Sam Mohi Understanding and Managing Sundowning in Hospice Care: Essential Strategies Sundowning, a term often associated with the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, refers to the increase in confusion, agitation, and anxiety that typically occurs in the late afternoon and evening. This phenomenon can be distressing not only for patients but also for caregivers and family members. In hospice care, where the focus is on comfort and quality of life, addressing sundowning effectively is crucial. This blog post will explore strategies to manage sundowning symptoms, hel ..read more

Sam Mohi Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It’s crucial for patients and their caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes to manage the condition effectively, even in a hospice setting. While many symptoms are common between genders, some are unique to men and women. Early recognition and management can improve quality of life, even in palliative or hospice care. Common Signs and Symptoms Increased thirst and urination: As the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine ..read more

Isaac Smith In hospice care, patient comfort and well-being are paramount. End-of-life patients need medications to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Innovations in pharmaceuticals and palliative care have led to hospice-specific therapies. In this article, we’ll discuss hospice medication innovations and how they improve end-of-life care. Because Medicare only recently began requiring hospice agencies to report prescriptions, hospice-related prescribing of these and other drugs has been studied less. According to the study, new research and guidelines are needed to give hosp ..read more

Sam Mohi As the seasons change, so do our emotions and physical well-being. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects many people, including those in hospice care and their caregivers. This condition, characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year, most commonly in the late fall and winter months, can be especially challenging for individuals already facing serious illness and for those caring for them. It is important to look within and make sure we take care of ourselves as well as our loved ones. If one does not take care of the ..read more

Dr. Tayyab Ghafoor Spirituality in Hospice Care  Sometime back, I was reading about a holocaust survivor, Viktor E. Frankl, who pioneered the term Logotherapy- which defined “meaning and therapy.” He postulated that humans are driven by a fundamental need for meaning, arguing that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals could find a reason to live if they could identify a sense of purpose. Hospice care stands as a sanctuary of compassion, offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients nearing the end of their lives. At this juncture, when the physical body weakens ..read more

Trinity Joroski It’s About The Journey  When the time comes, it can be difficult to have open and meaningful conversations about your loved one’s end-of-life journey. There is no easy way to begin talking about the end. Here are some helpful suggestions of questions/topics you can ask your loved one to help get through these emotional moments:  How are you feeling?  While this question might seem to have an obvious answer, it is often a wonderful starting point. This doesn’t just have to mean physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. The important aspect of asking ..read more

Michael Franklin When a loved one is receiving hospice care, finding ways to express love, care, and support becomes a priority for many families and friends. However, selecting an appropriate gift for someone in hospice can be challenging. The key is to focus on comfort, enjoyment, and personal significance. This blog post offers a thoughtful guide to choosing gifts that can bring a measure of comfort and joy to hospice patients, acknowledging their unique needs and preferences. 1. Comfort Items Comfort is paramount in hospice care, making gifts that provide physical ease and relaxation part ..read more

Sam Mohi 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 of our society, where voices often fall into a hushed murmur, a troubling phenomenon emerged. Studies unearthed the unsettling truth that loneliness increases the risk of developing chronic disease including heart disease, dementia, and depression. In the tapestry of life, it is our elders who bear the weight of solitude, like ancient oaks that have weat ..read more

Sam Mohi Hospice care plays a crucial role in providing compassionate support during challenging times. However, misconceptions surrounding hospice can hinder individuals and families from seeking the assistance they truly need. In this article, we will delve into the common myths about hospice care, providing a clearer understanding of its purpose and the valuable services it offers. Misconception 1: Hospice is Only for the Final Days. Hospice care extends beyond just the last days of life. Designed to provide comfort and specialized care, it supports individuals with life-limiting illnes ..read more

Dr. Tayyab Ghafoor Bridging Regrets and Reunions:  As the darkness of the hospital night surrounded me, the persistent beeping of monitors seemed to wage war against my tiredness. It had been an exceptionally demanding day, as I found myself in the chaos of the hospital on the night shift, with barely a few hours of rest in the past three days. However, there was a glimmer of happiness within me, knowing that my shift was soon to end and I could finally reunite with my long-awaited family. Thoughts of plans made with friends and loved ones danced in my mind as I yearned for the comfort o ..read more