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The Haunting Symphony: Witnessing Death Rattle and Embracing Life’s Fragility
It was a pivotal moment in my career as a junior doctor, stepping into the bustling emergency department of the hospital for the very first time. As I embarked on this new chapter, I could feel a mix of anticipation, … Read More
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Can Someone in a Coma Still Hear? Navigating Caregiving and Conversations in Hospice
A coma is a state of deep unconsciousness that can be brought on by various medical conditions, such as severe brain injuries or certain illnesses. For loved ones and caregivers, it raises many questions, one of which is whether someone … Read More
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Breaking Hard News: Helping Children Understand the Loss of a Loved One in Hospice Care
Grieving the loss of a loved one in hospice care is a tremendously painful experience, especially when you are trying to help a child understand it. In this article, I hope to provide a steady, sympathetic resource to help you … Read More
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Isolation and Loneliness in the Elderly
In the year 2023, the United States Surgeon General penned an advisory that echoed through the vast landscapes of our nation, a call to attention, a plea to recognize the shadows cast by isolation and loneliness. In the quiet corners … Read More
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What Does A Hospice CNA Do?
CNAs Provide Love! CNAs provide Love. There is no better way of putting this. A Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an integral member of the hospice team. They are crucial in providing compassionate care and support to individuals who … Read More
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How to Prepare for Emergencies at Home for Home Bound Patients
The idea of emergencies can be daunting. However, being prepared for them is a step everyone needs to take. In hospice care, helping patients prepare for emergencies comes down to a few helpful key points. Hopefully, with a good understanding … Read More
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Difficult Conversation About Death with Loved Ones
Difficult Conversation about Death with Loved Ones Life is a beautiful journey filled with moments of joy, love, and growth. Yet, it is also a journey that ultimately leads us toward the unavoidable destination- Death. While this sensitive topic may … Read More
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The Principle of Double Effect in Hospice Care: Balancing Ethical Dilemmas
In medical ethics, the principle of double effect helps healthcare professionals navigate through situations where trying to achieve a good result may lead to bad outcomes. This principle guides them in making the best decisions, especially in cases involving end-of-life … Read More
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Assessment Of Falls In The Elderly
Falls in elderly can be common. How do you go about deciding clinically if there is an underlying organic etiology that warrants further work up? Falls and unsteady gait are common presenting complaints that physicians routinely evaluate. How do you … Read More
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Stroke Impairments and Complications
Cerebral Vascular Accidents (Strokes) are common and most physicians are trained aggressively to recognize symptoms and aggressively treat them. Two thirds of stroke patients are over the age of 65. Strokes remain in the top 5 leading cause of death … Read More
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Care Tips for Hospice Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), while not the most prevalent of conditions, can nonetheless feel like an uphill battle. But even so, a patient’s time in hospice can be made just a little more comforting, pleasant, or at ease by keeping … Read More
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The Realities Of In-Hospital Deaths
The night started out as any other night that month. Night float, 12 hours of cross covering patients for teams that have been hard at work trying to treat patients and get them back home to their loved ones. The … Read More
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Inappropriate Sexual Behavior In A Patient With Dementia
Sexual behavior in elderly is normal and sex drive remains intact at baseline levels. Societal stereotypes result in classification of all sexual behavior in elderly as inappropriate. It is important to distinguish appropriate vs inappropriate sexual behavior. There is no … Read More
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A Nurse’s Perspective: How To Handle The Death Of A Patient
When choosing a profession such as nursing to venture into, people are usually aware of the fact that they will be surrounded by sickness and death. While it’s understood that taking care of people with contagious diseases, and deadly viruses … Read More
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What is DNR? Misconceptions Regarding Advanced Directives and DNR Orders
United States Laws allow Advanced Directives (AD) in every state. Laws do vary from state to state as do forms. When looking at setting up an Advanced Directive or other healthcare orders, patients and families should look to local state … Read More
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You Can’t Save Everyone
As a nursing student that was a tough pill to swallow. I’m not referring to patients who have succumbed to their health conditions, but rather those who suffer due to their active non-compliance with their care regimen. During my third … Read More
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Unraveling the Stages of Grief for Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers
“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.” Death is a natural part of life, but it can be a challenging and emotional journey for both individuals and their loved ones. When faced with the end … Read More
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Rituals to Cope With Transitioning To A Nursing Facility
In the tapestry of life, there are moments that test our resilience and challenge our spirits. One such juncture is the profound transition from the cherished abode of one’s home to the embrace of a nursing home. It is a … Read More
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Addressing Agitation and Aggression in Hospice Patients
As a doctor working closely with hospice patients for years, I’ve encountered numerous challenging situations that have underscored the significance of addressing agitation and aggression in these vulnerable individuals. These experiences have not only highlighted the complexity of end-of-life care … Read More
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Practical Advice for Caring for a Dependent Loved One at Home
As a Registered nurse, I know that caring for a dependent loved one at home may seem intimidating. You could be uncertain of what the future holds, how to meet their needs, and what the best practices are to care … Read More
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Dealing with Uncontrolled Pain
During my tenure, I’ve encountered instances where unconscious patients later recollected the painful procedures they underwent. After regaining consciousness, they share accounts of the painful experiences they underwent because their pain wasn’t managed. Witnessing their tears shed light on a … Read More
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Navigating Loss and Sustaining Purpose: A Journey of Grief, Resilience, and Motivation
In the depths of the ICU, my heart heavy with the weight of loss, I bore witness to the passing of three souls in the span of a single shift. Each departure left an indelible mark on my spirit, etching … Read More
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Navigating Dementia Care: A Compassionate Approach to Supporting Loved Ones
Dementia is a progressive condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their memory, thinking, and social abilities. As challenging as it is for those diagnosed, it’s equally taxing for their families and caregivers. Having effective strategies and compassionate approaches … Read More
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Hospice Nurses: Compassionate Guides through Life’s Final Journey
A hospice is an establishment that focuses on providing the best quality of life and comfort to chronically ill patients. Nurses play a vital role in delivering high-quality care. They work hard to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible … Read More
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Navigating Financial Planning at End of Life: A Guide for Peaceful Transitions
Discussing financial planning during the end of life can be a challenging yet essential conversation. It’s about ensuring peace of mind for both the individual approaching life’s final chapter and their loved ones. This blog post aims to guide you … Read More
