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A fairly common yet potentially troubling phenomenon at end-of-life is delirium or agitation. Often referred to as terminal restlessness, this condition can be upsetting to the patient’s family or caregiver. Terminal restlessness is a combination of symptoms including physical and/or emotional restlessness, variable confusion, withdrawal, a reduction in awareness of patient’s environment and those whoRead more

As the terminally ill near death, body organs and systems begin to fail to a greater and greater degree. Kidneys stop producing as much urine and function poorly, the liver and other organs also start to shut down. Waste products from the cells and tissues of the body begin to build up in the tissueRead more

Many individuals on hospice for heart disease will require new medications to treat symptoms associated with end stage disease. Symptoms and possible treatment options can include a wide variety of medications ranging from the use of diuretics to opioids.   Symptom Management Swelling (edema) – Swelling is common in end stage heart disease especially whenRead more

There are certain principles that guide the management of acute and chronic pain.  Following these principles helps to improve the quality of care patients receive.  Assessing and evaluating pain is the first key principle for effective management. The PQRST pneumonic can be used to help remember components of an assessment. Provokes: What makes it worse?Read more

Pain is an unwelcome experience we all live with from time-to-time. Pain varies anywhere from infrequent to chronic and ranges from mild to excruciating. One of the number one goals of the Hospice of Siouxland team is to manage pain. This article will look at pain types, the benefits of adjuvant medication and non-drug therapies,Read more

Holidays are days that are ordinarily spent with the people we love. Therefore, it is only natural that on these special days, we think of these people, and miss them if they are no longer with us. Grief around the holidays, when practicing family traditions, listening to favorite songs, or eating certain foods, is bothRead more

It is a common misconception that hospice care can only begin once a patient is reaching his or her last days, or even hours. However, to be considered appropriate for hospice care, a patient does not need to be imminently dying. In fact, hospice care providers prefer to see patients on hospice services sooner, soRead more

                Palliative care and hospice care are programs that are frequently confused. While all hospice patients technically qualify for palliative care, not every palliative care patient qualifies for hospice (kind of like every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square). The distinct difference between the two care programs is that patientsRead more

I have now been in the hospice field for three years as a volunteer, intern, and finally, a social worker. At age 22, I spend my days working with patients who have been given a prognosis of six months or less to live, their loved ones, and the incredible staff who care for these patientsRead more

  (Alexandria, Va) – It has been widely reported in a statement from the Bush family that former First Lady Barbara Bush has decided to forgo further hospitalizations and curative-focused medical treatments and has chosen to receive comfort care. Questions have come in to NHPCO asking for further details about what makes up comfort care.Read more