Terminal Illnesses

Illness Trajectories And Palliative Care

Educating families on reporting changes in condition

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.

Air hunger management at end-of-life

I can count the times I’ve run into air hunger at the end of life as a visiting RN Case Manager for going on five years on one hand. Over the years, I’ve managed patients with pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancers (diverse types), breast cancer, COPD, congestive heart failure, B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, and other diseases that can impact one person’s ability to breathe correctly. Air hunger is rare in my firsthand experiences, but it can happen. Air hunger often sounds like the person is gasping for breath without regard to the actual respiratory rate (how fast they are breathing); it can also sound like stridor (YouTube videos below where you can hear the difference).

Understanding Changes in Diet Texture for the Terminally Ill

Navigating the dietary needs at life’s end can be complex. This guide explores the progression of diet textures and liquid consistencies, ensuring comfort and safety for the terminally ill. Learn to adapt meals for loved ones as they approach this delicate phase.

Validation Therapy: A Valuable Tool for Families and Healthcare Teams

Naomi Feil is an expert in gerontology and the creator of validation therapy, which is a means of communicating and acknowledging the internal reality of patients with dementia. When properly utilized, validation therapy can enhance the quality of life of patients with dementia as well as reduce stress on the family and caregivers. While Naomi Feil and her followers (of which the writer of this article may be considered one, at least in form) focus on using this method of communication to maintain health with the potential for a level of restorative health, I want to share how the concepts of this method can be used during times of crisis.

Food and Liquids During the Dying Process

This article explores the delicate balance of providing food and liquids to the dying and navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. It addresses the emotional and ethical considerations, offering guidance for caregivers during this profound phase.

My Loved One with Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. This article provides insights into understanding dementia, its stages, and practical tips for caregivers. Learn about the FAST Scale, validation therapy, and when hospice care might be appropriate to ensure compassionate and effective support.

Recognizing the Approaching End of Life

When I first started working in the field of hospice, my clinical manager told me (I’m paraphrasing), one day you will be able to walk into the room, and without getting a single vital sign, just by visual observation, be able to tell that the person is dying or will be shortly dying. That was about three years ago. Today, it’s almost chilling for me (as it is both a blessing and tremendous responsibility) to be able to share she told the truth, and that over time — if you give yourself patience and grace and take the time to listen, observe, and remember — you too will learn how to tell when someone is close to or otherwise is dying. Please allow me to share some of my insight as to how I know a person has less than a month left to live, and often far less. First off, let’s go into the important discussion you should have with the family, friends, and the patient themselves that provides an overall background to the prognosis. That discussion should be centered around what types of decline (downward, negative) changes have been taking place in the patient’s life over the last six months making note as to whether the decline is minor, medium, or major and the frequency (once a month, once a week, etc.) of those changes.

Understanding Terminal Restlessness

Navigating the final days of a loved one’s life can be a challenging and emotional journey. One of the signs that can be observed during this time is known as terminal restlessness. As someone deeply rooted in hospice care, I have witnessed various manifestations of this restlessness. Understanding its types, causes, and management strategies is crucial for providing compassionate end-of-life care. This article aims to illuminate the different kinds of terminal restlessness, identify reversible causes, and discuss effective management techniques. By equipping caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals with this knowledge, we can ensure that terminally ill individuals experience comfort and dignity in their final days.

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