Category: Terminal Illness
Articles about terminal illnesses that one typically sees and cares for on hospice.
Parkinson’s vs. Alzheimer’s: Key Differences Explained
Dementia is a word we use to describe a significant change in the brain that makes it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, make decisions, or even control their emotions. It’s like a fog that slowly creeps in, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and lives daily. It’s not just one disease but a group of symptoms that can be caused by different diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Read MoreParkinson’s vs. Alzheimer’s: Key Differences ExplainedHow 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.
Read MoreHow Vitamin B Deficiencies Can Mimic Terminal DiseasesHow to Qualify for Hospice Care Without an Official Medical Diagnosis
This article aims to provide information and guidance on qualifying for hospice care without an official medical diagnosis. We will explain hospice care, how to access it without a physician’s consent, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.
Read MoreHow to Qualify for Hospice Care Without an Official Medical DiagnosisPulmonary Fibrosis: A Guide for Caregivers
If you are caring for a loved one with pulmonary fibrosis, you may have many questions and concerns about their condition and how to support them best. You may also feel overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated by the challenges and responsibilities of caregiving. You are not alone. Many people face similar situations and emotions when caring for someone with chronic and progressive lung disease.
This article will help you understand pulmonary fibrosis and how it affects your loved one and yourself. It will also provide practical and helpful information on providing the best care for your loved one and yourself.
Read MorePulmonary Fibrosis: A Guide for CaregiversDecoding Dementia: Early Signs, Care Choices, and When to Call Hospice
Learn to recognize early dementia signs and explore care options, including hospice. This guide offers insights into dementia, practical care tips, and when to seek professional help.
Read MoreDecoding Dementia: Early Signs, Care Choices, and When to Call HospiceHow to Find a Care Facility for Your Loved One with Dementia When You Feel Out of Options
Caring for a loved one with dementia in rural areas can be challenging when local care facility options are limited. This guide explores alternatives, such as contacting organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, considering different facility types (adult day care, long-term care, respite care, memory care), seeking financial assistance, evaluating hospice eligibility, and assessing life plan/continuing care communities. It also addresses the legal and ethical implications of using hospitals as a last resort.
Read MoreHow to Find a Care Facility for Your Loved One with Dementia When You Feel Out of OptionsA Summary Review of the Twelve Known Types of Dementia
This article summarizes the twelve known types of dementia, which are the most common and well-studied forms of this condition. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of each type, how they are diagnosed, what causes them, and how they are treated. This article is intended for family members and caregivers of people with dementia who may want to understand more about the condition and how to support their loved ones.
Read MoreA Summary Review of the Twelve Known Types of DementiaNavigating 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.
Read MoreNavigating the Stormy Waters of Dementia-Related AggressionWhen It’s Time for Hospice in Dementia Care
This article provides a compassionate guide for families and caregivers of individuals with dementia. It aims to offer insight into the progression of dementia and how to recognize when it may be time to consider hospice care. This article seeks to empower you with knowledge and understanding so you can make informed decisions that honor the dignity and comfort of your loved one.
Read MoreWhen It’s Time for Hospice in Dementia CareEstimating Dementia Stages Without a Diagnosis
This article is like a flashlight in the dark. It’s here to shine a light on the path ahead, even when we don’t have all the answers. We’ll talk about how dementia can affect people differently and share some common signs that can help you guess what stage your loved one might be in.
Read MoreEstimating Dementia Stages Without a DiagnosisWho are the Primary Caregivers for Hospice Patients?
Discover the unsung heroes of hospice care: primary caregivers. From family members to trained professionals, these compassionate individuals provide essential support to patients nearing the end of life. Learn about their crucial roles, challenges, and their impact in ensuring comfort and dignity for hospice patients.
Read MoreWho are the Primary Caregivers for Hospice Patients?White Matter Disease: A Guide for Families
Discover the essentials of white matter disease, its impact on brain health, and how to support affected loved ones. This comprehensive guide offers insights into symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and practical tips for caregivers, empowering families to navigate this challenging condition with knowledge and compassion.
