregivers, empowering families to navigate this challenging condition with knowledge and compassion.
- How Different Types of Illnesses Affect Our Lives and Deaths: A Summary of a Research Paper by Joanne Lynn and ColleaguesHave you ever wondered how different illnesses affect our lives and deaths? How do we cope with the uncertainty and unpredictability of our health? How do we plan for our future and make the best decisions for ourselves and our loved ones? In this article, we will summarize and discuss the main points and findings of the paper and explore how they relate to our own lives and deaths. We will also provide practical and actionable suggestions for you to cope with and plan for your and your loved ones’ trajectories. We aim to help you understand the different types of illness trajectories, how they affect our lives and deaths, and how we can prepare for them.
- Exploring Dementia Care: Choosing the Right Healthcare ProviderDementia is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals, often requiring specialized care. When it comes to supporting a loved one with dementia, understanding the types of healthcare providers available is essential. Each specialist brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table. In this article, we will delve into the various types of healthcare providers for dementia and help you understand when to consider one specialist over another.
- The Myth of Medications and Terminal Illness: How to Cope with the Reality of Losing a Loved OneDiscover the truth behind the myth that medications can keep terminally ill patients alive indefinitely. This article explores the psychological factors behind this belief and its consequences while providing compassionate strategies to cope with the reality of losing a loved one while ensuring quality end-of-life care.
- Common Medications That May Cause Harm to Hospice PatientsMedications like anticoagulants, antidepressants, and NSAIDs can cause harm to hospice patients. Learn how to balance comfort and safety with individualized care.
- Why Anticoagulants Should Be Reviewed Regularly for Deprescribing for Those Who Are Terminally IllAnticoagulants can prevent blood clots but also cause bleeding risks for terminally ill patients. This article explains why these medications should be regularly reviewed for deprescribing, outlining factors like prognosis, preferences, and palliative care options to consider when making informed, compassionate choices aligned with the patient’s goals.
- Understanding the Importance of Quarterly Medication Reconciliation for Terminal PatientsThis article discusses the importance of quarterly medication reconciliation for terminal patients and their families. It explains the benefits, such as improving patient safety, quality of life, symptom management, and the challenges and solutions. It also addresses the need to re-evaluate certain medications, like donepezil and memantine, for patients with dementia as their disease progresses.
- Comparing and Contrasting the Five Most Common Types of DementiaExplore the five most common types of dementia: Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and Mixed. Learn about their unique characteristics, symptoms, and progression. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals affected by dementia.
- Unveiling the Promise and Perils of Blood Tests for DementiaDelve into the world of blood-based biomarkers for dementia detection. This article examines the science behind these tests, their potential to revolutionize early diagnosis, and the complex ethical considerations surrounding their use. Discover how these tests might shape the future of Alzheimer’s care and research.
- Pressure Injury Prevention for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Families and CaregiversThis guide provides practical strategies for preventing and managing pressure injuries in terminally ill patients. Learn how to assess risk, optimize nutrition, reposition properly, choose support surfaces, and care for the skin. Get recommendations for home, hospice, and hospital settings, as well as pain management and infection control. Empower yourself with evidence-based tips to improve your loved one’s comfort and quality of life.
Compassion Crossing is a website that offers helpful information and support for those involved in end-of-life care, such as caregivers, family members, and nurses. The website has a user-friendly design, informative articles, and a commitment to empowering its readers with the skills and empathy required for this meaningful journey.