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 PracticesHolistic Nurse: Skills for ExcellenceCompassionate 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

Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

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.

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Understanding the Importance of Your Loved One’s Breathing Patterns in End-of-Life Care

Breathing Patterns

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.

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How to Accompany a Loved One with Cognitive Decline to a Doctor Appointment

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.

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Compassionate Care at Home: How Hospice Supports Families and Their Terminally Ill 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.

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Understanding Oxygen Saturation in Hospice Care Navigating Through Numbers for Comfort 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.

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Understanding Aggression in Elderly Patients with Dementia

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.

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Navigating Care Plan Meetings: A Guide for Families of Terminally Ill Loved Ones

care plan meeting

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.

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Choosing Compassion: The Case for Hospice Care

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.

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Parkinson’s vs. Alzheimer’s: Key Differences Explained

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.

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How Vitamin B Deficiencies Can Mimic Terminal Diseases

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.

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Why Does Hospice Not Want You to Call 911 Before Calling the Hospice Provider?

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.

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Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Guide for Caregivers

pulmonary fibrosis

If you are caring for a loved one with pulmonary fibrosis, you may have many questions and concerns about their condition and how to support them best. You may also feel overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated by the challenges and responsibilities of caregiving. You are not alone. Many people face similar situations and emotions when caring for someone with chronic and progressive lung disease.

This article will help you understand pulmonary fibrosis and how it affects your loved one and yourself. It will also provide practical and helpful information on providing the best care for your loved one and yourself.

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How to Find a Care Facility for Your Loved One with Dementia When You Feel Out of Options

Caring for a loved one with dementia in rural areas can be challenging when local care facility options are limited. This guide explores alternatives, such as contacting organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, considering different facility types (adult day care, long-term care, respite care, memory care), seeking financial assistance, evaluating hospice eligibility, and assessing life plan/continuing care communities. It also addresses the legal and ethical implications of using hospitals as a last resort.

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Understanding Emergency Admissions in Hospice

Daughter And Staff Around Dying Elderly Woman

Emergency admissions in hospice provide rapid care for patients nearing the end of life. This process involves quick referrals, expedited assessments, and immediate provision of necessary equipment and medications. Hospice teams work efficiently to ensure patients receive comfort and support during this critical time.

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Best Practices for IDG Meetings in Hospice Care

hospice care team infographic

Hospice 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.

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A Summary Review of the Twelve Known Types of Dementia

dementia types

This 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.

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