Category: Symptom Management
Articles relating to managing symptoms of terminally ill patients with the goal of maintaining comfort through the natural dying process.
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.
Pros and Cons of Antibiotics in the Last Month of Life
Explore the complex decision of using antibiotics in end-of-life care. This article weighs the potential benefits against risks, considering comfort, quality of life, and ethical concerns. Learn how to make informed choices with your healthcare team for compassionate, patient-centered care in life's final stages.
Late-Onset Medication Side Effects: The Importance of Continuous Vigilance and Medication Reconciliation
Explore why side effects from medications can emerge after initial use and understand the critical need for vigilant monitoring and regular medication reconciliation to ensure patient safety and efficacy.
Understanding Hospice Care: Insights from Nurse Peter Abraham
In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Nurse Peter Abraham. Peter shares his extensive experience in cardiac telemetry, skilled nursing, and rural home hospice care. They discuss the significance of early hospice enrollment, the challenges of caring for dementia and Parkinson's patients, and the impactful personal stories from Peter's career. Special focus is given to the educational resources on Peter's website, Compassion Crossing, which aims to support families, caregivers, and new hospice nurses. Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in hospice care and reflects on how his faith informs his practice.
Uncommon Opioid Side Effects to Know: How They Affect You and Your Family
Learn about uncommon opioid side effects like myoclonus and hyperalgesia, and how they impact you and your family. This guide explains these conditions, offers tips for managing them, and highlights the role of hospice in providing comfort and support.
When Death is Imminent – What to Expect from Hospice
Hospice nurses are crucial in comforting and supporting patients nearing death and their families. This article explores what to expect from hospice care, focusing on patient assessments, educational discussions, and addressing common family concerns.
Oral Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Promising Approach for Emotional and Psychological Distress
Discover how oral ketamine is emerging as a game-changer in palliative care, offering rapid relief for severe depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. This comprehensive guide explores its potential benefits, administration methods, and important considerations for patients and healthcare providers.
Poop Muffins and Power Pudding – Helping Maintain Regular Bowel Movements
Discover how "poop muffins" and "power pudding" can help maintain regular bowel movements. These fiber-rich recipes are especially beneficial for those experiencing constipation, including the elderly and individuals on certain medications. Learn how to make these tasty, digestive-friendly treats at home.
Understanding Bowel Movements in Terminally Ill Patients
Understanding bowel movements in terminally ill patients is crucial for their comfort and dignity. This guide offers practical tips for caregivers and hospice nurses to manage constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel issues, ensuring patients' better quality of life.
Comprehensive Approaches to Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Patients
Explore comprehensive approaches to managing hallucinations in loved ones with dementia. This article covers pharmacological methods, focusing on Seroquel and non-drug strategies such as Naomi Feil's validation therapy. Learn how to validate feelings, de-escalate fear, and improve the quality of life for those experiencing cognitive impairment.
End of Life Wound Care
End-of-life wound care is crucial for patient comfort and dignity. This guide covers practical tips for preventing infection, managing symptoms, and supporting caregivers during this sensitive time. Learn how to make wound care a compassionate part of hospice and palliative care.
Crisis Management at End-of-Life
Discover effective strategies for managing end-of-life crises in hospice care. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, implement calming techniques, and provide compassionate support to patients and families. This guide offers practical tips for hospice nurses and caregivers to navigate challenging situations with confidence and empathy.
Understanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care
This guide covers the essentials of palliative sedation for hospice patients, including ethical dilemmas, timing, recommended medications, and monitoring effectiveness, ensuring comfort during the end-of-life journey.
Bowel Management for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Caregivers and Hospice Nurses
Managing bowel problems in terminally ill patients is crucial for their comfort and dignity. This guide offers practical tips for caregivers and hospice nurses to address constipation, diarrhea, bowel obstruction, and ascites, ensuring patients' better quality of life.
Navigating the Complex World of Dementia and Seizures
This article delves into the intricate relationship between dementia and seizures, offering insights on identification, safety protocols, and advocacy for caregivers.
Understanding UTIs in Dementia Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
This comprehensive guide helps caregivers understand why urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent in dementia patients. It provides practical advice on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies. Empower yourself with the knowledge to provide the best care for your loved ones.
Methadone: A Compassionate Approach to Managing Terminal Pain
This article delves into the advantages of Methadone over Morphine for pain management in hospice settings. It covers dosage, titration, side effects, and scenarios where Methadone may not be the best choice. Ideal for hospice professionals and caregivers seeking compassionate pain relief options for the terminally ill.
Managing Aspiration Risks in Hospice Care: A Guide for Families
This article is crafted with heartfelt understanding and care, recognizing the challenges you face as caregivers and family members of terminally ill loved ones. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and practical advice to manage the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a common yet often preventable complication in hospice care.
Music Therapy: A Melody of Hope for the Terminally Ill
If you or someone you love is facing a terminal illness, you may feel overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with it. You may wonder how to cope with the pain, the fear, the grief, and the loss of control. You may also want to find ways to make the most of the time you have left and to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones.
Music therapy is a form of therapy that can help you and your family deal with these issues. It involves using music and musical activities to improve the health and well-being of people of all ages and backgrounds. Music therapy can help you express your feelings, communicate with others, relax your body and mind, cope with pain and stress, enhance your spiritual connection, and create a meaningful life story.
Navigating Dementia: A Guide to Supportive Supplements
Discover how Lion’s Mane, Magnesium Glycinate, Vitamins D3, K2, B1, Folate, C, and MTC Oil can play a role in dementia care. This article delves into the latest research and expert insights on natural supplements that support cognitive function and overall brain health.
Natural Remedies for Dementia Anxiety: Ashwagandha and CBD
Explore the use of ashwagandha and CBD to ease anxiety in dementia patients. Learn about dosages, safety precautions, and real-life stories.
Understanding and Managing Sundowning in Dementia: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved One
Sundowning, or "late-day confusion," is a challenging experience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This phenomenon, occurring in the late afternoon or evening, brings about increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Caregivers need to comprehend sundowning and offer compassionate care to ensure the well-being of their loved ones. This article delves into effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage sundowning and create a safe environment.
Understanding Dementia Medication Side Effects: A Guide for Families
Discover the potential side effects of dementia medications and how to support your loved one. Stay informed!
Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based Approach
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand that managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) at end of life can be challenging, especially when patients choose to stop taking their diabetic medications or when those medications are no longer an option. In this article, I will provide information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemic crises and outline comfort-based treatment options that align with hospice goals of care.