Category: Tips and Tricks

Articles about tips and tricks for caregivers and nurses caring for the terminally ill.

Encouraging Dementia Patients to Take a Bath or Shower: 3 Gentle Methods

Discover gentle methods to encourage dementia patients to bathe. Learn how to create a positive bathing experience, use distraction techniques, and maintain a consistent routine. These compassionate approaches help caregivers navigate hygiene challenges while preserving dignity and reducing stress for both patient and caregiver.

Read MoreEncouraging Dementia Patients to Take a Bath or Shower: 3 Gentle Methods

Doctors Ignoring Family Concerns in Dementia Care

Welcome to our discussion on a topic close to many hearts: the care of our loved ones with dementia. When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, it feels like a part of them slowly fades away. But as they lose parts of themselves, your role in their life becomes even more crucial. This article isn’t just words on a page; it’s a beacon of hope and understanding, shining a light on why your voice, as a family member, is vital in the care of your loved one.

Read MoreDoctors Ignoring Family Concerns in Dementia Care

Understanding Repetitive Questions of Dementia Patients

When caring for a loved one with dementia, it's important to approach their needs with empathy and understanding. Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and communication. As a caregiver or family member, it's crucial to adapt your communication style and strategies to best support your loved one. This article will guide you through the stages of dementia, address common symptoms like anxiety and agitation, provide techniques to reduce caregiver burnout, create a calm environment, and effectively respond to repetitive questions.

Read MoreUnderstanding Repetitive Questions of Dementia Patients

Optimizing Hospice Respite Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Caring for a loved one who has a terminal illness can be extremely rewarding but also particularly challenging. You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or isolated by the demands of caregiving. You may also feel guilty or anxious about taking a break from your loved one. But you deserve time to rest, recharge, and care for yourself. That is why hospice respite care can be a great option for you and your loved one.

Hospice respite care is a service that allows you to temporarily place your loved one in a facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice house, where they can receive professional care and support. You can use this time to do whatever you need or want, such as sleeping, working, running errands, visiting friends, or enjoying a hobby. Respite care can last up to five days at a time.

Read MoreOptimizing Hospice Respite Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Review of Gone from My Sight by Barbara Karnes, RN

Gone From My Sight The Dying Experience By Barbara Karnes

As an experienced hospice nurse with years of experience, I have come across numerous resources that aim to guide families and caregivers through the process of dying. One such resource that stands out is "Gone from my sight: The Dying Experience" by Barbara Karnes, RN. This booklet, often referred to as the "Little Blue Book," has been a staple for hospice providers for over three decades, and for good reason.

Read MoreReview of Gone from My Sight by Barbara Karnes, RN

Nourishing with Care: Feeding a Terminally Ill Loved One

Discover compassionate approaches to nourishing terminally ill loved ones. Learn about appetite changes, feeding techniques, and the importance of emotional support during meals. This guide offers practical tips for caregivers to ensure comfort and dignity while addressing nutritional needs in end-of-life care.

Read MoreNourishing with Care: Feeding a Terminally Ill Loved One

Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based Approach

Dka Vs Hhs For Diabetes

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.

Read MoreManaging Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based Approach

Traveling While on Hospice: Making the Most of Precious Moments Together

Discover how hospice patients can safely travel and create lasting memories with loved ones. Learn about essential preparations, medical considerations, and tips for a smooth journey. Explore ways to make the most of precious moments together while ensuring comfort and care during travel.

Read MoreTraveling While on Hospice: Making the Most of Precious Moments Together

Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: Encouraging Medication Compliance

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. One common struggle caregivers face is ensuring their loved one takes their medications. Dementia can make understanding and remembering medications difficult. In this guide, we'll explore effective strategies for encouraging your loved ones with dementia to take their medications, considering their unique needs.

Read MoreCaring for a Loved One with Dementia: Encouraging Medication Compliance

Understanding Terminal Illness: How to Recognize the Signs Using Your Senses

Holding The Hands Of A Dying Person

Facing the reality of a loved one's terminal illness can be a challenging and emotional journey. As a hospice registered nurse case manager, I understand the importance of providing compassionate and clear information to empower patients, caregivers, and families. In this article, we'll explore how you, as a family member, can use your own observations and senses to recognize the signs that your loved one may be in the terminal stage of their illness. Remember, while medical professionals have their tools, your observations and intuition significantly matter.

Read MoreUnderstanding Terminal Illness: How to Recognize the Signs Using Your Senses

Understanding and Managing Contractures

I know that the journey you and your loved one are on can be challenging, especially when facing a terminal illness. As an experienced hospice nurse caring for terminally ill patients, I want to provide you with some valuable insights on a common issue that may arise during this time: contractures.

Read MoreUnderstanding and Managing Contractures

How to Use the Beers Criteria for Medication Reconciliation and Deprescribing in Hospice Care: 10 Case Studies

thoughtful prescribing and deprescribing

In this article, we will discuss how to use the Beers Criteria to identify PIMs and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) in hospice patients. PPOs are medications that are indicated but not prescribed for a specific patient or population, or that are prescribed at a suboptimal dose or duration. We will also present 10 case studies to illustrate the medication reconciliation and deprescribing process and the outcomes of medication changes in different scenarios.

