Hospice Care Patients

May 23 2021

Palliative Care vs. Hospice: Know the Difference

Published May 23, 2021

If you’ve been reading your health care benefits, you might see some medical terms you’re not familiar with. The most common are palliative care and hospice care. These emerging ways of taking care of patients have improved quality of life, even those with a diagnosed illness.

Both hospice and palliative care provide relief to those in pain, but what are the differences between palliative care vs. hospice? It’s significant to know what they are and how they can make patients’ lives easier, especially if you have a close family or friend who has to decide the best remedies for their ailments.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is a modern way of enhancing the quality of life of someone with a severe illness. It can be another alternative that you can do along with curative treatments. Here are the examples of extreme cases that will need such care:

Kidney failure
Lung disease
Heart failure
Cancer
AIDS
Alzheimer’s Disease
Diabetes
Tuberculosis
Liver Cirrhosis

It’s not purely giving medicines to the patient but also helping them cope with the knowledge of their sickness. It’s beyond the patient and the physical boundaries of their medical condition. Here are some examples of palliative care:

Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Counseling
Massage therapy
Physical Therapy

Though it helps the lives of those affected, not all are covered by insurance companies, unlike hospice care. According to World Health Organization, more than 40 million people need palliative care, but less than 20% receive it. When deciding to get private health insurance, always choose the most comprehensive plan and ensure that palliative care is available.

Understanding Hospice Care

To better understand, hospice is from the Latin word “hospis,” which means host. It is often a nursing home or a place for the terminally ill. When someone refers to giving or having hospice care, they’re getting a holistic approach for patients who have a life expectancy of less than a year or those with only six months to live or are not expected to recover fully.

It’s a way for patients and their families to accept the painful truth of their condition. Its main goal is to prolong their lives while reducing physical discomfort, mental strain, and emotional problems. It usually starts when the illness has gotten to a point when it’s almost incurable or at the late stages.

Palliative Care VS. Hospice

Palliative care is best for anyone who has a life-threatening condition at any age and stage of a serious illness. It helps reduce the pain and symptoms of the patient’s sickness. On the other hand, hospice care is for those who are at the end-of-life stage. Anyone who is in hospice care can receive palliative care. However, anyone who is in palliative care can’t simply get hospice care.

What Is Palliative and Hospice Care For?

Palliative care has become a life-saver for some people and acted as a symptom relief for their illness and the side effects associated with treating it. Addressing the patients’ physical, mental, and psychological issues are included in hospice and palliative care.

It may be stressful for patients diagnosed with severe cases, such as cancer or organ failure, so they need to have the necessary support group to help them cope and give them hope for a better life even with a disease.

Who Can Provide These Treatments?

To help the patients manage their condition and still be able to live somewhat normal lives, here are the medical professionals that work together and offer people-centered services to help with palliative or hospice care:

Professional doctors (can be neurologist, respiratory specialist, or psychiatrist)
Nurses
Counselors
Social workers
Physical therapists or Occupational therapists
Psychologists
Dietitians or Nutritionists
Caregivers

Is It Important to Get Palliative or Hospice Care?

When it comes to the best treatments and procedures for patients, it’s essential to get all information about the illness and the doctors’ prognosis. Palliative care vs. hospice? It doesn’t matter. Everything is based on the patient’s judgment and decision and the situation they are in.

There are many benefits to getting palliative care, such as:

Provides physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care
Helps the patients and their family understand the advantages and disadvantages of specific treatments
Boosts the morale of those who are affected by illnesses
Reduces unnecessary expenses through an agreed definitive treatment
Symptoms management

Like palliative care, the patients and their families can receive thorough hospice care with benefits such as:

24-hour care or having a caretaker
Bereavement support
In-patient care
Counseling
Medical equipment, medicines, and supplies
Speech therapy
Nutritional or dietary changes

Getting the help you and your family need start with choosing between palliative vs. hospice care. Knowing additional information about the type of care you and your loved ones need can give you peace of mind with the difficult decisions that need to be made.

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About The Author

As a professional writer at many renowned websites Krizzia Paolyn has covered a wide range of topics in many industries. Her knack for uncovering important truths and conducting thorough research on each topic she writes about has helped thousands of people across the world.

Elderly Adult in Wheelchair with foster care

May 23 2021

Need Adult Foster Care? Here’s What You Need to Know

Publisher Hospice Care Patients 0

Published May 23, 2021

As time passes by, we progress in life and become busier. We hardly notice how our loved ones who have cared for us from the beginning are gradually getting older themselves. As the younger generations, we have to give more effort, maturity, and empathy towards them as they age. However, it is almost difficult to keep them under our total care with the increasingly hectic life.

So, if you really care for your elderly relatives, you should consider placing them in reliable adult foster care. This is to keep them safe and nourished with love, care, and understanding. This article will discuss what adult foster care is, its benefits, and how important it is for us and our loved ones.

Defining Adult Foster Care

Adult foster care is a form of care and supervision for the elderly. It is provided in a home-like foster care setting where they can communicate and share time with other adults.

