Methadone: A Compassionate Approach to Managing Terminal Pain
This article delves into the advantages of Methadone over Morphine for pain management in hospice settings. It covers dosage, titration, side effects, and scenarios where Methadone may not be the best choice. Ideal for hospice professionals and caregivers seeking compassionate pain relief options for the terminally ill.
Managing Aspiration Risks in Hospice Care: A Guide for Families
This article is crafted with heartfelt understanding and care, recognizing the challenges you face as caregivers and family members of terminally ill loved ones. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and practical advice to manage the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a common yet often preventable complication in hospice care.
How RN Case Managers Can Maintain Good Compliance with Medicare Guidelines
As a seasoned hospice nurse, I recognize the significance of adhering to Medicare guidelines to ensure top-notch patient care. Medicare guidelines offer a roadmap for hospice providers to offer exceptional care to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Nonetheless, upholding compliance with these guidelines can be a hurdle, especially for smaller hospice providers with limited resources. In this article, we’ll delve into how RN case managers can effectively ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines.
Post-Admission Visit in Hospice Care: What to Expect and Questions to Ask
If you or someone you love has a serious illness that cannot be cured, you may have heard of hospice care. Hospice care is a special kind that focuses on making the patient comfortable and peaceful in their final days. Hospice care also supports the family and caregivers emotionally and spiritually.
When a patient joins hospice care, they will have a special meeting with a hospice nurse. This meeting is called the post-admission visit. It is an especially important visit because it will help the patient and the family get to know the hospice team and learn more about the care they will receive.
This article will explain what to expect and what to ask during the post-admission visit. We will also provide tips and resources to help you and your loved one make the most of this time. We hope this article will help you feel more prepared and confident about the hospice journey.
Demonstrating Compassion
Compassion in hospice care involves recognizing and alleviating the suffering of patients and their families. It requires empathy, active listening, appropriate touch, and advocating for comfort.
Educational Topics for Hospice Nurses During Admission and Post-Admission Visits
As a hospice registered nurse case manager, your role is pivotal in providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and supporting their families. Effective education during admission and post-admission visits is crucial to ensure comprehensive care and minimize unnecessary visits and calls. Here’s a guide to the educational topics you should cover during these visits, with a focus on patient comfort and preparing for a dignified end-of-life journey.
Natural Remedies for Dementia Anxiety: Ashwagandha and CBD
Explore the use of ashwagandha and CBD to ease anxiety in dementia patients. Learn about dosages, safety precautions, and real-life stories.
Understanding Dementia Medication Side Effects: A Guide for Families
Discover the potential side effects of dementia medications and how to support your loved one. Stay informed!
Encouraging Dementia Patients to Take a Bath or Shower: 3 Gentle Methods
As a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, it’s important to approach daily tasks, such as bathing, with patience, understanding, and empathy. Dementia can bring about changes in behavior and communication, making activities like showering or bathing challenging for both the patient and the caregiver. Here are three gentle methods to encourage a dementia patient to cooperate and take a bath or shower while maintaining their comfort and dignity.
Review of Gone from My Sight by Barbara Karnes, RN
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.
Nourishing with Care: Feeding a Terminally Ill Loved One
Discover compassionate feeding practices for terminally ill loved ones. Learn to balance nutrition with comfort, recognize readiness cues, and manage risks. Embrace each moment with love and care.
Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State at End of Life: A Comfort-Based Approach
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.