Category: Symptom Management
Articles relating to managing symptoms of terminally ill patients with the goal of maintaining comfort through the natural dying process.
Navigating the Critical Moments: Stroke and Seizure Response
Learn how to recognize and respond to strokes and seizures quickly and confidently. This guide provides essential information on identifying symptoms, taking immediate action, and ensuring patient safety during these critical moments. Empower yourself with the knowledge to act swiftly and potentially save a life.
Recognizing CVA vs. TIA: Essential Guide for Timely Response
Understanding the nuances between a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) and a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) can be life-saving. This guide helps family members recognize signs, differentiate between CVA and TIA, and respond swiftly to ensure the best possible care.
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.
Harmonizing Hope: The Transformative Power of Music for Dementia Patients
Discover the transformative impact of music on dementia patients in this comprehensive guide. From improving cognitive function to enhancing mood and social engagement, music therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care. Explore the science, benefits, and practical applications of integrating music into treatment plans for dementia patients.
Compassionate Care: Managing Nausea, Vomiting, and Dry Heaving in End-of-Life Patients
Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing symptoms in terminally ill patients. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice for caregivers and healthcare professionals on managing these symptoms, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, diet and lifestyle changes, and when to seek additional help.
Optimizing Palliative Care with Low-Dose Dexamethasone: Benefits, Monitoring, and Tapering Guidelines
Discover the advantages of low-dose dexamethasone in palliative care, including when to start, what to monitor, and guidelines for tapering off. Ensure optimal patient comfort and care.
Antipsychotics & Dementia Risk: A Critical Analysis
Unveiling the connection between antipsychotic drugs and dementia, this article delves into how these medications may elevate the risk or exacerbate symptoms. It provides a thorough examination of current research, expert opinions, and alternative approaches to managing dementia.
Senior Skin Care: The 20 Most Common Dermatologic Concerns
Discover the top twenty dermatologic conditions prevalent among the elderly. This guide covers symptoms, treatments, and tips for maintaining healthy skin in the golden years. It is perfect for caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Compassionate Approaches to Dementia: Managing Mood Without Medication
Discover compassionate care techniques that address depression and anxiety in dementia without relying on antidepressants. This article delves into holistic approaches that enhance quality of life and promote mental well-being in dementia care.
Understanding and Addressing Delirium in Terminal Care
This comprehensive guide provides essential insights into recognizing and addressing delirium in terminally ill individuals. It’s an invaluable resource for nurses, caregivers, and families, offering practical advice and empathetic support.
Compassionate Wound Care for Hospice Patient
Palliative wound care plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients receiving hospice care. As a new hospice nurse or caregiver, understanding wound management is essential. In this article, we’ll explore evidence-based practices, practical tips, and resources to empower you in providing compassionate wound care.
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.
Aphasia Unveiled: Communication Aids for Caregivers
Discover practical strategies and tools in "Aphasia Unveiled: Communication Aids for Caregivers." These aids, such as whiteboards, picture catalogs, and tablet software, are designed to empower you with the capability and confidence to support your loved ones with aphasia.
Bullosis Diabeticorum: What You Need to Know
Discover Bullosis Diabeticorum, a rare skin condition in people with diabetes causing painless blisters. Learn how to identify, treat, and care for loved ones with BD and a terminal illness.
Understanding Oxygen Saturation in Hospice Care Navigating Through Numbers for Comfort and Quality of Life
Explore the role of oxygen saturation in hospice care, where comfort takes precedence over numbers. Learn how hospice teams prioritize quality of life, interpret vital signs differently, and make ethical decisions about oxygen use. Discover a compassionate approach focused on dignity and peace.
Understanding Aggression in Elderly Patients with Dementia
Dementia can lead to aggressive behavior in elderly patients, causing distress for both them and their caregivers. This comprehensive guide explores the underlying causes of aggression, from sleep disturbances to medication side effects, and offers practical, empathetic strategies for managing these challenging situations and improving the quality of life for all involved.
How Vitamin B Deficiencies Can Mimic Terminal Diseases
Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to severe health issues mimicking terminal diseases like nerve damage, anemia, and increased cancer risk. This comprehensive guide explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for vitamin deficiencies B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Understand the importance of adequate vitamin B intake for energy production, metabolism, cell growth, and overall well-being.
Navigating the Stormy Waters of Dementia-Related Aggression
Explore the complex world of dementia-related aggression and learn how to identify its underlying causes. This comprehensive guide offers insights into medication-related issues, pain management, and non-pharmacological interventions. Discover compassionate care strategies to support patients and caregivers on this challenging journey.
Unveiling the Complexities of SSRIs: Half-Life, Risks, and Misconceptions
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.
Common Medications That May Cause Harm to Hospice Patients
Medications like anticoagulants, antidepressants, and NSAIDs can cause harm to hospice patients. Learn how to balance comfort and safety with individualized care.
Why Anticoagulants Should Be Reviewed Regularly for Deprescribing for Those Who Are Terminally Ill
Anticoagulants can prevent blood clots but also cause bleeding risks for terminally ill patients. This article explains why these medications should be regularly reviewed for deprescribing, outlining factors like prognosis, preferences, and palliative care options to consider when making informed, compassionate choices aligned with the patient's goals.
Pressure Injury Prevention for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
This guide provides practical strategies for preventing and managing pressure injuries in terminally ill patients. Learn how to assess risk, optimize nutrition, reposition properly, choose support surfaces, and care for the skin. Get recommendations for home, hospice, and hospital settings, as well as pain management and infection control. Empower yourself with evidence-based tips to improve your loved one's comfort and quality of life.
Hospice Best Practices for the Management Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, especially those who have undergone cancer treatment or have other lymphatic disorders. It occurs when the lymphatic system, which drains excess fluid and waste from the tissues, is damaged or blocked. The most common symptom of lymphedema is swelling of the affected limb, which can range from mild to severe. Lymphedema can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. In this article, we will discuss hospice best practices for the management of lymphedema, with a focus on the needs and preferences of terminally ill patients, family members, and caregivers.
Training and Certifying Medication Technicians in Pennsylvania
This article aims to overview Pennsylvania medication technicians' training and certification process and discuss specific skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties effectively and safely.