Read MoreHow to Use the Beers Criteria for Medication Reconciliation and Deprescribing in Hospice Care: 10 Case Studies

How to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and Empathy

Caring for someone with dementia requires understanding and a heart full of compassion. This guide highlights the importance of patience and empathy and their profound impact on enhancing the lives of those with dementia.

Read MoreHow to Care for People with Dementia: The Importance of Patience, Compassion and Empathy

Managing Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for Comfort

Discover effective non-pharmacological methods to manage shortness of breath in hospice care. Learn about positioning techniques, breathing exercises, and environmental adjustments that can comfort and relieve patients experiencing dyspnea, enhancing their quality of life during end-of-life care.

Read MoreManaging Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: Non-Pharmacological Methods for Comfort

How to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care Facility

patients escaping

Elopement is when a person with dementia leaves a safe area, like their home or care facility, without supervision. This can be intentional or unintentional, and it's important to address to ensure the safety of the patient. If your loved one is attempting to escape from a memory care facility, there are steps you can take to support both them and the facility.

Read MoreHow to Support a Dementia Patient Who Tries to Escape from a Memory Care Facility

Coping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with Dementia

women using a rollator walking down a hallway

This article will try to help you cope with this challenge. We will give you some information and advice on how to:

Prepare for the transition to a nursing home

Support your loved one during and after the move

Take care of yourself and your family.

Read MoreCoping with a Loved One’s Placement in a Nursing Home: Supporting Patients with Dementia

Best Practices for Oral Care in Hospice Patients: A Guide for Families

oral mouth swabs

Caring for a comatose loved one during their hospice journey requires special attention, particularly when it comes to oral care. In this guide, we'll explore best practices for oral care, considering the unique needs of comatose patients, and provide you with valuable resources for further guidance.

Read MoreBest Practices for Oral Care in Hospice Patients: A Guide for Families

Managing Dysphagia for Comfort: A Guide for Families

management of dysphagia food pyramid and dietary texture

Caring for a loved one with dysphagia during their end-of-life journey can be challenging, but with the proper knowledge and support, you can provide them with comfort and dignity. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in terminally ill patients and can lead to complications if not managed properly. In this guide, we will provide you with essential information on managing dietary changes and what to expect and offer helpful tips and tricks to ensure your loved one's comfort.

Read MoreManaging Dysphagia for Comfort: A Guide for Families

Promoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll Therapy

Doll therapy offers a compassionate approach to enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients. By providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and promoting social interaction, this non-pharmacological intervention can significantly improve emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with dementia.

Read MorePromoting Quality of Life in Dementia Through Doll Therapy

How to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of Breath

Pursed Lip Breathing

Dealing with shortness of breath can be challenging for terminally ill patients, but there are techniques that can help manage this symptom and improve their overall comfort. One such technique is pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is a simple and effective breathing technique that can help reduce shortness of breath and improve oxygen exchange in the lungs. As an experienced hospice nurse with years of experience, I will guide you through the steps of pursed lip breathing in a compassionate and easy-to-understand manner.

Read MoreHow to Use Pursed Lip Breathing to Manage Shortness of Breath

Understanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for Families

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain. This can lead to various impairments in brain functions, such as thinking, memory, movement, and bladder control. NPH can also affect the quality of life, mood, and behavior of the person with NPH and their caregivers. The cause of NPH is often unknown, but it may be due to injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumor, or surgery on the brain. This article aims to provide a guide for families to understand NPH, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as how to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of living with NPH.

Read MoreUnderstanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A Guide for Families

Understanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia

Navigating hospice eligibility for non-Alzheimer's dementia patients demands a personalized approach. Unlike Alzheimer's, there's no definitive scale, necessitating assessments of functional decline, mobility, communication, incontinence, weight loss, overall condition, and comorbidities. Effective documentation, clinical judgment, and compassionate care are crucial for supporting these patients and families.

Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia

Dementia Care for loved ones who are habitually restless

habbitually restless lady

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. If your loved one has been restless throughout their life, this restlessness may continue as a symptom of their dementia. As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand the difficulties you may face in managing habitual restlessness while ensuring the safety and welfare of your loved one. In this article, I'll provide you with practical tips and evidence-based practices to create a calming environment for your loved one, even if they have trouble with fine motor control due to arthritis or other factors.

Read MoreDementia Care for loved ones who are habitually restless

Managing Infections in the Geriatric Population

This article will delve into common infections in geriatric patients, encompassing early, middle, and late-stage symptoms, preventive measures, and prevalent treatment approaches, particularly for patients facing a terminal illness prognosis of six months or less.

Read MoreManaging Infections in the Geriatric Population

Oh hi there 👋 It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive updates on new articles to your inbox.

The emails we will send you only deal with educational articles, not requests to buy a single thing! Read our privacy policy for more information.