Articles to empower you with end-of-life care

Compassion Crossing, LLC

Guiding Life's Journey with Care

Compassion Crossing, LLC

Guiding Life's Journey with Care

Identifying Patients Who May Benefit from Hospice Care: A Visual Observation Guide for Personal Care Facilities

About Hospice, Caregiving Tips, Death and Dying, End of Life, Hospice, Prognostication, Starting Hospice, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Identifying when a patient may benefit from hospice care is a critical yet often challenging task. For caregivers, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Medical Technicians (Med Techs), visual observation can be a powerful tool for recognizing signs that suggest a hospice referral might be appropriate.

This guide is tailored to assist caregivers in personal care facilities in identifying these signs through visual observation methods, helping provide compassionate and timely end-of-life care.

Top 30 FAQs About Hospice: Everything You Need to Know

About Hospice, Bereavement and Grief, Hospice

Discover hospice care, eligibility, benefits, provider choice, costs, services, and more. Learn how hospice addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs and how to prepare for and manage them. Find out about the roles of the hospice team and the primary caregiver and the signs of approaching death. Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about compassionate end-of-life care.

The Dying Process at the End of Life

Actively Dying, Death and Dying, Dying Process, End of Life, Hospice, How Much Longer, Last Hours, Prognostication, Transitioning

The dying process involves physical and emotional changes as the body shuts down. As the heart weakens, circulation slows, leading to cold hands and feet, pale skin, and drowsiness. Breathing becomes irregular and shallow. The patient may experience delirium or visions. Providing comfort through pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care is crucial.

Is my loved one starving or being dehydrated to death?

Death and Dying, Dying Process, End of Life, Hospice, Nutrition, Nutrition At End Of Life, Terminal Illness

When a loved one nears the end of life, it’s natural to worry about their nutrition and hydration. This article explains why they may not need food or water and how you can provide comfort during this time.

Essential Guide to Hospice GIP Discharge Planning: From Admission to Transition

Compliance, Documentation, Hospice, Palliative Care

This guide covers critical aspects of Hospice GIP discharge planning. From initial evaluation to managing symptoms and effective discharge strategies, this article equips hospice nurses and families with the necessary knowledge for optimal care transitions.

Transforming End-of-Life Care: A Holistic Approach to Palliative Care in Nursing Homes

Case Studies, Hospice, Palliative Care

women using a rollator walking down a hallway

Discover how to revolutionize palliative care in nursing homes with our comprehensive guide. From staff training to pain management, learn about the latest approaches to ensure dignity and comfort for residents in their final stages of life. Explore practical solutions to common challenges and find out how to create a more compassionate care environment.

Understanding Neurostorming: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers and Families

Caregiving Tips, Non-Pharmacological, Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Tips and Tricks

Neurostorming is a complex condition that occurs after severe brain injury, causing episodes of elevated heart rate, blood pressure, fever, and muscle rigidity. This comprehensive guide helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals understand prevention strategies, early detection methods, home management techniques, and advocacy approaches to reduce hospitalizations while providing compassionate care.

Navigating the Complexities of Hospice GIP Care: Ensuring Compliance and Quality

About Hospice, Compliance, Hospice, Palliative Care

Explore the challenges of hospice General Inpatient (GIP) care, including inappropriate billing and fraud risks. Discover how hospice RN case managers can ensure compliance and quality care through diligent oversight and documentation from admission to discharge.

Understanding Hospice General Inpatient Care (GIP): Why and When It’s Appropriate

About Hospice, Case Studies, Compliance, Hospice, Hospice Eligibility, Palliative Care

Explore why and when Hospice General Inpatient Care (GIP) is appropriate, Medicare compliance, eligibility, and what to do if a patient is ineligible.

Navigating Family Denial: Supporting Loved Ones in Terminal Care

Advance Directives, Caregiving Tips, Death and Dying, Ethical Dilemma, Ethics, Hospice, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks

When a family can't accept that their loved one is dying, it creates additional stress during an already challenging time. This article offers guidance on communicating with denial, supporting the patient, managing family dynamics, and finding professional help. Learn practical strategies to navigate this sensitive situation with compassion and understanding.

