Category: Ethics

Articles about end-of-life ethical issues including ethical dilemmas

Staying Connected Through Health Journeys: A CaringBridge Guide for Families and End-of-Life Doulas

Discover how CaringBridge helps families and end-of-life doulas stay connected during health journeys. This free platform offers privacy controls, easy updates, and community support for chronic illness, terminal illness, and life transitions.

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When Family Goes Silent: Finding Help When Loved Ones Won’t Step Up

Primary caregivers often face difficult emotions of isolation when loved ones step back during a chronic or terminal illness. This article thoughtfully addresses these feelings, delves into the reasons for this distance, and provides constructive communication strategies to foster reconnection with hesitant family members. It also highlights alternative support avenues for caregivers, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Read MoreWhen Family Goes Silent: Finding Help When Loved Ones Won’t Step Up

Enhancing Patient Care: Recognizing Subtle Changes in Level of Consciousness for Hospice and Palliative Nurses

Discover essential techniques for hospice and palliative care nurses to identify subtle changes in patients' level of consciousness. This comprehensive guide covers assessment methods, red flags, and best practices for enhancing patient care—valuable insights for neurological nursing specialists and those aspiring to specialize in this field.

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When Goodbye Isn’t Clear: Understanding and Healing from Ambiguous Loss

Ambiguous loss is a type of grief that happens when loss feels unclear or unfinished. Unlike traditional grief, this emotional pain lacks closure, making it harder to process. Learn to recognize the signs of ambiguous loss and discover practical healing strategies to help you move forward with hope.

Read MoreWhen Goodbye Isn’t Clear: Understanding and Healing from Ambiguous Loss

When Hearts Collide: A Gentle Guide to Resolving Any Conflict

Conflict happens in every relationship and setting. This practical guide teaches a proven 7-step approach developed by conflict resolution experts to recognize, prevent, and resolve disagreements compassionately. Learn essential de-escalation tools for better communication and stronger relationships.

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Navigating Family Denial: Supporting Loved Ones in Terminal Care

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Empowering Advocacy: A Guide to Addressing Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights on how to report and prevent elderly abuse in nursing homes. It serves as a resource for families, guardians, and loved ones to understand their roles and responsibilities in advocating for the elderly. Learn how to empower yourself and ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

Read MoreEmpowering Advocacy: A Guide to Addressing Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Seizure Management in Hospice Care

We understand that caring for a loved one in hospice can be a journey filled with compassion, love, and sometimes, uncertainty. When seizures are part of this journey, it’s natural to have concerns and questions. This guide is here to walk alongside you, offering knowledge and support as you navigate the complexities of seizure management in hospice settings.

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Balancing Patient Care and Compliance: The Impact of Extended Hospice Care for Dementia Patients

Explore how extended hospice care for dementia patients benefits families and saves Medicare money despite regulatory challenges around six-month prognosis rules.

Read MoreBalancing Patient Care and Compliance: The Impact of Extended Hospice Care for Dementia Patients

Understanding Risk Reduction in Terminal Illness

This guide helps families of terminally ill patients comprehend absolute vs. relative risk reduction. It’s a resource for making educated choices about medication continuation, tapering, or cessation in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

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The Heart of Hospice: Navigating Attachment and Detachment in End-of-Life Care

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of hospice nurses’ relationships with patients, examining the benefits and challenges of emotional investment versus professional detachment.

Read MoreThe Heart of Hospice: Navigating Attachment and Detachment in End-of-Life Care

Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

Learn about the differences between pacemakers and ICDs, their functions, and the implications for patients and caregivers. Discover why pacemakers should stay on, and ICDs should be turned off at the end of life for comfort and dignity.

Read MorePacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

Navigating Care Plan Meetings: A Guide for Families of Terminally Ill Loved Ones

care plan meeting

This comprehensive guide empowers families to navigate care plan meetings for terminally ill loved ones. Learn the significance of these meetings, how to prepare, communicate your loved one's needs, and advocate for their best interests. Gain insights into recognizing when meetings are necessary and the benefits of regular care planning. Equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your loved one receives personalized, dignified care aligned with their wishes.

Read MoreNavigating Care Plan Meetings: A Guide for Families of Terminally Ill Loved Ones

Choosing Compassion: The Case for Hospice Care

When a loved one is facing a serious illness, it can feel like standing at a crossroads. Each path represents a different way to care for them in their time of need. It’s a moment filled with tough choices and deep emotions. This article thoroughly explains hospice care, its philosophy, and the benefits it provides to patients and families facing terminal illness. Learn about the decision-making process, the hospice experience, and how to navigate this difficult choice with dignity and love.

Read MoreChoosing Compassion: The Case for Hospice Care

Unveiling the Complexities of SSRIs: Half-Life, Risks, and Misconceptions

antidepressant side effects

Dive into the world of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and their role in treating depression. Discover the importance of medication half-life, the risks of serotonin syndrome, and why the chemical imbalance theory of depression is being challenged. Learn about the concerns of overprescription in older adults.

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The Myth of Medications and Terminal Illness: How to Cope with the Reality of Losing a Loved One

nursing staff wanting to help patient who refuses

Discover the truth behind the myth that medications can keep terminally ill patients alive indefinitely. This article explores the psychological factors behind this belief and its consequences while providing compassionate strategies to cope with the reality of losing a loved one while ensuring quality end-of-life care.

Read MoreThe Myth of Medications and Terminal Illness: How to Cope with the Reality of Losing a Loved One

Unveiling the Promise and Perils of Blood Tests for Dementia

Delve into the world of blood-based biomarkers for dementia detection. This article examines the science behind these tests, their potential to revolutionize early diagnosis, and the complex ethical considerations surrounding their use. Discover how these tests might shape the future of Alzheimer's care and research.

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Top Ten Myths About Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

code status

If you or your loved one has a severe illness, you may have heard about do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. This medical order tells the health care team what to do if the patient’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It is an incredibly crucial decision that can affect the quality and length of life. However, there are many myths and misunderstandings about DNR orders that can make it hard to choose what is best for you or your loved one. In this article, we will explain what DNR orders means and why it is important to understand it. We will also debunk the top ten myths about DNR orders and share the facts that can help you make an informed and respectful choice.

Read MoreTop Ten Myths About Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

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