Assisted living facilities can offer support and provide care. Although, unlike nursing homes, adult foster care does not have any medical treatment. Below are some of the numerous programs they can assist you with:

Medication management
Meal preparation and eating assistance
Recreational exercises
Bathing and other personal grooming
Assistance in appointments
Walking and climbing stairs
Cleaning, including laundry tasks

How Does It Work?

Adults receive programs and treatments that are tailored to their specific needs. Some residents may need supervision and assistance 24/7, while others only need help on some occasions. Residents will be provided with their own living quarters much like a residential setting, and assistance will just be around the corner should they need it.

There’s a big difference between adult foster care and nursing homes. The availability of people to assist you at foster care homes is limited since people do not necessarily have to be awake 24/7. However, in nursing homes, they are obligated to stay up all night and take shifts to ensure everyone’s looked after.

Most states mandate residents to sign resident agreements before being admitted to adult foster care homes. Same with any other lease or rental agreement, this will cover the resident’s services fees, rights, benefits, responsibilities of all parties, and termination. Additionally, it will direct you to your privileges and what you can add to the deal.

Where Can One Receive Adult Foster Care?

As we all know, some people will need more intensive care due to more complicated conditions than others, which many providers can help with. Depending on the state’s rules, your loved ones will be able to receive adult foster care at home rather than being transported to a nearby institution. However, bear in mind that the number of people at home should not exceed six people.

When people realize they can’t give their elderly loved ones the treatment they need, they turn to reliable adult foster cares. At the very least, they would be assured that their loved ones would not be left unattended and disregarded. Below are the states offering adult care services:

Connecticut
Louisiana
Indiana
Massachusetts
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
Texas
Washington

Who Is Eligible to Receive It?

Adult foster care programs are strongly recommended for adults aged 16 and above who need assistance and monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is particularly valid for those who have a pre-existing medical condition.

How Much Does It Cost?

Remember that the standards and procedures for adult foster care vary based on where you live. Given the intensity of treatment and guidance required, adult foster care is typically less costly than nursing home care.

Additionally, your state may have Medicaid or Medicare options to help you pay for adult foster care. For assistance in what’s available for you, you may contact your local government, such as a caseworker at the local office of aging or a geriatric doctor familiar with the laws, legislation, and resources in your city.

Adult care expenses have two categories: care expenses and room and board expenses. These programs would most likely cost between $2,000 and $4,000 a month. So you should expect yearly fees to cost you approximately $24,000 to $48,000.

The following is a list of financial assistance and payment options:

Medicare
Medicaid
Social Security
State-Based, Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
Loans
Life Insurance Policies
Health care insurance

Benefits of Adult Foster Care

An adult foster home provides many advantages and different levels of care for your beloved elderly relative. It will allow you to focus on your job and live comfortably while also providing the quality treatment and attention that your elderly loved ones deserve.

Knowing that they are being cared for professionally offers you the most peace of mind and comfort. Given that everyone’s needs are different, letting others look after them will keep it on a more personal basis while they and their caregivers establish friendships and bonds over time.

Is It Important For Me Or My Loved Ones?

It is wise to consider placing a loved one in a home for the aged. And, as much as we want the best for them, you must consider your budget, the advantages, and disadvantages of the situation. Know that, even though the facility is licensed and registered, you will still be entrusting your elderly loved ones to strangers.

Moreover, foster care for adults could be a feasible choice if they need assistance with activities such as eating, bathing, and running errands but do not require medical assistance. It enables your loved ones to maintain their independence while receiving proper assistance with activities of daily living.

Young foster care woman consoling adult woman

In conclusion, adult foster care is only recommended for people who cannot keep an eye on their aging loved ones. Always prioritize the alternative of keeping them as close to you and your home as possible. This is because family care cannot be replaced by any foster care provider. However, if adult foster care is your last resort, know that they are in good hands with professionals.

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How do you know when it's time for hospice.

July 10 2020

9 Signs That It’s Time for Hospice

Publisher Health, Hospice Care Patients, Positive News 0

Published July 10, 2020

Just the thought of losing a loved one is uncomfortable and can be unbearable for some. It’s a significant factor why many people delay talking about end-of-life care. Often, the same loved ones do not want to burden us with the idea of their death, so they keep what they’re feeling from us.

This is why too many times, hospice care was given too late. So, if the thought of hospice has even crossed your mind, it’s probably time to get it. You’ll want to sit and discuss with your other family members on the future of your sick loved one.

Before looking at signs when your loved one needs hospice care, we should first define it clearly.

What is hospice care?

MedicineNet defines hospice care as “Care designed to give supportive care to people in the final phase of a terminal illness and focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure.”

The main goal of hospice care is to ensure patients are living comfortably, free of all possible pain. This is so the patient may be able to enjoy the remainder of their lives, living each day in the best way possible.

Hospice care may be provided in the patient’s home, but sometimes require them to be in a hospital, a hospice center, or a nursing facility. These programs generally take a multidisciplinary approach. They include a doctor, nurse, clergy, and social worker. They do this to ensure the patient is wholesomely cared for.

