Empowering caregivers, families, and nurses in end-of-life care
Author: Peter Abraham, BSN, RN
Peter Abraham is a seasoned nurse committed to supporting nurses, caregivers, families, and patients in their learning, growth, and well-being journey. His extensive nursing career includes practical experience as a cardiac telemetry nurse in a dynamic cardiology unit at a Magnet-awarded teaching hospital. Additionally, Peter has served as a second-shift RN supervisor, managing an entire building in a Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care (SNF/LTC) setting with 151 residents. Notably, during the initial wave of COVID-19, the facility achieved an impressive near-100% recovery rate before the completion of Operation Warp Speed.
Peter's nursing career also extends to rural home hospice care. As a visiting hospice registered nurse case manager, he provides compassionate care to patients in various settings, including private homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. His dedication to compassionate care led to the establishment of the Peter Abraham Wound Care Scholarship, which offers education in wound care. This scholarship, associated with the theme of "Wound Care: Enhancing Healthcare for the Aging Population," underscores Peter's commitment to improving care for those in need.
Hospice nurses' presence visits provide vital emotional support and companionship for terminally ill patients and their families. Learn how these visits offer comfort, dignity, and peace during end-of-life care.
Deciding between home care and facility care for a terminally ill loved one requires careful consideration of medical, emotional, and practical factors to ensure comfort and dignity.
Discover Bullosis Diabeticorum, a rare skin condition in people with diabetes causing painless blisters. Learn how to identify, treat, and care for loved ones with BD and a terminal illness.
In this article, we will explore whether medical-surgical or critical care experience is necessary to become a hospice nurse, the benefits and challenges of working in hospice care, the educational and licensure requirements for hospice nurses, and the resources and opportunities for professional development and networking in hospice nursing.
Caring for a loved one with terminal metabolic encephalopathy requires compassion and understanding. This guide provides insights into recognizing symptoms, adapting care strategies, and supporting the patient and caregiver through this challenging journey.
Understanding hospice recertification is crucial for ensuring your loved one receives the necessary care. Learn about the process, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Learn about the differences between pacemakers and ICDs, their functions, and the implications for patients and caregivers. Discover why pacemakers should stay on, and ICDs should be turned off at the end of life for comfort and dignity.
Learn about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) dementia, its symptoms, diagnosis, and care strategies to support those affected and their families.
Hospice care is often seen as the final chapter, but sometimes, it leads to unexpected recoveries. This article explores stories of resilience and healing in hospice care, reminding us that hope and recovery can still be part of the journey.
Discover essential insights into Adult Failure to Thrive—a condition affecting older adults. Learn why early recognition and compassionate care are crucial for improving quality of life.
Understanding breathing patterns in end-of-life care is crucial for providing comfort to your loved one. Learn about regular vs. irregular breathing rhythms and when to contact hospice for additional support.
Discover how the Sunset Assessment Scale guides hospice nurses in determining visit frequencies, ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care during the final journey.
Adult daycare can be a great way to support your loved one with dementia. It offers engaging activities and social interaction, while giving caregivers some much-needed respite. Learn how to choose the right center and prepare for the transition.
Discover practical strategies for supporting a loved one with cognitive decline during doctor visits. From preparation to follow-up, learn how to communicate effectively, respect autonomy, and handle sensitive topics. This guide offers valuable tips for caregivers to ensure productive appointments and quality care for their loved ones.
In-home hospice care offers a sanctuary of comfort and support for terminally ill loved ones and their families. It brings medical care, emotional solace, and practical help to your doorstep, allowing patients to spend their final days in the warmth of home. Learn how hospice care can provide personalized support, ensuring dignity and quality of life.
Explore the role of oxygen saturation in hospice care, where comfort takes precedence over numbers. Learn how hospice teams prioritize quality of life, interpret vital signs differently, and make ethical decisions about oxygen use. Discover a compassionate approach focused on dignity and peace.
Dementia can lead to aggressive behavior in elderly patients, causing distress for both them and their caregivers. This comprehensive guide explores the underlying causes of aggression, from sleep disturbances to medication side effects, and offers practical, empathetic strategies for managing these challenging situations and improving the quality of life for all involved.
This comprehensive guide empowers families to navigate care plan meetings for terminally ill loved ones. Learn the significance of these meetings, how to prepare, communicate your loved one's needs, and advocate for their best interests. Gain insights into recognizing when meetings are necessary and the benefits of regular care planning. Equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your loved one receives personalized, dignified care aligned with their wishes.
When a loved one is facing a serious illness, it can feel like standing at a crossroads. Each path represents a different way to care for them in their time of need. It’s a moment filled with tough choices and deep emotions. This article thoroughly explains hospice care, its philosophy, and the benefits it provides to patients and families facing terminal illness. Learn about the decision-making process, the hospice experience, and how to navigate this difficult choice with dignity and love.
Dementia is a word we use to describe a significant change in the brain that makes it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, make decisions, or even control their emotions. It’s like a fog that slowly creeps in, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and lives daily. It’s not just one disease but a group of symptoms that can be caused by different diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to severe health issues mimicking terminal diseases like nerve damage, anemia, and increased cancer risk. This comprehensive guide explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for vitamin deficiencies B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Understand the importance of adequate vitamin B intake for energy production, metabolism, cell growth, and overall well-being.
This article aims to provide information and guidance on qualifying for hospice care without an official medical diagnosis. We will explain hospice care, how to access it without a physician’s consent, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.
Hospice care focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments. In emergencies, calling 911 can lead to invasive procedures and disrupt hospice care. This article explores why contacting your hospice provider first is crucial and offers guidance on alternatives to calling 911.