Read MoreWhite Matter Disease: A Guide for FamiliesHow Different Types of Illnesses Affect Our Lives and Deaths: A Summary of a Research Paper by Joanne Lynn and Colleagues
Have you ever wondered how different illnesses affect our lives and deaths? How do we cope with the uncertainty and unpredictability of our health? How do we plan for our future and make the best decisions for ourselves and our loved ones?
In this article, we will summarize and discuss the main points and findings of the paper and explore how they relate to our own lives and deaths. We will also provide practical and actionable suggestions for you to cope with and plan for your and your loved ones’ trajectories. We aim to help you understand the different types of illness trajectories, how they affect our lives and deaths, and how we can prepare for them.
Read MoreHow Different Types of Illnesses Affect Our Lives and Deaths: A Summary of a Research Paper by Joanne Lynn and ColleaguesExploring Dementia Care: Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
Dementia is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals, often requiring specialized care. When it comes to supporting a loved one with dementia, understanding the types of healthcare providers available is essential. Each specialist brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table. In this article, we will delve into the various types of healthcare providers for dementia and help you understand when to consider one specialist over another.
Read MoreExploring Dementia Care: Choosing the Right Healthcare ProviderThe Myth of Medications and Terminal Illness: How to Cope with the Reality of Losing a Loved One
Discover the truth behind the myth that medications can keep terminally ill patients alive indefinitely. This article explores the psychological factors behind this belief and its consequences while providing compassionate strategies to cope with the reality of losing a loved one while ensuring quality end-of-life care.
Read MoreThe Myth of Medications and Terminal Illness: How to Cope with the Reality of Losing a Loved OneCommon 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.
Read MoreCommon Medications That May Cause Harm to Hospice PatientsWhy 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.
Read MoreWhy Anticoagulants Should Be Reviewed Regularly for Deprescribing for Those Who Are Terminally IllUnderstanding the Importance of Quarterly Medication Reconciliation for Terminal Patients
This article discusses the importance of quarterly medication reconciliation for terminal patients and their families. It explains the benefits, such as improving patient safety, quality of life, symptom management, and the challenges and solutions. It also addresses the need to re-evaluate certain medications, like donepezil and memantine, for patients with dementia as their disease progresses.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Importance of Quarterly Medication Reconciliation for Terminal PatientsComparing and Contrasting the Five Most Common Types of Dementia
Explore the five most common types of dementia: Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and Mixed. Learn about their unique characteristics, symptoms, and progression. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals affected by dementia.
Read MoreComparing and Contrasting the Five Most Common Types of DementiaPressure 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.
Read MorePressure Injury Prevention for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Families and CaregiversUnveiling the Promise and Perils of Blood Tests for Dementia
Delve into the world of blood-based biomarkers for dementia detection. This article examines the science behind these tests, their potential to revolutionize early diagnosis, and the complex ethical considerations surrounding their use. Discover how these tests might shape the future of Alzheimer's care and research.
Read MoreUnveiling the Promise and Perils of Blood Tests for DementiaUnderstanding and Caring for a Loved One with Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia combines symptoms of multiple types of dementia, presenting unique challenges for patients and caregivers. This article explores the complexities of mixed dementia, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn practical tips for providing compassionate care and support to loved ones affected by this condition.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Caring for a Loved One with Mixed DementiaTop Ten Myths About CPR for Terminally Ill Patients
You may think that CPR is a miracle that can save anyone’s life, but that is not always the case. CPR is not practical for terminally ill patients, and it can cause more harm than good. In fact, studies show that only about 5% of terminally ill patients who receive CPR survive to leave the hospital. Many of them suffer from brain damage, broken ribs, or infections because of CPR.
This article aims to help you understand the truth about CPR for terminally ill patients. We will debunk ten common myths you may have heard or believed about CPR and provide you with accurate and reliable information. We will also help you make informed and respectful decisions about CPR for your loved one based on their wishes and values.
Read MoreTop Ten Myths About CPR for Terminally Ill PatientsManaging Disappearing Clothing in Dementia Care: Tips and Strategies
Explore practical solutions for managing disappearing clothing in dementia care. Learn about iron-on name labels, simplified clothing choices, and the importance of family-facility collaboration. This guide offers practical tips to ensure your loved one with dementia always has the right clothes, reducing stress for patients and caregivers.
Read MoreManaging Disappearing Clothing in Dementia Care: Tips and Strategies