Category: Death and Dying
Articles pertaining to death and dying including the dying process and how clinicians determine how much longer a terminally ill patient has to live.
Hospice Nursing Visits in the Last Two Weeks vs. Last Six Months of Life
Navigating the intricate path of hospice care involves a nuanced understanding of the unique needs of terminally ill patients. The frequency and nature of nursing visits are crucial in ensuring optimal comfort and support during the final stages of life. This article will delve into the variations in hospice nursing visits, explicitly comparing the last two weeks to the preceding six months.
Read MoreHospice Nursing Visits in the Last Two Weeks vs. Last Six Months of LifeUnderstanding the Prognosis of Six Months or Less: A Guide for Hospice Families
Navigating the prognosis of six months or less for hospice care can be daunting. Learn how to understand, prepare for, and make the most of this crucial time.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Prognosis of Six Months or Less: A Guide for Hospice FamiliesFull Code vs DNR: The Implications for Terminally Ill Patients and Their Caregivers
Choosing between full code and DNR for terminally ill patients can be challenging. This article explains the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of helping caregivers and families make informed decisions.
Read MoreFull Code vs DNR: The Implications for Terminally Ill Patients and Their CaregiversPros and Cons of Antibiotics in the Last Month of Life
Explore the complex decision of using antibiotics in end-of-life care. This article weighs the potential benefits against risks, considering comfort, quality of life, and ethical concerns. Learn how to make informed choices with your healthcare team for compassionate, patient-centered care in life's final stages.
Read MorePros and Cons of Antibiotics in the Last Month of LifeDemystifying Death: Why Hiding the Dying Process from Children Harms Society’s Future
Shielding children from death deprives them of understanding this natural part of life, leading to emotional and psychological consequences. This article explores why exposing children to the dying process is essential for their development and highlights the role of hospice care in supporting families during this time.
Read MoreDemystifying Death: Why Hiding the Dying Process from Children Harms Society’s FutureUnderstanding and Coping with End-of-Life Anger: A Guide for Caregivers
Discover how to navigate the complex emotions of end-of-life care, particularly anger. This comprehensive guide offers caregivers practical strategies for understanding, managing, and coping with personality changes in terminally ill loved ones.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Coping with End-of-Life Anger: A Guide for CaregiversWhen Death is Imminent – What to Expect from Hospice
Hospice nurses are crucial in comforting and supporting patients nearing death and their families. This article explores what to expect from hospice care, focusing on patient assessments, educational discussions, and addressing common family concerns.
Read MoreWhen Death is Imminent – What to Expect from HospiceTerminal Prognosis vs. Diagnosis: What Families and Caregivers Need to Know
Learn the difference between a terminal prognosis and a diagnosis, and get practical tips and resources to help you and your loved one navigate this challenging time.
Read MoreTerminal Prognosis vs. Diagnosis: What Families and Caregivers Need to KnowSleeping as a Prognostication Tool for the Terminally Ill
Sleep patterns can help estimate how close a terminally ill person is to dying. Learn how changes in sleep can indicate approaching death and how to support your loved one during this time.
Read MoreSleeping as a Prognostication Tool for the Terminally IllEnd of Life Wound Care
This article aims to provide comprehensive education on the types of wounds, prevention strategies, and the value of comfort-focused care in the last weeks of life, addressing the needs of family members, caregivers, and hospice nurses.
Read MoreEnd of Life Wound CareCrisis Management at End-of-Life
Discover effective strategies for managing end-of-life crises in hospice care. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, implement calming techniques, and provide compassionate support to patients and families. This guide offers practical tips for hospice nurses and caregivers to navigate challenging situations with confidence and empathy.
Read MoreCrisis Management at End-of-LifeUnderstanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care
This guide covers the essentials of palliative sedation for hospice patients, including ethical dilemmas, timing, recommended medications, and monitoring effectiveness, ensuring comfort during the end-of-life journey.
