Category: Terminal Illness
Articles about terminal illnesses that one typically sees and cares for on hospice.
Hope Through Early Action: Understanding COPD and the Power of Early Detection
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition linked to smoking and vaping that affects millions of people. Understanding the connection between tobacco use and COPD, recognizing early symptoms, and pursuing timely treatment can significantly extend life expectancy and improve quality of life.
Healing Beyond Cure: Transforming Cancer Pain Management through Integrated Palliative Care
A groundbreaking clinical trial demonstrates that single-fraction radiotherapy alongside supportive care can dramatically improve pain management for liver cancer patients, with 67% reporting reduced pain intensity and potential implications for future palliative treatment strategies.
Understanding Terminal Agitation and Restlessness: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers and Families
Navigating the complexities of end-of-life care can be challenging. This article delves into the nuances of terminal agitation and terminal restlessness, providing caregivers and family members with the essential knowledge to better understand and support their loved ones during the final stages of life.
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 Treatment Conflicts with Values: Why Planning Your Care Goals Before Illness Is Critical
New research reveals that 37% of advanced cancer patients feel their treatment doesn't match their personal care goals—nearly twice the rate of other serious illnesses. This disconnect highlights our healthcare system's focus on fixing problems after they occur, without considering comfort or quality of life. Discover why planning your values and care preferences before illness strikes can prevent this misalignment and ensure you receive care that truly honors what matters most to you.
Nurturing the Nurturer: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Care for Dementia Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging journey that can take a toll on caregivers' physical and emotional health. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for dementia caregivers to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and maintain their well-being while providing compassionate care for their loved ones.
A Comprehensive Guide to Diabetes Management for Loved Ones with Dementia
Discover essential strategies for managing diabetes in loved ones with dementia. This comprehensive guide covers blood sugar monitoring, medication administration, diet management, and recognizing emergencies, empowering caregivers to provide optimal care.
When Is It Time? A Guide to Considering Hospice Care for Your Loved One with Dementia
Deciding when to involve hospice care for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. This comprehensive guide helps non-healthcare professionals recognize the signs that indicate it's time to consider hospice, understand the benefits of hospice care, and navigate the decision-making process with compassion and informed judgment.
How Hospice Extends Life and Enhances Quality for the Terminally Ill
Hospice care not only provides comfort but can also extend the lives of terminally ill patients. Learn how holistic support and compassionate care improve longevity and quality of life.
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.