Author: Peter Abraham, BSN, RN

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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.

Peter is the author of Empowering Excellence in Hospice: A Nurse's Toolkit for Best Practices, Holistic Nurse: Skills for Excellence, Compassionate Caregiving, and the Dementia Care Essentials series on Amazon. His work aims to provide valuable resources and guidance for hospice care professionals, ensuring that patients and their families receive the best possible support during challenging times.

Beyond his hands-on care, Peter also writes articles to empower caregivers, family members, and fellow nurses in end-of-life care. His passion for helping others is deeply rooted in his love of Christ Jesus. To learn more about Peter, you can listen to an interview by Marie Betcher, RN, on her Hospice Explained Podcast Series, as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@NursePeter

How to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and Empathy

Caring for someone with dementia requires understanding and a heart full of compassion. This guide highlights the importance of patience and empathy and their profound impact on enhancing the lives of those with dementia.

Read MoreHow to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and Empathy

Managing Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for Comfort

Discover effective non-pharmacological methods to manage shortness of breath in hospice care. Learn about positioning techniques, breathing exercises, and environmental adjustments that can comfort and relieve patients experiencing dyspnea, enhancing their quality of life during end-of-life care.

Read MoreManaging Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for Comfort

How to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care Facility

patients escaping

Elopement is when a person with dementia leaves a safe area, like their home or care facility, without supervision. This can be intentional or unintentional, and it's important to address to ensure the safety of the patient. If your loved one is attempting to escape from a memory care facility, there are steps you can take to support both them and the facility.

Read MoreHow to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care Facility

Coping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with Dementia

women using a rollator walking down a hallway

This article will try to help you cope with this challenge. We will give you some information and advice on how to:

Prepare for the transition to a nursing home

Support your loved one during and after the move

Take care of yourself and your family.

Read MoreCoping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with Dementia

Understanding Respite Care for Your Terminally Ill Loved One

hospice levels of care signs

Caring for a terminally ill loved one is a challenging and emotional journey that requires strength, compassion, and support. As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand the importance of caring for patients, family members, and caregivers. In this article, we will explore the concept of respite care. This valuable resource offers rest and rejuvenation to caregivers while their loved ones receive specialized care in a skilled facility.

We will discuss respite care, its importance, Medicare coverage for respite care, the significance of skilled respite facilities, how often respite care can be provided, and tips for making respite care a positive experience for the caregiver and the loved one. Our goal is to empower patients, caregivers, and nurses by providing precise and concise information on this critical aspect of end-of-life care. Remember, you are not alone, and your love and dedication make a significant difference in the life of your terminally ill loved one.

Read MoreUnderstanding Respite Care for Your Terminally Ill Loved One

Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Guide for Families

As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand the challenges that colorectal cancer can bring to your loved one's life. In this article, we will delve into the journey ahead, discussing the changes that may occur as the disease advances. We'll also address the shifts you might observe in your loved one's condition and provide guidance on delivering optimal care throughout this process.

Read MoreUnderstanding Colorectal Cancer: A Guide for Families

Best Practices for Oral Care in Hospice Patients: A Guide for Families

oral mouth swabs

Caring for a comatose loved one during their hospice journey requires special attention, particularly when it comes to oral care. In this guide, we'll explore best practices for oral care, considering the unique needs of comatose patients, and provide you with valuable resources for further guidance.

Read MoreBest Practices for Oral Care in Hospice Patients: A Guide for Families

Managing Dysphagia for Comfort: A Guide for Families

management of dysphagia food pyramid and dietary texture

Caring for a loved one with dysphagia during their end-of-life journey can be challenging, but with the proper knowledge and support, you can provide them with comfort and dignity. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in terminally ill patients and can lead to complications if not managed properly. In this guide, we will provide you with essential information on managing dietary changes and what to expect and offer helpful tips and tricks to ensure your loved one's comfort.

Read MoreManaging Dysphagia for Comfort: A Guide for Families

Supporting a Loved One’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking Voluntarily

vsed and the body response

Explore how to support a loved one's decision to stop eating voluntarily and drinking (VSED) in hospice care. Learn about the ethical, emotional, and practical aspects of VSED, including its impact on patients and families, and how to provide compassionate care during this challenging end-of-life journey.

Read MoreSupporting a Loved One’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking Voluntarily

Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

This article is written for families and caregivers of people with melanoma skin cancer. It will explain what melanoma is, how it is diagnosed and staged, what the treatment options are, and how to cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of the disease. It will also provide some practical tips and resources to help you and your loved one through this journey.

