chelsie smith

Pain Medications at End of Life

Pain Medications at the End of Life: Clearing Up Concerns for Hospice Caregivers Caring for a loved one on hospice care can be a challenging and emotional experience. One of the biggest concerns for families is often pain management. Here’s what you need to know about pain medications at the end of life, dispelling common […]

Narcotics and Bowl Obstructions for Hospice Patients

More than 1.7 million patients received hospice care annually in the United States. In the hospice setting, narcotics, often known as opioids, play an essential role in relieving pain and shortness of breath for our loved ones with a terminal illness. The use of narcotics in hospice care is generally safe and effective. However, healthcare […]

Hospice for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Hospice Care for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Beneficial Option for Advanced Stages The Basics: Parkinson’s disease (PD) can significantly impact quality of life in advanced stages, with increased symptom complexity and functional decline. While curative therapies aren’t available, hospice care offers an alternative focused on comfort, symptom management, and holistic support for patients and […]

Colon Cancer and Hospice

Hospice Care: How We Can Help Your Patients with End-Stage Colon Cancer As medical professionals, we are committed to providing excellent care and support for our patients. This is especially true when caring for patients with advanced cancers like end-stage colon cancer. In these challenging times, hospice care becomes crucial by offering comfort, dignity, and […]

Mindful Eating: The Intersection of Nutrition and Awareness

Mindfulness in Nutrition: An Introduction National Nutrition Month offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of nutrition and mindfulness. Mindful eating is about more than what we eat; it’s about how we eat, bringing full attention to the experience of nourishment and the act of caring for the body. This practice is particularly beneficial […]

Prioritizing Patient Safety

Prioritizing Patient Safety in Healthcare Settings During Patient Safety Awareness Week Patient Safety Awareness Week provides an opportunity to focus on the critical issue of patient safety, particularly in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), and Home care/Hospice environments. These settings, catering to some of the most vulnerable populations, require specific safety protocols […]

End Stage Kidney Disease

End Stage Renal Disease: Patient/Family Education What is end stage renal disease? ESRD happens when your kidneys are no longer able to work at the required level that is needed to sustain life. Renal disease is classified in stage 1 through 5. When your classification is 5, your kidneys function poorly and they are not […]

Navigating Life with Grace: Mindfulness for Chronic Conditions

rocks that say mind, body, soul

Living with a chronic condition, like Diabetes or COPD, is more than a medical challenge; it’s a journey that intertwines with every aspect of your life. Amid the routine of medications, doctor’s appointments, and self-care, it’s easy to lose sight of what brings you joy in life. This is where mindfulness, a simple yet profound […]

Managing Caregiver Stress with a Gratitude Journal

gratitude journal

Managing Caregiver Stress with a Gratitude Journal   Stress (n): \ ˈstres  \ a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety Stress Management Stress can occur in any aspect of our lives, including (and sometimes especially) caregiving. Those caring […]