Category: Terminal Illness
Articles about terminal illnesses that one typically sees and cares for on hospice.
The Hidden Reality of Dialysis: Understanding Life Support, Quality of Life, and Planning Ahead
Dialysis is a choice, not a requirement for end-stage kidney disease. While this life support treatment can extend life, it significantly impacts quality of life through fatigue, time constraints, and physical challenges. You have the right to choose comfort care and hospice instead. Learn why discussing dialysis preferences should be part of every living will and how end-of-life doulas can help navigate these important decisions.
When Time Becomes Finite: Navigating the Emotional Aftermath of a Terminal Diagnosis
A terminal diagnosis sends shockwaves through the lives of patients and their loved ones. This article delves into the trauma experienced by all involved, examining the intricate challenges faced by hospice and palliative care providers in offering compassionate support while navigating the complex emotional landscape of end-of-life care.
How a Well-Planned Vigil Transforms the Final Journey for Everyone Involved
Learn why planning a death vigil early with an end-of-life doula creates meaningful final moments, reduces family stress, and helps prevent complicated grief. Discover the profound benefits of this sacred practice for everyone involved.
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.
Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Subtle Precursor to Dementia
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by cognitive decline that is more significant than expected for an individual of age but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. This article explores MCI's symptoms, diagnosis, and potential progression to dementia, offering insights into prevention and management strategies.
Navigating Swallowing Challenges in Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn about swallowing problems in dementia patients, including symptoms, risks, and management strategies for caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Most Prevalent Form of Dementia
Delve into the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. This article examines its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options while discussing the challenges patients and caregivers face. Learn about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs in the fight against this devastating neurological disorder.
Navigating the Maze of Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide to Cognitive Decline
Delve into the world of dementia with our comprehensive guide. Understand its progression, learn about risk factors and prevention, explore diagnosis and treatment options, and discover coping strategies for cognitive decline. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the challenges of dementia.
Understanding ME/CFS: A Caregiver’s Guide to Non-Medical Support and End-of-Life Care
This comprehensive guide helps caregivers, families, and end-of-life professionals understand ME/CFS, providing practical tools for non-medical support. Learn about the disease trajectory from onset to end-of-life care, including when palliative and hospice care should be considered for optimal patient comfort and well-being.
The Silent Threat: Understanding the Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
Recent studies have revealed a surprising link between hearing loss and dementia. This article examines the scientific basis of this connection, investigating how hearing impairment may contribute to cognitive decline. Discover practical steps for maintaining hearing health and potentially lowering the risk of dementia, along with cutting-edge research in this critical area of study.
Living Better with Cancer: Why Palliative Care Should Start on Day One
Discover why combining palliative care with cancer treatment from day one can transform your cancer journey. This guide explains how early palliative care provides expert symptom management, emotional support, and better outcomes while maintaining hope and enhancing quality of life.
Understanding Palliative Care After Stroke: A Complete Family Caregiver’s Resource
Discover how palliative care can transform the stroke recovery journey for patients and their families. This comprehensive guide explains the benefits, services available, and steps to access palliative care support throughout the United States.
Understanding AL Amyloidosis: A Family’s Guide to Care, Comfort, and Hope
AL amyloidosis is an uncommon yet severe condition that impacts various organs. This detailed guide provides essential information for patients and their families regarding symptoms, disease progression, treatment options, and the timing of considering hospice care for their loved one.
Crafting a Comprehensive Hospice Admission Note: A Guide for Registered Nurses
Learn about the essential elements of a comprehensive hospice admission note. This guide helps registered nurses document crucial patient information, from diagnoses to physical assessments, ensuring the delivery of quality end-of-life care and proper eligibility documentation.
How Hospitals Can Help Place Dementia Patients in Appropriate Care Settings
Discover how hospitals are crucial in helping families place dementia patients in appropriate care settings. This article explores various care options, discusses challenges in placement decisions, and provides evidence-based strategies for effective hospital-based care coordination to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and their loved ones.
Retrogenesis and Dementia: Understanding Reverse Development for Better Care
Discover the theory of retrogenesis and its profound impact on dementia care. This comprehensive guide helps nurses, caregivers, and families understand how dementia reverses developmental stages, offering practical insights for tailored care strategies. Learn to navigate the challenges of dementia with empathy and effectiveness.
Navigating Multi-infarct Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide for Families and Caregivers
Multi-infarct dementia is a challenging condition that affects not only patients but also their families and caregivers. This comprehensive guide explores the disease's progression, common symptoms, and effective care strategies. Learn what to expect and how to provide the best support for your loved one from diagnosis through end-of-life care.
Navigating Posterior Cortical Atrophy: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients, Caregivers, and Families
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also known as Benson's syndrome, is a rare form of dementia affecting visual processing. This article explores PCA's symptoms, progression, and impact on daily life. Learn how to provide effective care, recognize when to seek help, and navigate the challenges of this complex condition.
Navigating the Journey: A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia Progression
Dementia is a challenging journey for both patients and caregivers. This comprehensive guide explores the stages of dementia progression and offers practical advice on care strategies, treatment options, and support resources. Learn how to navigate the changes and provide compassionate care throughout the journey.
Navigating Utilization Behavior: A Guide for Dementia Care
This article delves into Utilization Behavior in dementia, offering practical advice for families and caregivers to create a safe environment and mitigate the challenges associated with this condition.
Guiding Loved Ones with Dementia to Use Mobility Aids with Compassion
Discover practical and compassionate strategies for encouraging a loved one with dementia to use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Enhance their safety and quality of life with these tips.
A Comprehensive Guide to Dementia-Induced Psychosis for Hospice Care Providers
This guide provides hospice nurses, caregivers, and family members with essential information on dementia-induced psychosis, including its signs, symptoms, differentiation from other conditions, and effective management strategies.
Practical Tips for Caregivers: Ensuring Continuous Oxygen Use for Dementia Patients
This article provides practical tips and strategies for caregivers and family members to prevent dementia patients from removing their oxygen nasal cannula. Ensuring continuous oxygen use is essential for their health and well-being.
Understanding Invalid Primary Diagnosis Codes for Hospice Claims
Learn about the diagnosis codes not allowed as primary diagnoses on hospice claims. This guide helps hospice agencies ensure accurate billing and optimal patient care.