Read MoreUnderstanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice CareKennedy Ulcers: Understanding, Identification, Care, and Significance in the End-of-Life
Kennedy ulcers are skin lesions that can develop in individuals nearing the end of life. This guide explores their appearance, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It offers insights into identifying Kennedy ulcers and providing comfort through pain relief, hygiene, and repositioning. Additionally, it addresses the emotional impact and coping strategies for caregivers and loved ones.
Read MoreKennedy Ulcers: Understanding, Identification, Care, and Significance in the End-of-LifeUnderstanding Self-Soothing Sounds During the End-of-Life
The journey towards the end of life can be a challenging and emotional time, both for the individual facing the end of their life and for their caregivers and family members. One aspect of this journey that may be unfamiliar to many is the presence of self-soothing sounds made by the patient during the transition and actively dying phase. These sounds can be puzzling and sometimes unsettling for caregivers and family members who have never witnessed them. This article will explore self-soothing sounds, why they occur, and how caregivers and family members can distinguish between self-soothing sounds and signs of discomfort.
Read MoreUnderstanding Self-Soothing Sounds During the End-of-LifeUnderstanding the Common Journey Towards End-of-Life
Caring for a terminally ill loved one can be challenging and emotional. As an experienced hospice nurse case manager, you understand the importance of providing compassionate care and support to loved ones and their families. In this educational article, we will explore the common journey that terminally ill loved ones and their caregivers face as they approach the end of life. We will summarize this journey's various aspects, offering guidance and separating fact from fiction.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Common Journey Towards End-of-LifeThe Rising Significance of End-of-Life Doulas in Hospice Care
This article delves into the growing importance of End-of-Life Doulas in hospice care. It provides insights into their role, their support to patients and families, and their impact on the quality of end-of-life care.
Read MoreThe Rising Significance of End-of-Life Doulas in Hospice CareIntroduction to Terminal Illness and Progressive Diseases
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness or a progressive disease, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for families and caregivers. Understanding the terms and concepts associated with these conditions is essential to providing the best possible care and support. This article aims to clarify the complex journey of terminal illnesses and progressive diseases, offering guidance and compassion to those navigating this challenging path.
Read MoreIntroduction to Terminal Illness and Progressive DiseasesThe Final Journey: Understanding Why the Actively Dying May Linger
Explore the profound journey of the actively dying. This article unravels the reasons behind their lingering, examining medical interventions and the emotional need for closure. Gain insight into this delicate phase of life."
Read MoreThe Final Journey: Understanding Why the Actively Dying May LingerReview of Gone from My Sight by Barbara Karnes, RN
As an experienced hospice nurse with years of experience, I have come across numerous resources that aim to guide families and caregivers through the process of dying. One such resource that stands out is "Gone from my sight: The Dying Experience" by Barbara Karnes, RN. This booklet, often referred to as the "Little Blue Book," has been a staple for hospice providers for over three decades, and for good reason.
Read MoreReview of Gone from My Sight by Barbara Karnes, RNManaging Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based Approach
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand that managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) at end of life can be challenging, especially when patients choose to stop taking their diabetic medications or when those medications are no longer an option. In this article, I will provide information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemic crises and outline comfort-based treatment options that align with hospice goals of care.
Read MoreManaging Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based ApproachUnderstanding Nutrition Changes in Hospice: Nourishing Comfort and Peaceful End-of-Life Journey
Explore the natural shift in nutritional needs during hospice care. This guide offers insights into managing reduced calorie intake, ensuring comfort and dignity in the end-of-life journey.
Read MoreUnderstanding Nutrition Changes in Hospice: Nourishing Comfort and Peaceful End-of-Life JourneyBest Practices for Oral Care in Hospice Patients: A Guide for Families
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 FamiliesSupporting a Loved One’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking Voluntarily
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 VoluntarilyUnderstanding Terminal Illness Progression: Observable Signs and Symptoms
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