To access hospice care, a licensed physician must diagnose the patient with a terminal illness with six months to live if the illness runs its regular course. The physician can recertify the patient for a longer period if he or she lives beyond the six months.

So when’s the right time for hospice? These are nine signs you should be looking out for.

How do you know when it's time for hospice care.

9 Signs That It’s Time for Hospice for Your Loved One

Their health continues to worsen despite aggressive medical intervention.
They no longer desire medical treatment but want to focus on the quality of life.
Trips to the hospital become more frequent.
They can no longer perform menial tasks such as eating, clothing themselves, walking, and using the bathroom.
Their pain or discomfort is progressively getting worse or doesn’t seem to be getting better after months of treatment.
They experience progressive weight loss due to a lack of appetite or desire to eat.
They go through changes to their mental health, including confusion and restlessness.
They experience difficulty in breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
The caregiver can no longer keep up with responsibilities entrusted to them.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies fully cover hospice care.

You’ll want to contact them and inquire about the benefits you and your loved one can receive. We know that this decision is not an easy one, but sometimes it is the most humane to give your loved one peace in their last days.

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About The Author

Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.

Fast scale, functional assessment screening tool.

July 10 2020

Understanding the FAST Scale: How Dementia Progresses

Publisher Body Donation Information, Health, Hospice Care Patients 0

Published July 10, 2020

The Functional Assessment Staging Tool, otherwise known as the FAST Scale, is used to evaluate the progression of dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s. It was designed by a leading expert in Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Barry Reisberg.

In his research, Dr. Reisberg found that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s follow a certain pattern. This pattern is similar to normal human development but in reverse. He called this process “retrogenesis”.

His studies gave way to a documented description of dementia symptoms. All of which are contained in the FAST Scale. This makes it the most well-validated measure of dementia progression in scientific literature.

This is also why the FAST Scale is the most widely-used tool by nursing home professionals. It divides dementia into seven stages. This helps them determine the type of care and intervention an Alzheimer’s patient needs at every stage.

7 Stages of Dementia According to the FAST Scale

Stage 1: Normal Adult

Patients at this stage do not exhibit any type of cognitive decline. They are usually self-sufficient and can still do most of the activities they normally do.

Stage 2: Normal Older Adult

At this stage, Alzheimer’s patients start to show very mild memory loss. They tend to forget the location of everyday objects like keys, eyeglasses, etcetera. Some may also suffer from memory lapses like forgetting familiar words or names. These impairments are usually noticed by friends and family but may not show during clinical evaluations.

Stage 3: Early Stage Dementia

Mild cognitive impairments are usually observed in patients with early-stage dementia. Memory and concentration problems start to become obvious to family and coworkers. At this stage, patients tend to have difficulty with:

traveling to new locations
remembering names of people they just met
planning or organizing things
remembering the whereabouts of a valuable object
remembering certain words
retaining information they just read

Stage 4: Mild Dementia

It’s at this stage that patients start to show symptoms of moderate cognitive decline. Stage 4 patients are presumed to have a mental age of 8 to 12 years old. Their cognitive deficiencies are now apparent to everyone including medical professionals. Some of the activities they might find a challenge include:

counting money
remembering to pay bills
cooking
remembering current events
handling personal finances
remembering personal information

The patient will also have difficulty performing complex tasks like planning dinner for guests. They may also appear withdrawn during mentally and socially challenging situations.

A fast scale, functional assessment screening tool.

Stage 5: Moderate Dementia

Alzheimer patients at this stage may need some help performing day-to-day activities. They tend to exhibit major memory gaps and usually need help choosing the proper clothing. If left unsupervised, patients also tend to wear the same set of clothes for days.

Dementia symptoms at this stage may include:

difficulty remembering important personal details like their current address and telephone number
confusion as to the date, day of the week, and even the season
difficulty with simple calculations

Stage 6: Moderately Severe Dementia

At this stage, the patient usually exhibits obvious severe cognitive decline. This is divided into five different substages:

The patient has difficulty putting clothing on without assistance.
The patient needs help with bathing.
The patient needs help with using the toilet.
Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence

The patient may also start to exhibit significant personality changes. As their condition declines, they may also:

lose awareness of their surroundings and recent experiences
recall their personal history inaccurately
forget the names of people they know so well like their spouse or children
have an irregular waking/sleeping cycle
tend to wander and become lost

Stage 7: Severe Dementia

During this final stage, patients experience very severe cognitive decline. Like the previous stage, it is also divided into the following substages:

Limited speaking ability (patients can only speak an average of 5-6 words a day).
Speech ability is reduced to a single unintelligible word per day which the patient repeats over and over again.
Loss of walking ability.
The patient can no longer sit up on their own.
Loss of ability to smile.
The patient can no longer hold their head up.

This stage is also characterized by slow and abnormal reflexes. Their muscles usually grow stiff and some may have difficulty swallowing their food.

How Long Does Each Stage Last?

