Educated decision making is essential for professionals acting in the capacity as their clients’ primary advocates for health and wellbeing. Many important decisions revolve around healthcare needs. While the decision to hire a home care provider is typically an easier one, answering the question – is it time for hospice – is often more difficult. Read More

Valentine’s Day grief is especially challenging in that first year after a loss. That special someone is missing, and the physical and emotional toll it takes on the survivor are palpable.  The first Valentine’s Day after the loss of a spouse or significant other is often a challenging time. Since the day is devoted to Read More

America’s population is becoming more diverse. As this happens, the need for cultural competence in hospice care continues to increase. Especially when hospice care is delivered at home, it’s essential for nurses and other members of the hospice care team to recognize important differences in clients, embrace them and create a care environment that is Read More

Ten percent of the population in Los Angeles are senior citizens. People are drawn to this area because of the sunny weather and vibrant lifestyle. As they continue to age, remaining connected to their village and in neighborhoods that they are familiar with becomes even more important, and that is why many choose to remain Read More

A common fear when entering hospice is that taking advantage of this service will mean having to stop all medications. Patients and family members alike often express concern that their loved one will be forced to discontinue the use of even maintenance medications, which can bring harm and cause the patient to feel less comfortable. Read More

Palliative care is a relatively young field in medicine. While it is connected to hospice care, the two do have distinct differences. Hospice care is appropriate during the last six months of life, while palliative care is appropriate much sooner. With hospice care, curative approaches stop, and the focus shifts to pain management, comfort and Read More

The spiritual support that hospice care provides reminds patients and family members of the importance of remaining mindful. Being mindful is about more than just having a general awareness of your current situation. It is about living in the present moment, purposefully paying attention and making a concerted effort to remain non-judgmental. While it often Read More

Hospice is comfort care provided to patients. It helps them better manage pain when a life-limiting illness has been diagnosed. It also provides emotional and spiritual support that helps patients and their families find acceptance, comfort and purpose and discover answers to oftentimes complicated and personal questions. In the realm of hospice care, the Centers Read More