Palliative care provides comfort and improves quality of life for those with serious illnesses by addressing symptoms and supporting families. This article outlines what palliative care involves, who benefits from it, and how it fits within the broader healthcare spectrum. Key Takeaways Palliative care is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach designed to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce stress for patients at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatments. Unlike hospice care, which is for the terminally ill, palliative care is available at any point ..read more

Navigating the journey of a loved one with dementia can be daunting, particularly as the disease progresses. Amidst the challenges, the compassion of hospice care for dementia shines as a beacon of hope, offering comfort, dignity, and understanding during life’s final chapter. Key Takeaways Hospice care for dementia patients aims to reduce physical and emotional distress, safeguarding dignity and comfort, with a hospice team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Hospice services enhance patient comfort with effective symptom and pain management, support ..read more

“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.” – Japanese Proverb Many people confuse resilience with resistance, and that’s why their idea of the term is far from what it really means. Being resilient does not mean enduring life’s adversities with stoicism, without complaining, or doing more than we can do. Being resilient is more like the qualities of a bamboo: it can bend in a strong wind or storm without breaking and is able to adapt to adverse circumstances, bouncing back even stronger. The word resilience comes from the Latin word ‘resalire,’ which means springing back or ..read more

In the intricate tapestry of healthcare, hospice care stands out as a profound and compassionate approach to navigate the delicate final stages of life. More than a medical service, it embodies a philosophy dedicated to cultivating comfort, offering respite, enhancing the quality of life, and providing comprehensive emotional and spiritual support for individuals facing terminal illnesses. This exploration focuses on the exemplary efforts of Hospice of the North Coast, unraveling the goals of hospice care and highlighting its impact on those in need. Cultivating Comfort at Hospice of the North ..read more

As life nears its concluding chapters, ensuring compassionate care and steadfast support becomes of utmost importance. Hospice services, a specialized form of care tailored to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families, go beyond mere symptom management – they prioritize comfort and solace. What exactly does hospice care entail? In this article, we’ll delve into the unique attributes of hospice programs, differentiating them from other end-of-life treatments, such as palliative care. We’ll explore their objectives, eligibility criteria, funding sources, and more. Additionally, we’l ..read more

Hospice of the North Coast had the privilege of being showcased in an episode of the Viewpoint Project. The Viewpoint Project seeks out exceptional and distinctive content that highlights some of the globe’s “most impactful organizations and individuals.” We feel a deep sense of honor as we present our mission, to provide compassionate personalized care to patients and families during the end-of-life transition. To catch a glimpse of our feature, you can click on the link provided below ..read more

By Xiaojing (Lucy) Ma, AMFT When we experience a significant loss, beneath the feeling of sadness and shock, it is also common to feel a range of other feelings such as anxiety, fear, despair, guilt, regret, anger, loneliness, and helplessness.  We, mourners, can feel lost and empty in life and even doubt the meaning of life.  Although we grieve differently in our own styles and paces, it can be helpful if we understand grief work from psychologist William Worden’s model called “Tasks of Mourning.” By choosing the word mourning, Dr. Worden emphasized that it is an adapting process th ..read more

An exploration into the benefits and limitations of Ring Theory. Key points: In Ring Theory, the ill partner becomes the priority, and the other partner cannot reveal their angst and grief to them. Ring Theory may benefit the person earlier in the illness, but other approaches should be considered for the longer term. The most important tool in a relationship is a couple’s ability to communicate. No single paradigm can take its place. Daniel Miller, M.D., has been caring for people with advanced illnesses for many years. He has worked in the medical field for many years, including as a pri ..read more

Introduction Social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re using it to share photos with friends and family or find inspiration for your next home renovation, there’s no denying that social media plays a big role in every day. While it may seem like the last thing you want to do after someone dies is log on to Facebook or Instagram, these platforms actually can be a useful tool for coping with grief — if you know how to use them right. Here are some dos and don’ts for how to handle yourself during this difficult time: Share memories and stories of the person who passed ..read more

Hospice nurses help bring dignity and compassion to those who are suffering from a terminal illness. They provide comfort and care during a difficult time, helping patients manage their pain and preserve their quality of life. It’s a unique type of nursing that requires special skills and an understanding of the emotional challenges that come with end-of-life care. Here are six reasons to consider a career as a hospice nurse: Flexibility: It is possible to work in many different settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to private residences and assisted living facilities. The type of schedu ..read more