The answer differs for each person. There are a lot of factors that affect the progression of dementia. The scale is only used to predict what happens next but it cannot tell how long a patient will stay at what stage. It usually depends on their overall health condition and the environment they are in.

Treatments also play a huge role in the progression of dementia. Proper medication and intervention can significantly slow down the disease’s progression.

On average, people live 8 years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But they can survive anywhere from 3 to 20 years.

Accelerated Progression

Dementia symptoms do not skip a stage in the FAST scale. If the patient’s condition accelerates or skips one or few stages in the scale, it might be due to factors other than Alzheimer’s.

For example, a patient who is manifesting early-stage dementia may suddenly need help with bathing or using the toilet. This means they jumped from stage 3 to stage 6, thereby skipping stages 4 and 5. In cases like this, the patient may have an underlying condition that accelerated their dementia. Or there might be changes in their living situation that makes it difficult for them to do certain things.

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Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of knowledge when it comes to whole body donation and she wants to share her experience with the world. She also loves to write about food and art.

June 26 2020

Do Coma Patients Dream?

Publisher Health, Hospice Care Patients 0

Published June 26, 2020

Often when comatose patients “wake up” from their coma, they have memories of all sorts. And many times, these memories are of people, places, and events that never even existed.

So, were they just dreams? Can you dream in a coma?

Before we can even begin to answer those questions, we must define the two main points: dreams and comas.

What is a coma?

WebMD says that a coma is a prolonged state of unconsciousness. During which, the affected patient is generally unresponsive to his or her environment. While that person may appear dead, they are still very much alive.

There are many reasons why a person goes into a coma. Some possible causes are:

Head Trauma
Swelling (of brain tissue)
Bleeding (in the layers of the brain)
Stroke
Blood Sugar (hyper or hypoglycemia)
Oxygen deprivation
Infection (of the central nervous system)
Toxins within the body
Seizures

And the list goes on. You can see that most causes of comas stem from the brain or brain-related injuries. But there aren’t only natural causes. Doctors can medically induce a coma onto a patient. This procedure usually follows an injury to allow the brain to heal.

Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, comas can last from a few days to a few weeks.

What are dreams?

Everybody knows what dreams are. They’re these figments of your imagination that run wild while you sleep. At least, that’s the common understanding of what dreams are.

Early civilizations thought of dreams as the way our earthly bodies connected to divine beings. They even considered them prophetic to a high degree.

Science explains dreams in a different, more technical vein. An article explains in detail the findings of researches related to dreams, and why we have them.

In the last paragraph of the article, they explain the underlying mechanism of dreams. “Dreams seem to help us process emotions by encoding and constructing memories of them,” the first line goes.

Speaking of encoding and constructing memories, there is scientific evidence that supports that dreams are real! There was debate over whether we only “feel” our dreams happened. But with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists were able to correlate dreams with our waking thoughts.

Scientists captured patients’ brain activities when looking at objects. They then compared these to their brain activities while sleeping. The images of their sleeping brain activities matched those of their waking brain. In other words, your brain projects images into your thoughts while you sleep.

The whole brain is working while we dream. And different parts of it are responsible for varying functions. The cortex is responsible for the context; the amygdala handles the feeling of fear, to cite a few.

So comatose patients can dream too, right? Since they’re still alive?

Not quite.

How the brain functions in a coma

Comas happen because of the interference between the brain stem and the cerebrum. When you are in a coma, your brain does not exhibit any signs of consciousness whatsoever. In turn, your brain loses its sense of the circadian cycle.

The circadian cycle is an internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle in our bodies. There is no middle ground between consciousness and unconsciousness in our brains. So, losing this sense means that dreams shouldn’t occur. Therefore, it should be highly doubtful that a person experiences dreams while in a coma.

But some people do have accounts of having strange dreams or memories post-coma. Some say that’s the way the brain interprets the different stimuli around it. Scientists, however, have not yet fully grasped the process of going from unconscious to awake. There is also much they don’t know yet about the unconscious brain.

Until we know for sure, we can only cling to the theories at present.

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Someone holding the hand of a dying hospice patient.

December 26 2019

The 7 Things Your Body Will Go Through Before Dying

Judy Ponio Hospice Care Patients 0

Published December 26th, 2019

Talking about death often makes us feel uncomfortable. However, even if we deny it, we all know that death is inevitable.

All of us will have to die at some point. Our hearts will stop beating eventually, and this is the thing that we should realize. When we start to accept the facts about death, it will help us gain more closure.

If you know someone who is on their deathbed, taking care of them can be quite challenging. It is essential to know the physical signs of dying for you to understand what happens to the body and how to respond appropriately once your loved one dies.

Here are the seven things your body will go through before dying.

Loss of Appetite

The decrease in appetite for those nearing the end of their life is common. In fact, it is part of the terminal process. It might make you feel concerned, but most people who are at the end of their life prefer to take a rest instead of eating. You can give them sips of water or a moist mouth swab if you feel worried about them not eating.

Sleeping More Often

A person with a decreased appetite also means that he/she is not getting enough food to fuel up its body. This often results in drowsiness and a decline in energy levels. Thus, they often tend to sleep more and are also challenging to wake up.

