Category: Palliative Care
Articles about palliative care including the differences between palliative care and hospice care which is palliative care at end-of-life.
Unveiling the Truth: The Accuracy of FDG PET Scans in Dementia Diagnosis
One of the tools doctors uses is called an FDG PET scan. It’s a special kind of test that takes pictures of the brain. FDG is a type of sugar, and PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. When someone has a PET scan, they get a tiny amount of this sugar injected into their body. Because the brain uses sugar as fuel, the scan can show which parts are working well and which parts aren’t.
This is super helpful because in people with dementia, some parts of the brain don’t use sugar the same way healthy parts do. So, the scan can show doctors these changes and help them understand what’s going on.
Read MoreUnveiling the Truth: The Accuracy of FDG PET Scans in Dementia DiagnosisUnderstanding and Managing Contractures
I know that the journey you and your loved one are on can be challenging, especially when facing a terminal illness. As an experienced hospice nurse caring for terminally ill patients, I want to provide you with some valuable insights on a common issue that may arise during this time: contractures.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Managing ContracturesHow to Use the Beers Criteria for Medication Reconciliation and Deprescribing in Hospice Care: 10 Case Studies
In this article, we will discuss how to use the Beers Criteria to identify PIMs and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) in hospice patients. PPOs are medications that are indicated but not prescribed for a specific patient or population, or that are prescribed at a suboptimal dose or duration. We will also present 10 case studies to illustrate the medication reconciliation and deprescribing process and the outcomes of medication changes in different scenarios.
Read MoreHow to Use the Beers Criteria for Medication Reconciliation and Deprescribing in Hospice Care: 10 Case StudiesUnderstanding Parotid Gland Cancer: A Guide for Families
As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand that the journey through Parotid Gland Cancer can be challenging for both patients and their families. In this guide, I aim to provide clear and compassionate information to help you comprehend what to anticipate during the disease and how to offer the best possible care for your loved one. Remember, you are not undertaking this journey alone; I am here to offer unwavering support every step of the way.
Read MoreUnderstanding Parotid Gland Cancer: A Guide for FamiliesHow to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and Empathy
Caring for someone with dementia requires understanding and a heart full of compassion. This guide highlights the importance of patience and empathy and their profound impact on enhancing the lives of those with dementia.
Read MoreHow to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and EmpathyManaging Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for Comfort
Discover effective non-pharmacological methods to manage shortness of breath in hospice care. Learn about positioning techniques, breathing exercises, and environmental adjustments that can comfort and relieve patients experiencing dyspnea, enhancing their quality of life during end-of-life care.
Read MoreManaging Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for ComfortHow to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care Facility
Elopement is when a person with dementia leaves a safe area, like their home or care facility, without supervision. This can be intentional or unintentional, and it's important to address to ensure the safety of the patient. If your loved one is attempting to escape from a memory care facility, there are steps you can take to support both them and the facility.
Read MoreHow to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care FacilityUnderstanding and Caring for Your Loved One with Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can significantly affect your loved one's health and well-being. As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I'm here to help you understand what to expect during this journey and how to provide the best care possible. Remember, I'm here to offer guidance and support every step of the way.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Caring for Your Loved One with Liver CancerCoping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with Dementia
This article will try to help you cope with this challenge. We will give you some information and advice on how to:
Prepare for the transition to a nursing home
Support your loved one during and after the move
Take care of yourself and your family.
Read MoreCoping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with DementiaUnderstanding Respite Care for Your Terminally Ill Loved One
Caring for a terminally ill loved one is a challenging and emotional journey that requires strength, compassion, and support. As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand the importance of caring for patients, family members, and caregivers. In this article, we will explore the concept of respite care. This valuable resource offers rest and rejuvenation to caregivers while their loved ones receive specialized care in a skilled facility.
We will discuss respite care, its importance, Medicare coverage for respite care, the significance of skilled respite facilities, how often respite care can be provided, and tips for making respite care a positive experience for the caregiver and the loved one. Our goal is to empower patients, caregivers, and nurses by providing precise and concise information on this critical aspect of end-of-life care. Remember, you are not alone, and your love and dedication make a significant difference in the life of your terminally ill loved one.
