Category: End of Life
Articles pertaining to the last month or less of life of a terminally ill patient.
Understanding the Patient’s Question: When Will I Die?
Navigating the tender journey of hospice care, Compassion Crossing offers guidance on addressing the pivotal question of “when?”—a beacon for caregivers seeking solace and understanding in life’s final chapter.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Patient’s Question: When Will I Die?Understanding End Stage Coma: A Guide for Families
Dealing with a loved one in end stage coma can be an emotionally challenging and overwhelming experience. As an experienced nurse with years of experience, I understand the importance of providing compassionate care and support during this difficult journey. In this article, we will explore what to expect during the course of the disease, changes you might see in your loved one, and essential tips for caring for them from onset until death.
Read MoreUnderstanding End Stage Coma: A Guide for FamiliesCaring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Guide from Onset to End-of-Life
Discover essential guidance for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, from early symptoms to end-of-life care. Learn about communication strategies, safety measures, and self-care tips for caregivers. This comprehensive guide offers support and practical advice for navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's caregiving.
Read MoreCaring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Guide from Onset to End-of-LifeIdentifying Patients Who May Benefit from Hospice Care: A Visual Observation Guide for Personal Care Facilities
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.
Read MoreIdentifying Patients Who May Benefit from Hospice Care: A Visual Observation Guide for Personal Care FacilitiesHow to Talk to Families About End-of-Life: A Guide for Hospice Nurses
This article provides hospice nurses with practical and evidence-based strategies to discuss end-of-life care with families
Read MoreHow to Talk to Families About End-of-Life: A Guide for Hospice NursesUnderstanding Changes in Palliative Performance Scale in the Last Six Months of Life
Explore the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and its crucial role in end-of-life care. Learn how this tool helps hospice professionals assess patient decline, predict life expectancy, and provide tailored care. Understand the significance of PPS changes in the final six months and how they guide compassionate care decisions.
Read MoreUnderstanding Changes in Palliative Performance Scale in the Last Six Months of LifeWhy Saying Goodbye to Your Dying Loved One Matters
Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is an incredibly challenging experience. It's a journey filled with emotions, uncertainties, and the need for profound empathy. One crucial aspect of this journey is saying goodbye to your dying loved one and permitting them to pass peacefully. In this article, we'll explore the significance of these acts, which bring comfort to the terminally ill and aid in the grieving process for those left behind. We'll also share three case studies to illustrate the importance of these actions.
Read MoreWhy Saying Goodbye to Your Dying Loved One MattersThe Death Visit from a Hospice Nurse
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience, and witnessing someone's final moments can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been through it before. As a hospice nurse with years of experience, I understand the importance of providing guidance and support during this time. In this article, I want to help prepare you for what to expect during the death visit and explain the role of the hospice registered nurse in the pronouncement process.
Read MoreThe Death Visit from a Hospice NurseThe Last Breath of Life
As a caregiver or family member, witnessing the final hour of a loved one's life can be a challenging and emotional experience. It's essential to be prepared and understand what to expect. While each person's journey is unique, some common physical changes may occur in the last hour of life. Here's a guide to help you navigate this sensitive time:
Read MoreThe Last Breath of LifeSignificant Signs a Terminally Ill Patient may be Close to Dying
Recognizing end-of-life signs can be challenging. This guide outlines key symptoms indicating a terminally ill patient may have less than two weeks, offering crucial insights for caregivers and families.
Read MoreSignificant Signs a Terminally Ill Patient may be Close to DyingManaging Terminal Restlessness
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and witnessing changes in their behavior and well-being can be distressing. As a hospice nurse, I've supported many families and caregivers through this grim time. One common symptom that may arise towards the end of life is restlessness. In this article, I will explain the different types of restlessness and offer guidance on how to manage them. Understanding these distinctions can provide valuable insights into your loved one's condition and help you navigate the final stages of their life with compassion and care.
Read MoreManaging Terminal RestlessnessThe Death Rattle
Witnessing a loved one nearing the end of life can be challenging and emotional for a caregiver. One symptom you may encounter during this time is the death rattle. Understanding what the death rattle is, how to recognize it, and how to manage its symptoms can help you provide comfort and support to your loved one in their final days. This guide will explore the death rattle, its significance, and practical tips for managing it.
Read MoreThe Death RattleMottling of Skin Near Death
As a caregiver or family member, it can be challenging to witness the changes that occur as a loved one approaches the end of their life. One such change that may occur is mottled skin, also known as livedo reticularis. Understanding what mottled skin is and its significance in the dying process can help you provide the best care and support to your loved one during this time.
Read MoreMottling of Skin Near DeathUnderstanding Functional Decline in the Natural Dying Process
Explore the journey of functional decline in the natural dying process. This article provides insight for caregivers and families, emphasizing the importance of documenting changes to enhance care and decision-making in life’s final chapter.
Read MoreUnderstanding Functional Decline in the Natural Dying ProcessUnderstanding the Decline of Terminally Ill Loved Ones: Medications vs. Disease Processes
When a loved one is terminally ill, it can be a perplexing and emotional journey. Understanding the root cause of their declining health becomes paramount. It's a complex puzzle where family members often grapple with questions: Are the symptoms a result of medications prescribed, or are they intrinsic to the terminal disease? This article delves into the critical distinctions between medication side effects and the natural progression of terminal illnesses, offering insights to empower families and caregivers in making informed decisions about their loved one's care.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Decline of Terminally Ill Loved Ones: Medications vs. Disease ProcessesTrigger Words for Hospice Nurses: Assessing End-of-Life in Two Weeks or Less
Discover key indicators for end-of-life care in hospice. This guide highlights ‘trigger words’ that signal a patient’s final days, aiding nurses and caregivers in providing compassionate support during the most critical moments.
Read MoreTrigger Words for Hospice Nurses: Assessing End-of-Life in Two Weeks or LessUnderstanding and Addressing a Terminally Ill Patient’s Fear of Impending Doom
I understand how challenging it can be for terminally ill patients to cope with their fear of impending death. It is crucial for both healthcare providers and family members to take these feelings seriously and respond with compassion and understanding. In this article, we will explore the importance of acknowledging a patient's fear of impending doom and discuss actions that families can take to provide peace and comfort during this grim time.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Addressing a Terminally Ill Patient’s Fear of Impending DoomThe Actively Dying Phase of The Dying Process
For a non-healthcare professional who has never witnessed death before, it can be unsettling to be present with someone who is nearing the end of their life. However, there are certain signs and observations that you can make using your senses that may indicate that the person you are with may pass away within seconds, minutes, or hours. Understanding these signs can help you provide support and comfort to the individual and their loved ones during this grim time.
Read MoreThe Actively Dying Phase of The Dying ProcessBreathing Patterns Before End of Life: Critical Clues for the Last Hours!
Understanding the final breath: This article explores the critical breathing patterns observed in the last hours of life, offering insights for caregivers and family members to prepare for the end-of-life journey.
Read MoreBreathing Patterns Before End of Life: Critical Clues for the Last Hours!The Transitioning Phase of The Dying Process
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. If you find yourself in the presence of someone in the transitioning phase of the dying process, knowing what signs to look for can be helpful. Although every individual's experience may vary, some common observations may indicate someone is in the transitioning phase. Here's a guide to help you recognize these signs and provide support during this grim time.
Read MoreThe Transitioning Phase of The Dying ProcessIs Dying Painful?
Dying doesn’t always hurt. The amount and type of pain there is at the end of life can differ. The specific diagnosis and cause of pain are factors.
Read MoreIs Dying Painful?Understanding the Role of IV Fluids at the End of Life
Explore the delicate balance of IV fluid use at life’s end. This article discusses the hospice approach, potential risks, and prioritizing comfort over invasive measures. A must-read for families facing tough decisions in palliative care.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Role of IV Fluids at the End of LifeTube Feeding on Hospice — Increased Risk of Your Loved One Suffering
Considering tube feeding for a loved one in hospice? This intervention may not improve quality of life and can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and complications. Learn about the risks and make informed decisions for their end-of-life care.
Read MoreTube Feeding on Hospice — Increased Risk of Your Loved One SufferingA Day In The Life Of A Hospice Nurse
What does a typical day, a typical week look like for a visiting hospice registered nurse case manager look like?
Read MoreA Day In The Life Of A Hospice Nurse