Mottled Skin

Mottled skin or the skin that appears patchy and irregular in color is typical to dying people. There are other causes of why your skin has red and purple spots that create a lacy net pattern. But for people who are terminally ill, mottled skin is usually a sign that the person is close to passing.

Confusion and Restlessness

Most people who are near to passing often become restless and agitated. Their level of consciousness changes and often results in dementia-like symptoms. They often get confused and cannot tell what’s real and what’s not. Medications are usually given to reduce these problems.

Someone visiting a dying patient in hospice care.

Changes in Breathing Pattern

The regular breathing patterns of a dying person may also change. Some may experience a faster breathing pattern, while others have long gaps between breaths. It can also turn to a long, loud, deep breath followed by seconds of not breathing. While this may alarm you, this is usually not painful or distressing for the dying person.

Changes in Urine Output and Bowel Incontinence

A dying person will also have a decreased urine output due to the reduced amount of fluid the person is drinking. The urine usually becomes darker and saturated. A dying person may also lose control of their bladder and bowels.

Changes in Temperature

The blood flow of a dying person will begin to slow, which results in changes in the body’s temperature. The body and the extremities will start to feel cold, and this will typically occur hours before death.

Signs That Death Has Occurred

The breathing has stopped
No heartbeat or pulse can be felt
The person cannot be woken up
Eyelids are half-open
The mouth may also be open
Pupils are dilated

What You Should Do If Death Has Occurred

If your loved one or your family does not wish to revive the dying person anymore, then you don’t have to contact anyone or call 911. There’s no need to hurry, and you can do everything in your own time. The one thing you should not forget is to straighten the limbs of the deceased because it will stiffen after a couple of hours. You can contact the person who is in charge of the funeral arrangement until you are ready to say your goodbyes.

If the deceased has signed up to become a body donor, it’s best to inform the body donation institution immediately. Institutions like DonorCure will take care of the arrangements and related expenses for the body’s transport to their facility as well as the cost of cremation. You usually won’t have to pay for anything including the filing for a death certificate. The cremated remains are returned to the family free of cost, too.

We also do webinars for caregivers and health care professionals who want to help their patients make end-of-life decisions. Contact our team to schedule one or refer a terminal or hospice patient.

Did you like this post about the things your body will go through before dying? Check more helpful articles on our blog.

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About The Author

As a nurse, Franchette Agatha Jardin firmly believes in the importance of understanding the human body and the advancement of science. She writes about what people can do for the betterment of the world and how everyone can be part of something great.

A nurse taking care of a patient with dementia.

December 12 2019

Nursing Diagnosis for Dementia Patients

Judy Ponio Health, Hospice Care Patients 0

Published December 12th, 2019

Dementia is one of the significant causes of disability and dependency among older people. About 47.5 million people around the world are living with dementia, and at least 5 million of them are Americans. These numbers are expected to rise as the population increases.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease. However, dementia is not a specific disease but a syndrome. A syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that do not have a thorough diagnosis.

In other words, dementia is a group of symptoms that affects mental cognitive functioning. People with dementia have impaired memory, thinking, judgment, orientation, comprehension, and even language.

Dementia usually affects older people. However, it is still not a normal part of aging. Many older adults live their entire lives without developing dementia.

Causes of Dementia

Dementia usually occurs due to damage to brain cells, but various medical conditions can also cause it. These medical conditions include:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Vascular Dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontal lobe dementia
Poisoning
Nutritional deficiencies
Parkinson’s disease
HIV infection
Meningitis
Stroke
Traumatic brain injuries

Sign and Symptoms of Dementia

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. But according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people with dementia will exhibit these common behaviors:

Getting lost even in a familiar neighborhood
Using unusual words
Confusion and forgetfulness
Cannot independently complete tasks anymore
Changes in mood
Being repetitive

Three older people suffering from dementia.

Nursing Diagnosis for Dementia

When taking care of people with dementia, it is vital to make an appropriate nursing diagnosis so that you can provide proper nursing management. Here are the nursing diagnoses for dementia.

Risk for trauma due to disorientation
Risk for self-directed or other-directed violence related to delusional thinking
Chronic confusion due to alteration in the function of the brain tissue
Self-care deficit due to cognitive impairment
Risk for falls, due to cognitive impairment

Nursing Management for Dementia

Dealing with most people suffering from dementia is usually challenging. However, it is still essential to know the appropriate management and interventions for people diagnosed with the disease. (Related: What to Bring Someone in Hospice Care)

Frequent Orientation

People with dementia require regular orientation to reality and its surroundings. Providing familiar objects around and using items that will remind them about time and date, such as calendars and clock, can help them maintain reality orientation.

Provide Positive Feedback

It’s vital to acknowledge the patient’s actions whenever their thinking and behavior are appropriate. Positive feedback helps them increase their self-esteem as well as the desire to repeat appropriate behavior.

Use Simple Words

Use simple words and explanations when communicating with a dementia patient. Speaking face-to-face and deliberately is the most effective way of talking to them.