Read MoreUnderstanding Respite Care for Your Terminally Ill Loved OneUnderstanding Colorectal Cancer: A Guide for Families
As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand the challenges that colorectal cancer can bring to your loved one's life. In this article, we will delve into the journey ahead, discussing the changes that may occur as the disease advances. We'll also address the shifts you might observe in your loved one's condition and provide guidance on delivering optimal care throughout this process.
Read MoreUnderstanding Colorectal Cancer: A Guide for FamiliesBest 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 FamiliesManaging Dysphagia for Comfort: A Guide for Families
Caring for a loved one with dysphagia during their end-of-life journey can be challenging, but with the proper knowledge and support, you can provide them with comfort and dignity. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in terminally ill patients and can lead to complications if not managed properly. In this guide, we will provide you with essential information on managing dietary changes and what to expect and offer helpful tips and tricks to ensure your loved one's comfort.
Read MoreManaging Dysphagia for Comfort: 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 VoluntarilyBest Practices for Managing Hallucinations
Learn effective strategies for managing hallucinations in terminally ill patients. This guide covers pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to improve comfort and quality of life.
Read MoreBest Practices for Managing HallucinationsMelanoma Skin Cancer: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
This article is written for families and caregivers of people with melanoma skin cancer. It will explain what melanoma is, how it is diagnosed and staged, what the treatment options are, and how to cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of the disease. It will also provide some practical tips and resources to help you and your loved one through this journey.
Read MoreMelanoma Skin Cancer: A Guide for Families and CaregiversUnderstanding 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 SymptomsPromoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll Therapy
Doll therapy offers a compassionate approach to enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients. By providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting social interaction, this non-pharmacological intervention can significantly improve emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with dementia.
Read MorePromoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll TherapyHow to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of Breath
Dealing with shortness of breath can be challenging for terminally ill patients, but there are techniques that can help manage this symptom and improve their overall comfort. One such technique is pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is a simple and effective breathing technique that can help reduce shortness of breath and improve oxygen exchange in the lungs. As an experienced hospice nurse with years of experience, I will guide you through the steps of pursed lip breathing in a compassionate and easy-to-understand manner.
Read MoreHow to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of BreathUnderstanding and Caring for Loved Ones with Huntington’s Disease
This comprehensive guide offers a compassionate overview of Huntington's disease, a rare condition that affects the brain. Learn what to expect throughout the course, how to support your loved one's needs, manage your well-being as a caregiver, plan for the future, and access hospice care. Gain insights into providing compassionate care that maximizes quality of life.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Caring for Loved Ones with Huntington’s DiseaseUnderstanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for Families
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain. This can lead to various impairments in brain functions, such as thinking, memory, movement, and bladder control. NPH can also affect the quality of life, mood, and behavior of the person with NPH and their caregivers. The cause of NPH is often unknown, but it may be due to injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumor, or surgery on the brain. This article aims to provide a guide for families to understand NPH, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as how to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of living with NPH.
Read MoreUnderstanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for FamiliesTo Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final Stage
Caregivers of dementia patients in the final stage face a challenging dilemma: whether to wake their loved ones or let them sleep. This article explores the pros and cons of each approach, offering guidance on making this difficult decision while prioritizing comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.
Read MoreTo Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final StageUnderstanding Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: A Guide for Families
Explore our guide on protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), a condition hindering proper health for the terminally ill. Learn to recognize symptoms, provide care, and understand the end-of-life journey with our compassionate, informative support for families.
Read MoreUnderstanding Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: A Guide for FamiliesUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia
Navigating hospice eligibility for non-Alzheimer's dementia patients demands a personalized approach. Unlike Alzheimer's, there's no definitive scale, necessitating assessments of functional decline, mobility, communication, incontinence, weight loss, overall condition, and comorbidities. Effective documentation, clinical judgment, and compassionate care are crucial for supporting these patients and families.
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia