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.

Healing Beyond Cure: Transforming Cancer Pain Management through Integrated Palliative Care

Cancer, Hospice, Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Terminal Illness

A groundbreaking clinical trial demonstrates that single-fraction radiotherapy alongside supportive care can dramatically improve pain management for liver cancer patients, with 67% reporting reduced pain intensity and potential implications for future palliative treatment strategies.

Understanding Terminal Agitation and Restlessness: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers and Families

Best Practice, Case Studies, Death and Dying, Dying Process, End of Life, Ethics, Hospice, Medications, Non-Pharmacological, Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Terminal Illness, Transitioning

Navigating the complexities of end-of-life care can be challenging. This article delves into the nuances of terminal agitation and terminal restlessness, providing caregivers and family members with the essential knowledge to better understand and support their loved ones during the final stages of life.

Using the RAIN Method to Navigate Grief, Loss, and Anxiety with Compassion

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

The RAIN method is a powerful mindfulness technique that helps individuals process grief, loss, and anxiety. This four-step approach—recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture—provides a compassionate way to work through difficult emotions. Learn how caregivers, family members, and end-of-life professionals can use RAIN.

Hospice Care: Embracing Life’s Journey Through Comprehensive Support

About Hospice, Hospice, Palliative Care, Starting Hospice

Hospice care extends beyond end-of-life support, offering comprehensive services for patients with terminal illnesses. Early enrollment can provide months of valuable support, improving patient and family quality of life through specialized care and resources.

A New Path Forward: Using the Frailty Trajectory Model to Navigate Healthcare Decisions

Advocacy, End-of-Life Doula, Ethics, Hospice, Life Transition Support, Palliative Care

The Frailty Trajectory Model offers a new way to understand how health changes over time, especially for older adults. This approach helps healthcare practitioners and life transition coaches guide patients through illness with compassion and clarity, making it easier to plan care that matches personal values and goals.

Guide to Becoming a Death Doula: Training Paths and Hidden Pitfalls

End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Palliative Care

Becoming a death doula requires proper training, not just good intentions. While many suggest starting as a hospice volunteer, this path is fraught with problems - from limited training to ethical conflicts. Learn the right way to enter this meaningful field through legitimate certification programs and educational resources.

Understanding Medication Risks in Hospice Dementia Care: A Guide for Families and Healthcare Teams

Advocacy, Assessment, Best Practice, Caregiving Tips, Comfort Medications, Dark Side, Dementia, End-of-Life Doula, Ethical Dilemma, Ethics, Hospice, Hospice Care Team, Life Transition Support, Lorazepam, Medication Reconciliation, Medications, Non-Pharmacological, Nurse Skills, Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Recent University of Michigan research found that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics commonly prescribed in hospice care may significantly increase mortality risk for people with dementia. This article explores these findings and provides essential advocacy guidance for families, caregivers, and hospice professionals.

Nebulized Morphine: A New Approach to Managing Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care

Hospice, Medications, Non-Pharmacological, Nurse Skills, Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Nebulized morphine provides significant relief for patients with severe breathlessness, especially in end-stage pulmonary diseases. Learn about its application, dosage, and benefits in hospice care.

When Treatment Conflicts with Values: Why Planning Your Care Goals Before Illness Is Critical

Advance Directives, Advocacy, Cancer, End-of-Life Doula, Ethics, Hospice, Life Transition Support, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness

New research reveals that 37% of advanced cancer patients feel their treatment doesn't match their personal care goals—nearly twice the rate of other serious illnesses. This disconnect highlights our healthcare system's focus on fixing problems after they occur, without considering comfort or quality of life. Discover why planning your values and care preferences before illness strikes can prevent this misalignment and ensure you receive care that truly honors what matters most to you.

Nurturing the Nurturer: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Care for Dementia Caregivers

Caregiving Tips, Dementia, Hospice, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging journey that can take a toll on caregivers' physical and emotional health. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for dementia caregivers to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and maintain their well-being while providing compassionate care for their loved ones.

A Comprehensive Guide to Diabetes Management for Loved Ones with Dementia

Caregiving Tips, Dementia, Hospice, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks

Discover essential strategies for managing diabetes in loved ones with dementia. This comprehensive guide covers blood sugar monitoring, medication administration, diet management, and recognizing emergencies, empowering caregivers to provide optimal care.

Breathing Support Decisions at End-of-Life: When Comfort Matters More Than Time

Advance Directives, Advocacy, Death and Dying, DNR, End-of-Life Doula, Ethics, Full Code, Hospice, Life Transition Support, MOST-POLST, Palliative Care

Facing difficult decisions about breathing support at the end of life? Understand the differences between BIPAP, intubation, and ventilators. Learn how complete advance directives guide families toward comfort-focused care and how end-of-life doulas provide affordable, compassionate support during these challenging choices.

Revolutionizing Comfort: The Role of Macy Catheters in Hospice and Palliative Care

Best Practice, Case Studies, Ethics, Hospice, Medications, Palliative Care, Symptom Management

Discover the transformative role of Macy catheters in hospice and palliative care. This comprehensive guide explores how these innovative devices enhance patient comfort, simplify medication administration, and support caregivers. Learn about their benefits, proper use, and impact on the quality of life for those receiving end-of-life care.

When Is It Time? A Guide to Considering Hospice Care for Your Loved One with Dementia

Caregiving Tips, Dementia, Hospice, Palliative Care, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks

Deciding when to involve hospice care for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. This comprehensive guide helps non-healthcare professionals recognize the signs that indicate it's time to consider hospice, understand the benefits of hospice care, and navigate the decision-making process with compassion and informed judgment.

Building Bridges of Care: How End-of-Life Doulas Create Trusted Referral Pathways for Hospice and Palliative Care

End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Palliative Care

End-of-life doulas, also called death doulas or life transition coaches, provide trusted guidance. As independent professionals who support families through illness and transition, we serve as reliable referral sources for hospice agencies and palliative care providers.

Healing Touch: How MNRI Transforms End-of-Life Support for Grief and Trauma

Bereavement and Grief, End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Life Transition Support, Palliative Care

End-of-life doulas play a crucial role in supporting families through grief and trauma. Learn how Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) offers powerful, gentle techniques to help clients process difficult emotions and find healing during life transitions.

How SupportNow.org Transforms Support for Families Facing End-of-Life Challenges

Advocacy, End-of-Life Doula, Ethics, Hospice, Palliative Care

Learn how SupportNow.org can transform the way end-of-life doulas, caregivers, and families coordinate practical support during life's most challenging moments. This free platform brings together financial help, meal coordination, volunteer assistance, and family updates in one simple place.

Bridging the Care Gap: How End-of-Life Doulas Support Hospices in the Age of Telehealth

End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Palliative Care

Hospice agencies worldwide face critical staffing shortages, leading to increased reliance on telehealth services. While virtual care helps bridge gaps, the absence of on-site presence creates challenges in patient care. End-of-life doulas offer a compassionate solution, providing essential non-medical support that complements telehealth hospice services and ensures comprehensive care for patients and families.