Discourage Suspiciousness

People with dementia are usually delusional and often suspicious of others. When this happens, express reasonable doubt in response to delusional thinking and discuss with the patient the potential adverse effect of being suspicious to other people.

Do Not Cultivate False Ideas

Patients with dementia typically can’t tell what’s real and what’s not. It’s best to talk to them about real people and actual events and do not allow the cultivation of false ideas.

Closely Observe Them

Since most people diagnosed with dementia are delusional, most of them are violent. Thus, focusing on the patient’s safety is a must.

What To Do If A Loved One Is Showing Signs Of Dementia?

When your loved one is showing early signs of dementia, it’s better to discuss it with them and advise them to seek medical assistance. There may be denial at first, but having the appropriate plan and management will surely benefit your loved one and will avoid future complications that may occur.

Let Your Loved Ones Leave a Lasting Legacy

Making end-of-life choices for your loved ones can be tough. But it’s also an opportunity to let them leave a lasting legacy. Consider body donation as an option.

Donating your body to science helps medical researchers and practitioners save lives. It also helps transform the future of medicine – one of the greatest legacies someone can leave behind.

We can also schedule a webinar for professional caregivers wanting to counsel their patient’s family members on body donation.

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A get well soon card for a successful surgery.

November 12 2019

Best Get Well Soon Messages After Surgery

Judy Ponio Health, Hospice Care Patients 0

Published November 12th, 2019

Going through surgery is a horrific situation that almost everyone doesn’t want to be in. But unfortunately, it is unexpected, and it can happen to anyone. And if your friend, loved ones, or co-workers just had surgery, your support is one of the things that can uplift their spirit.

Sure, uplifting messages won’t work any miracles, but you should never underestimate the value of positive words. Get well wishes can make someone who is going through a medical ordeal feel that you are thinking about them. (Related: Top Motivational Movies Based on True Stories)

While it is not always easy finding the perfect words to write in your “get-well-card,” you have to be hopeful and encouraging to make them feel better. (Related: Inspirational Songs for Cancer Patients)

Below are the best get well wishes after surgery that you can use and add to express your feelings to someone who is going through this tough time. But before we go on to that, let me share with you first some pointers when writing a get-well card for someone who’s recovering from surgery.

What to Think About When Writing a Get-Well Card

Be empathetic. They are going through so much right now, and it is better to use the proper words and tone to wish them a speedy recovery.
Be positive. It is sending words of encouragement that will help them to be more motivated.
Offer your support. Let them know they are in your thoughts and are always included in your prayers.

Someone writing a get well soon message to someone who just had a successful surgery.

