Category: Dark Side
Dark Side in the area of ethics specifically in the field of hospice and often relating to hospice at facilities
Your Doctor Works for the Insurance Company Now: How to Protect Seniors from a Profit-Driven Healthcare System
CMS finalized age-friendly hospital measures in 2026, yet medication remains the leading source of preventable harm for older adults. Why? Insurance companies have seized control of American healthcare, directing what providers prescribe based on profit, not patient need. Doctors follow insurance guidelines, mistakenly believing this equals patient-centered care. The result: over 450,000 emergency visits annually from adverse drug events, falls, delirium, and devastated families. This guide exposes the system and provides advocacy tools to protect your loved ones.
When Tomorrow Is Uncertain: Why Medical Aid in Dying Depends on Predictions That Often Miss the Mark
Medical Aid in Dying legislation relies on terminal prognoses that are notoriously unreliable. Healthcare providers acknowledge that predicting death within six months is an art, not a science. Patients may end their lives prematurely based on predictions no more accurate than weather forecasts, while societal pressures and financial incentives complicate end-of-life decisions.
When Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You Everything: Understanding Your Kidney Therapy Choices and the Power of Advance Care Planning
Most older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease hear about dialysis as their only option, unaware that nephrologists may unintentionally withhold information about conservative kidney management. Discover why advance directives should include dialysis decisions long before kidney disease develops—and how to advocate for truly informed, values-based care.
Understanding Medication Risks in Hospice Dementia Care: A Guide for Families and Healthcare Teams
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.
When Death Comes Unexpectedly: Why Being Prepared Matters More Than Ever
Every year, thousands die in emergency departments unprepared for death. Sudden death in hospitals can be especially shocking for patients and families who haven't planned ahead. This guide highlights why preparation is important and describes how end-of-life doulas can assist.
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.
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.
The Dark Side of Hospice at a Facility
Hospice care in facilities can face challenges due to facility policies, staffing issues, and lack of coordination with hospice providers. This article sheds light on the struggles patients, families, and hospice nurses face in ensuring timely, appropriate care.
Statins Increase the Risk of Dementia or Worsening Dementia
Pharmaceutical advertisements often highlight the benefits of a particular drug, including its ability to reduce the risk of various health conditions. However, the actual risk reduction these drugs provide may differ from what is portrayed in the advertisements. It is the opinion of the author that if cardiologists and other providers told their patients the absolute risk reduction of statins is 0.8% for all-cause mortality, 1.3% for myocardial infarction and 0.4% for stroke and the side effects of going on a statin include dementia, worsening dementia, confusion, muscle problems, such as aches, pains, weakness, muscle breakdown, falls, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, would you or anyone else ever agree to take a statin?
Failure to Decline in Hospice – The Good and The Ugly
If your loved one is facing a discharge from hospice due to failure to decline, it's crucial to comprehend the situation clearly. This discharge indicates that the healthcare team believes your loved one's condition has stabilized and no longer requires hospice care. While this might be a positive sign, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making decisions. Let's delve into both the positive and negative aspects of this situation to help you navigate it effectively.
Eye-Opening Lessons on Trusting Nursing Facilities: Advocating for Comfort in End-of-Life Care
As an experienced hospice visiting registered nurse, today offered me profound insights from two interconnected perspectives. The first highlights the blind trust we often place in facility nurses and doctors when caring for our loved ones. The second involves the challenges I encountered while advocating for proper end-of-life care for a patient with Alzheimer's.
The Dark Side of Physical Therapy for Geriatric Patients with Dementia
Explore the ethical dilemma of physical therapy for terminally ill dementia patients. This article examines the potential harm of aggressive interventions, highlighting the importance of comfort-focused care. Learn why hospice professionals often advocate for gentler approaches in end-of-life dementia care.
The first waves of COVID-19 in a nursing home — sharing memories, from heroes to dirty, filthy…
Personal stories from the frontlines of Covid-19 in a nursing home, highlighting the bravery of heroes and the harsh realities faced by residents and staff.