Read MoreMelanoma Skin Cancer: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Understanding Terminal Illness Progression: Observable Signs and Symptoms

how people die trajectory

Explore the journey through terminal illness, understanding key signs and symptoms at each stage. This guide offers insight into the physical and emotional changes as life nears its end, helping caregivers provide compassionate support.

Read MoreUnderstanding Terminal Illness Progression: Observable Signs and Symptoms

Promoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll Therapy

Doll therapy offers a compassionate approach to enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients. By providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting social interaction, this non-pharmacological intervention can significantly improve emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with dementia.

Read MorePromoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll Therapy

How to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of Breath

Pursed Lip Breathing

Dealing with shortness of breath can be challenging for terminally ill patients, but there are techniques that can help manage this symptom and improve their overall comfort. One such technique is pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is a simple and effective breathing technique that can help reduce shortness of breath and improve oxygen exchange in the lungs. As an experienced hospice nurse with years of experience, I will guide you through the steps of pursed lip breathing in a compassionate and easy-to-understand manner.

Read MoreHow to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of Breath

Understanding and Caring for Loved Ones with Huntington’s Disease

This comprehensive guide offers a compassionate overview of Huntington's disease, a rare condition that affects the brain. Learn what to expect throughout the course, how to support your loved one's needs, manage your well-being as a caregiver, plan for the future, and access hospice care. Gain insights into providing compassionate care that maximizes quality of life.

Read MoreUnderstanding and Caring for Loved Ones with Huntington’s Disease

Understanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for Families

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain. This can lead to various impairments in brain functions, such as thinking, memory, movement, and bladder control. NPH can also affect the quality of life, mood, and behavior of the person with NPH and their caregivers. The cause of NPH is often unknown, but it may be due to injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumor, or surgery on the brain. This article aims to provide a guide for families to understand NPH, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as how to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of living with NPH.

Read MoreUnderstanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for Families

To Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final Stage

Caregivers of dementia patients in the final stage face a challenging dilemma: whether to wake their loved ones or let them sleep. This article explores the pros and cons of each approach, offering guidance on making this difficult decision while prioritizing comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.

Read MoreTo Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final Stage

Understanding Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: A Guide for Families

Characteristics For Severe Malnutrition

Explore our guide on protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), a condition hindering proper health for the terminally ill. Learn to recognize symptoms, provide care, and understand the end-of-life journey with our compassionate, informative support for families.

Read MoreUnderstanding Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: A Guide for Families

Understanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia

Navigating hospice eligibility for non-Alzheimer's dementia patients demands a personalized approach. Unlike Alzheimer's, there's no definitive scale, necessitating assessments of functional decline, mobility, communication, incontinence, weight loss, overall condition, and comorbidities. Effective documentation, clinical judgment, and compassionate care are crucial for supporting these patients and families.

Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia

Dementia Care for loved ones who are habitually restless

habbitually restless lady

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. If your loved one has been restless throughout their life, this restlessness may continue as a symptom of their dementia. As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand the difficulties you may face in managing habitual restlessness while ensuring the safety and welfare of your loved one. In this article, I'll provide you with practical tips and evidence-based practices to create a calming environment for your loved one, even if they have trouble with fine motor control due to arthritis or other factors.

Read MoreDementia Care for loved ones who are habitually restless

Breast Cancer: Navigating the Journey with Compassion

Breast cancer is a tough road, affecting patients and their families deeply. As a hospice nurse case manager specializing in compassionate end-of-life care, I comprehend the significance of offering clear, empathetic guidance to families in this challenging situation. This article delves into the journey through breast cancer, the changes your loved one might undergo, and how to deliver optimal care from diagnosis to life's end.

Read MoreBreast Cancer: Navigating the Journey with Compassion

Managing Infections in the Geriatric Population

This article will delve into common infections in geriatric patients, encompassing early, middle, and late-stage symptoms, preventive measures, and prevalent treatment approaches, particularly for patients facing a terminal illness prognosis of six months or less.

Read MoreManaging Infections in the Geriatric Population

Dealing with a Loved One’s Bone Cancer Journey: A Guide to Compassionate Care

symptoms of bone cancer

Supporting a loved one through their bone cancer journey can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and compassionate care, you can provide meaningful support every step of the way. This guide aims to help you understand what to expect and how to offer the best care possible.

Read MoreDealing with a Loved One’s Bone Cancer Journey: A Guide to Compassionate Care
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