Best Get Well Wishes After Surgery

“I know this has been a challenging time for you, and I want to send my very best wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope you are comfortably resting following your surgery, and I pray you’ll be able to head home soon. Love and blessings.”
“A surgery can be a painful one, physically and emotionally tiring. But do not worry, our love and prayers shower you for your full recovery. May God send you angels at your bedside always.”
“I know this has been a tough time for you and your family, and I pray that the worst is already behind you. I admire your courage and pray your surgery was successful. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“It is such a relief to hear that your surgery went well and that you’re heading home soon. Your recovery should be smooth and easy. Rest up and feel good!”
“You’re home! What a tremendous relief that must be. I am so happy that the surgery went well. I hope you are resting comfortably. Don’t rush back to work too soon and stay away from stress! Give yourself plenty of time to recover from this illness.”
“May you regain your full potential once again! I hope you experience a rapid recovery, and I look forward to seeing you bounce back on your feet soon.”
“You’ve been so brave in how you’ve dealt with your surgery. I know your strength is an inspiration to everyone battling this illness. I’m sure you’ll be feeling as good as new real soon.”
“I hope to see you bounce back to your usual healthy self soon. I wish you all the best in health and happiness. Get better soon.”
“I know it’s hard being laid up after surgery, but I’m sure you will come back stronger than ever. I hope that each day brings you renewed strength and brighter moments. Get well soon, and I wish you a speedy recovery, my friend!”
“Your family, friends, and colleagues are thinking of you during this time of illness. We love you, and we want to see you get better soon so you can enjoy what you love doing most.”
“I thank the Lord that your surgery went well. I pray that you continue to recover soon and get back your good health.”
“I am so sorry you’ve been under the weather lately. I pray the surgery was successful, and I’m sending hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery. Don’t hesitate to call if there is something I can do to speed up the healing process. You are in my thoughts. Get well!”
“You’re my inspiration. I don’t know where I would be without you in my life. Your health is my biggest concern right now. Here’s to wishing you a speedy recovery.”
“Getting surgery is hard, but I’m sure it will improve your quality of life in the long run. I hope you’re feeling better now, and I can’t wait to see you get back to your normal routine.”
“I’m telling you, this injury/illness picked the wrong person to fight with! As I see, you’re already recovering, and I know you will come out of this a winner, as always!”
“Sending good wishes to you to brighten your day. May you enjoy the best health possible today and for many years to come. We love you, and wish you well.”
“I’d wish you a speedy recovery, but I think it’s more important for you to get back to full health – no matter how long it takes. When this is all over, I hope you feel better than ever.”
“A surgery isn’t the most fun thing I can think of going through, and I wanted to reach out and say that I’m here to support you. Let me know if there’s anything that you need, and I’ll make it happen for you!”
“I’m glad to hear that your recent surgery went well, and I look forward to your full recovery! I’m praying that God will grant you many more years of good health. All the best and get better soon.”
“I am so sorry to hear about your surgery, but I’m relieved to hear that everything went well. Be sure to get plenty of rest and don’t make the mistake of rushing back to work too soon. Take good care of yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“I heard you’re recuperating well from your surgery. I’m sure that each day brings difficulties, but it also brings you closer to full recovery. Hang in there and know that you have a lot of people who love you.”
“Nothing is more shocking than knowing you got hospitalized. We will pray for you so that you can quickly recover and go back to join us here. Working time feels so long without you telling us jokes.”
“We’re so glad to hear your procedure went well. We want to support you during the recovery and treatment time, so please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.”
“I’m so relieved that your surgery went well. It sounds like the procedure went smoothly and that the doctors are happy with the results. Take good care of yourself and best wishes for a quick and easy recovery.”
“God showered His mercy upon you once again, and I’m glad your surgery went well. I pray you to spend the remaining years on earth in good health.”
“Wishing you an easy recovery following surgery and a quick return to complete health. Let me know if you need help. I’ll be happy to lend a hand with grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, or babysitting. I’m here for you. Hugs.”
“We look forward to seeing you back to your usual self soon. All the best to you as you start the journey to a complete recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Sending happy thoughts and good wishes on your way so that you feel better after your surgery day. Get well soon. We badly miss you at work.”
“I was so sorry to hear about your recent hospitalization. It sounds like you were a real trooper. I’m thrilled that everything went well, that the prognosis is good and that you’re back at home. Feel good.”
“I miss you lots. Please get well soon and return your usual healthy self. I have fun and special plans to do with you once you’re better!”
“I’m so glad to hear that your surgery went well. Now I’m rooting for you to make a full recovery and get back to living your life as soon as possible.”
“I am sure that your will power is letting you have a speedy recovery after the surgery. Please get well soon. We miss you at the playground.”
“I wish I could grant you a healthy life forever. But life is not what we expect it to be, and then it will be. Don’t worry as you will always have me by your side to accompany you going through this difficult time. I will always pray for your road to recovery to be smooth and short.”
“I heard about your recent surgery and wanted to wish you a quick and complete recovery. I know this has been a difficult time for you, and you are constantly in my thoughts. Take it easy, get plenty of rest and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
“Thank God that your heart surgery went successfully. Here’s wishing you all the best on your way to a full and quick recovery from surgery.”
“I was so surprised to learn about your recent surgery. I hope the hospital staff is treating you well and that you’re getting the quality care you deserve. Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.”
“I wanted to send you this gift basket to brighten your day. Here’s wishing you a speedy and full recovery from surgery. Love lots.”

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November 5 2019

Inspirational Songs for Cancer Patients

Judy Ponio Health, Hospice Care Patients, Positive News 0

Published November 5th, 2019

Being diagnosed with cancer is undoubtedly a hard battle for anyone. When you have a disease, support is the number one you need from your family and the people that surround you. And opening up to your loved ones can ease the pain that you are having.

But sometimes, no words can describe how and what you are feeling. While words can’t always help you make sure that everything will be okay, music can help you remind that there is still hope, especially during tough times.

That is why some people who are battling cancer are using music to motivate and express themselves. As Hans Christian Andersen said, “When words fail, music speaks. ”

According to one study, music therapy or listening to inspirational songs is an effective way of supporting cancer patients, especially during their treatment process. It also promotes wellness, improves physical and emotional well-being, and the quality of life of cancer patients.

Since music therapy can be beneficial to everyone, especially for cancer warriors, here are some of the inspirational songs for cancer patients that will remind you to be strong and to keep on fighting.

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

Here comes the sun, and I say. It’s all right. Little darling, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here.

The song is nothing but comfort to anyone. It tells you to be happy when things are not doing great. It’s like saying that here comes another day for you to be happy again.

3 A.M. by Matchbox 20

“Well, I can’t help but be scared of it all sometimes. And the rain’s gonna wash away I believe it.”

The lyrics are about the time when Rob Thomas, the vocalist, was only 12 years old, who had to take care of his cancer-stricken mother. Yes, it is scary. Cancer is scary. But the love between him and his mother is dynamic.

Hold On by Greg Lizee, Ph.D.

“Hold on. I can feel it getting better. Hold on. Be strong. Can you feel it getting better?”

This is one of the inspirational songs for cancer patients that is written by an associate professor in MD Anderson’s Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology for his friend, who was also battling cancer. The message of the song is about being hopeful and optimistic.

Mission by Lupe Fiasco

I could have died, but I came out fighting.

The song is to empower those facing cancer, revere cancer survivors, and remember those who have passed to due to cancer-related illnesses. It expresses the emotional burden of cancer while also uplifting those who are fighting the disease.

Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw

“Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.”

The message of the song is entirely beautiful. It tells you to live your life like you were dying. It gives us hope and motivation to not waste your life with sadness and continue living life up to the most of it – cancer or not.

Still Breathing by Green Day

‘Cause I’m still breathing on my own. My head’s above the rain and roses. Making my way away.

Not only the tune of the song can uplift your mood, but the message of the song is also inspiring. It’s about the fact that not every day you will feel a rockstar in your life. At some point, we are all going to need life support. And in the end, we are all going to overcome adversity.

Fight Song by Rachel Platten

This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I’m all right song. My power’s turned on. Starting right now, I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song. And I don’t really care if nobody else believes. ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

The lyrics pretty much say it all, doesn’t it?

Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken by Pink

There’s not enough rope to tie me down. There’s not enough tape to shut this mouth. The stones you throw can make me bleed. But I won’t stop until we’re free. Wild hearts can’t be broken.

While the tune of the song can make you cry, the message will tell you at the same time that the battle is not yet over, and you will not stop fighting until you overcome cancer. Keep on fighting, warrior!

Want to Leave a Lasting Legacy?

Making end-of-life choices can be tough for anyone. But it’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Consider body donation as an option.

Donating your body to science helps medical researchers and practitioners save lives. It also helps transform the future of medicine – one of the greatest legacies someone can leave behind.

We can also schedule a webinar for professional caregivers wanting to counsel their patient’s family members on body donation.

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October 16 2019

Mottled Skin: Should It Be a Cause for Concern?

Judy Ponio Hospice Care Patients 0

Published on October 16, 2019 | Last Modified on March 16, 2020

Mottled skin or skin that appears patchy and irregular in color often makes people nervous. You might also be wondering if these red and purple spots that create a lacy net pattern should be a cause for concern. Well, it depends.

Causes Of Mottled Skin

Skin mottling has different causes. Whether you should be alarmed about it or not depends on the severity of the underlying causes. The two common reasons for skin mottling are blood vessel spasms and poor blood circulation. But these other factors may also cause mottled skin:

1. Cold Environment

As mentioned, poor blood circulation can cause mottled skin. And cold temperatures can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This affects the blood flow in your body which can result in mottling.

Mottled skin due to the cold environment is easy to resolve. Using a warm and comfy blanket can return your skin to normal and should not make you worry at all.

2. Shock

Shock occurs when your body can’t get enough blood flow. Accidents, trauma, or any injuries that lead to blood loss can cause shock, and mottled skin is one sign that there isn’t enough blood flowing in your veins.

Shock is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

An example of mottled skin on fingers caused by exposure to cold.

3. Reactions to Medications

Some medications cause skin mottling as a side effect. This depends on the type of drugs and your allergies. Typical medicines that are known to cause mottled skin include:

Amantadine
Catecholamines
Minocycline (Minocin)
Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

4. Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by inflammation of the skin. This disease can also cause your skin to mottle.

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. And one of the symptoms for this disease is a mottled skin.

6. End-of-Life Stage

A mottled skin can also indicate your loved one’s imminent death. It often occurs in the last week or days of people who are in hospice care.

Though mottling may be typical to dying people, not everyone experiences mottled skin when they are close to passing.

Some might only experience a paler and colder skin without mottling. This condition usually depends on the health issues that you or your family member is facing at the end of their life. (Related: What to Bring to Someone in Hospice Care)

7. Vascular Illnesses

Symptoms for conditions like blood clots, atherosclerosis, and aortic aneurysms may also include mottled skin. These diseases affect your blood vessels and disrupt your blood flow. Lifestyle changes coupled with proper medications can effectively prevent or treat vascular illnesses.

Mottled Skin In New Born Babies

Mottled skin in newborn babies are frequent, and you should be a cause of concern. It’s commonly caused by exposure to cold and usually goes away on its own.

Complications

Complications can occur if the cause of mottled skin is a medical condition that is not immediately addressed. But for mottled skin caused by a cold environment, complications rarely occur.

Treatment

Treatment for mottled skin will vary based on the condition that caused it. If the mottled skin is caused by cold temperature, then you or your loved one can do some cold-reducing measures to reduce mottling of the skin. You can turn up the central heating or use a heating blanket to warm up.

For people with health problems such as lupus, your doctor may give you medications to boost your immune system and treat the skin inflammation. If you are uncomfortable with your mottled skin, you can cover it up with makeup.

For mottled skin associated with the end-of-life stage, doctors will focus more on keeping the person feel peaceful. Mottled skin is not painful, so it’s a cause of concern. If you or your loved one is close to passing, your health care provider will keep your last days as comfortable as possible.

Help Make Hospice Patients Make an End-Of-Life Choice

Making an end-of-life choice can be difficult for families of patients in hospice care. Consider body donation as an option. Not only will your patient leave a lasting legacy, but the family can also save on funeral costs.

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