For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate […]
Handling Restlessness or Agitation during End of Life Care
Terminal Agitation often surprises many family members and caregivers alike. A loved one who is usually calm, suddenly and unexpectedly becomes agitated and restless. It is common knowledge that individuals who are experiencing even minor illnesses may demonstrate mood changes such as irritability, anger, depression and avoid communication with others. Such mood changes are often […]
Know Your Healthcare Options Before a Crisis Strikes
Treasure Valley Hospice Stresses the Importance of Advance Care Planning and Talking with Loved Ones November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospices across the country are reaching out to help people understand the importance of planning for the care they would want if they were facing a serious or life-limiting illness. “One […]
Keep Hospice out of MA (Medicare Advantage Plans)!
Well, if you are anything like me – you are already sick of all of the politics on TV. And the presidential election is still months and months away. (Yuck! – I may need to avoid the TV) However, every now and then I here of some potential legislation that gets me all worked up. […]
Hospice Benefits and Coverage – Jan 2015 Newsletter – Issue 2
Hospice Benefits and Coverage Medicare has covered hospice care since 1983. It is one of the most generous benefits that Medicare provides at little cost to terminally ill patients or their caregivers. These services are most often provided right in their own homes and can provide their regular caregivers a much needed break and support. […]
Helping a Patient Fulfill his bucket list – Al Goes Skydiving
Celebration of Life 2015
A great day for fishing…
Value of a Nurse Practitioner in Hospice Care
“Nurse Practitioners as a discipline are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive, effective, compassionate and cost-effective care…” Having a NP as a Member of our Hospice Team Means Patients Get Better Care Only a NP has the dual training of RNs and MDs. As such, having a NP on our staff insures we have the perfect liaison […]
Overview of Pancreatic Cancer – January 2015 Newsletter – Issue 1
Overview of Pancreatic Cancer The pancreas is a 6-inch organ located behind the stomach in the back of the abdomen. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen where the stomach is attached to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The tail of the pancreas-its narrowest part-extends to […]