Hospice Inpatient Care: GIP vs. Facility-Based Options

About Hospice, Hospice, Palliative Care

Discover the differences between hospice general inpatient care (GIP) at a hospital and inpatient care at a facility without a GIP level. Understand eligibility, benefits, and when to choose each type of care for your loved ones.

Understanding Hospice General Inpatient (GIP) Care: Dispelling Common Misconceptions

About Hospice, Compliance, Hospice, Hospice Eligibility, Palliative Care

This comprehensive article delves into Hospice General Inpatient Care, debunks common misconceptions, and explains its importance in end-of-life care.

Achieving HCI Excellence: The Ten Moments That Matter Most in Hospice Care

Compliance, Hospice, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Transform your hospice's quality outcomes with Jose Escobar's proven Polaris 10/10 HCI Execution Framework. This comprehensive guide reveals the ten critical moments that drive hospice excellence and offers practical strategies for executives and clinicians to achieve perfect HCI scores.

When Love is Not Enough: Addressing the Hidden Crisis of Hospice Family Caregivers

About Hospice, Advocacy, Caregiving Tips, Dark Side, End-of-Life Doula, Ethical Dilemma, Ethics, Hospice, Hospice Care Team, Palliative Care, Tips and Tricks

Caring for a terminally ill loved one at home is an incredibly challenging and emotional journey for family caregivers. This guide acknowledges the struggles you may face and offers compassionate solutions. It explores valuable resources, such as end-of-life doulas, PACE programs, and professional home care services, all designed to help ease your burden and provide support during this difficult time. You are not alone in this experience; there are ways to find relief and comfort as you navigate these profound challenges.

How Legacy Projects Create Healing Pathways to Closure for Patients and Families

Bereavement and Grief, Caregiving Tips, Death and Dying, End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Palliative Care, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Legacy projects offer powerful pathways to closure for both patients facing end-of-life and their families. From memory quilts to ethical wills, these meaningful activities transform difficult goodbyes into lasting connections, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort during grief while preserving precious memories.

Making Informed POLST Decisions: A Compassionate Guide for Patients, Families, and Healthcare Teams

Advance Directives, Advocacy, Best Practice, Caregiving Tips, DNR, Ethics, Full Code, Hospice, Palliative Care, POLST, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

This comprehensive guide helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals confidently navigate POLST decisions. Learn the essential steps, understand your options, and ensure your end-of-life care wishes are honored through proper planning and communication.

The Unsung Heroes of Healthcare: How Palliative Care Nurses Transform Patient Care Beyond Terminal Diagnoses

Palliative Care, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Palliative care nurses serve as the cornerstone of compassionate healthcare, providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses at any stage—not just at end of life. These dedicated professionals bridge the gap between medical treatment and holistic care, ensuring patients and families receive comprehensive support through their healthcare journey.

Palliative Care Awareness: What Older Adults Want for Serious Illness Care

Palliative Care, Symptom Management

A new Age-Friendly Insights Poll reveals that adults 50 and older support palliative care once they understand what it offers. This article explores the poll findings, discusses the importance of palliative care education, and highlights key preferences of older adults regarding serious illness planning and care.

Bridging the Gap: Palliative Care’s Role in Supporting Rare Disease Patients

Palliative Care

Explore the crucial role of palliative care in supporting patients with rare diseases. Learn how this specialized approach can enhance quality of life, manage complex symptoms, and provide essential support for patients and caregivers.

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Subtle Precursor to Dementia

Dementia, Hospice, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by cognitive decline that is more significant than expected for an individual of age but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. This article explores MCI's symptoms, diagnosis, and potential progression to dementia, offering insights into prevention and management strategies.

Navigating Care Options: A Family Guide to Acute, Palliative, and Hospice Care

Caregiving Tips, Hospice, Palliative Care, Tips and Tricks

Discover when and how acute, palliative, and hospice care can help patients and families navigate serious illness. This comprehensive guide explains the differences between care types, eligibility requirements, and how to choose the correct option.

Navigating Swallowing Challenges in Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide

Artificial Nutrition, Dementia, Dysphagia, Hospice, Nutrition, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness, Tube Feeding

Learn about swallowing problems in dementia patients, including symptoms, risks, and management strategies for caregivers and healthcare professionals.

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