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.

The Hidden Crisis: Why Earlier Hospice Care Can Extend Life and Transform End-of-Life Experiences

About Hospice, Advocacy, Bereavement and Grief, Death and Dying, Ethics, Hospice, Life Transition Support, Palliative Care, Starting Hospice, Terminal Illness

Despite Medicare's six-month hospice benefit, most patients receive care for only 18-21 days, often when already transitioning to death. Research shows early hospice enrollment can extend life by 29-81 days while dramatically improving quality of life. Life transition coaches help families navigate earlier hospice and palliative care adoption for better outcomes.

Three Wishes: What a Dying Patient Taught Me About Living Without Regrets

Advance Directives, Advocacy, Bereavement and Grief, Death and Dying, Ethics, Hospice, Life Transition Support, Palliative Care

A hospice nurse reflects on a powerful moment with a dying patient who painted "Three Wishes"—dandelions symbolizing childhood innocence and life's fleeting nature. This experience teaches us to examine how we're living, who we love, and what matters most. Learn why advance directives and living with fewer regrets matter for everyone.

Making Compassionate Care Accessible: A Guide to Sliding Scale Fees for End-of-Life Doulas

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

Looking to determine appropriate pricing for end-of-life doula services? This detailed guide compares sliding-scale fees with full-price and donation-based options. Learn effective strategies for establishing fair rates, applying a sliding-scale system, and ensuring compassionate care remains affordable for all families.

Bringing Joy and Engagement: How Geri-Gadgets® Transform Care for People with Dementia and Beyond

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

Geri-Gadgets® are safe, sensory-rich fidget tools designed to help people with dementia, neurodiverse individuals, and anyone who benefits from fidgeting. These colorful, non-toxic products improve mood, reduce anxiety, encourage engagement, and support physical and cognitive health. Learn how these innovative tools can transform care.

Understanding PACE: A Complete Guide to All-Inclusive Care That Keeps Seniors Home

Caregiving Tips, Palliative Care, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides essential support for seniors who require nursing home-level care but wish to remain in their communities. This comprehensive guide outlines eligibility requirements, available services, associated costs, and how PACE’s team-based approach helps older adults maintain their independence while receiving quality healthcare.

When Hospice Isn’t Enough: How End-of-Life Doulas Fill Critical Care Gaps in For-Profit Agencies

End-of-Life Doula, Hospice, Palliative Care

Research shows private equity-owned hospice agencies spend less on direct patient care, leading to higher hospitalization rates and poorer quality. End-of-life doulas bridge these gaps by providing emotional, social, and spiritual support, vigil planning, and legacy projects that most hospice agencies don't offer.

What Matters Most: The Three Things People Want Before They Die

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

A palliative care doctor shares people's three most common wishes at the end of life: mending relationships, expressing gratitude, and saying "I love you." Planning for a good death with the help of a life transition coach can help you accomplish more meaningful goals and ensure your final days reflect your values.

Hope Through Early Action: Understanding COPD and the Power of Early Detection

Caregiving Tips, Hospice, Palliative Care, Pulmonary Disease, Terminal Illness, Tips and Tricks, Tips For Nurses

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition linked to smoking and vaping that affects millions of people. Understanding the connection between tobacco use and COPD, recognizing early symptoms, and pursuing timely treatment can significantly extend life expectancy and improve quality of life.

Aromatherapy for Life’s Challenges: Supporting Anxiety, Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life Care

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

Explore how aromatherapy and essential oils relieve anxiety, grief, loss, and critical symptoms like pain and nausea across all stages of life. Practical, safe use tips are provided for caregivers, doulas, and health professionals to support holistic well-being.

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.