When someone you love is sick and may not get better, you want to do everything possible to make them comfortable and happy. Sometimes, you may notice that they are acting differently or feeling worse. This is called a change of condition. Some changes in condition are very serious and need to be reported to the hospice provider right away. Other changes in condition are less urgent and can be written down in a journal until the next nursing visit. This article will help you learn how to tell the difference and what to do.
When to call the hospice provider
Some changes in condition are signs that your loved one needs immediate help. These include:
Being very sleepy, not responding, or not waking up
Having trouble breathing, breathing very fast or very slow, or saying they can't catch their breath
Throwing up something that looks like coffee grounds
Having a lot of pain that doesn't go away even after taking pain medicine
Feeling sick to their stomach and throwing up a lot
Having loose stools that don't stop even after taking medicine
Having food or drinks come out of their mouth when they try to eat or drink
Falling down a lot
Acting very confused, angry, or scared
Are having any other symptoms that make you worry that something terrible is happening
You should call the hospice provider immediately if you notice any of these changes. They will tell you what to do and may send someone to check on your loved one. They may also give your loved one extra treatment or medicine to make them feel better.
What to write in a journal
Some changes in condition are not as severe and can wait until the next nursing visit. These include:
Moving around a lot, not staying still, or not finding a comfortable position
Picking at things that are not there
Saying they see people who have passed away
Not wanting to eat much
Seeing or hearing things that are not real
Having trouble breathing but not feeling distressed
Having trouble sleeping
Having trouble going to the bathroom
Having black or dark stools
Having trouble swallowing food, drinks, or medicine
If you notice any of these changes, you should write them down in a journal. You can use a notebook, a calendar, or a phone app to keep track of them. You should write down the date, the time, the change of condition, and what you did to help your loved one. For example, you can write: “Nov 18, 9:00 am, mom was restless and picking at her blanket; I hugged her and played her favorite music”. This will help the nurse know how your loved one is doing and what they need.
How to talk to the hospice team
The hospice team is there to help you and your loved one. They will visit you regularly and check on your loved one's condition. They will also teach you how to deal with some common problems that may happen, such as anxiety, breathing trouble, pain, nausea, constipation, loose stools, or noisy breathing. They will give you some medicine and equipment to use if needed.
It is essential to talk to the hospice team and tell them how your loved one is doing. They will also tell you what to expect and how to prepare for the future. This will help you feel more calm and in control of the situation.
Conclusion
When your loved one is very sick, you may notice some changes in your condition. Some of them are serious and must be reported to the hospice provider immediately. Others are less urgent and can be written down in a journal until the next nursing visit. The hospice team will help you and your loved one with these changes and provide you with support and resources. By knowing how to tell when your loved one needs help, you can make them more comfortable and happy.
