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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 quality of life that extends beyond just the last days.

Understanding how hospice care can be a valuable resource is vital for helping your patients with end-stage colon cancer.

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care is recommended for patients with advanced, life-limiting illnesses — focusing on quality of life and comfort in their final stages. Managing symptoms and upholding patient dignity are central to our approach. Typically, hospice care begins when a patient has less than six months to live, involving discussions among the patient, their family, and their primary care doctor.

Contrary to misconceptions, hospice care ensures a quality life in the illness’s last stages, offering patients the option to resume active treatment if desired. Primary care doctors play an integral role in initiating and guiding these discussions, especially when other treatment options are no longer viable.

Case Example: Sam’s Journey

Sam, a 68-year-old patient with end-stage colorectal cancer, had advanced to the point where options for treatment were no longer possible. Sam, in collaboration with his family and primary care physician, chose hospice care to treat his condition. This decision allowed Sam to receive pain and symptom management in the familiar surroundings of his home, making his final months as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Hospice care also provided emotional support to Sam and his loved ones, guiding and comforting them through this difficult journey. As a result, Sam’s final months were marked by meaningful moments and the warmth of home, providing a dignified and compassionate end-of-life experience.

The Role of Hospice in Managing End-Stage Colon Cancer

End-stage colon cancer can be extremely challenging for patients and their families. As the disease progresses, patients like Sam may experience complex symptoms and significant emotional and psychological stress. Here is how hospice can benefit your patients:

Hospice as a Solution for End-Stage Colon Cancer Patients

Choosing hospice care for patients with end-stage colon cancer is about prioritizing comfort and quality of life. It’s about redefining hope — focusing on family connections in a peaceful end-of-life experience. Doctors often recommend hospice care, like in Sam’s situation, to keep patients comfortable and supported in their final months. This decision helps the patient and makes it easier for healthcare providers. It ensures patient and family satisfaction.

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 in home health care or hospice care, where certain physical conditions may hinder the basic joy of eating.

The Essence of Mindful Eating

Eating is as essential of a bodily function as breathing. Since we use the breath as a source of mindfulness, then it’s only natural to extend that awareness to other human functions, like eating.

Mindful eating is an approach that involves being fully present during meals, paying attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of food. Instead of thinking of the inaccessible past or the imaginary future, the practice calls on focusing awareness on eating and eating only.

Is there a specific sensation you can notice while eating or drinking that you’ve never noticed before? Perhaps it’s a particular taste. Maybe it’s the food or water making its way through your body. Simply notice any sensations that arise.

Mindful eating transforms routine meals into sources of pleasure and comfort, creating a deep connection between body and mind. It also provides a fresh perspective to alleviate negative thought patterns, fostering gratitude for easy access to food—a relatively recent achievement for humanity.

Adapting Nutrition Mindfully

Adapting to the changing nutritional needs is crucial. Mindfulness helps in recognizing these changes without judgement, allowing caregivers to adjust meals according to preferences and needs, while still maintaining nutritional balance. This approach respects the patient’s bodily cues and enhances their sense of control and dignity.

Developing awareness of how certain foods impact your well-being is a key aspect of mindful eating. Start by paying close attention to how you feel after consuming different foods. Notice any changes in your energy levels, mood, digestion, or even sleep patterns. Does a particular food leave you feeling energized or sluggish? Do you experience a sense of calm or, conversely, agitation?

Keeping a simple food diary can be incredibly helpful in this process. In it, jot down what you eat and any physical or emotional responses you observe. Over time, patterns will emerge, guiding you towards foods that truly nourish and benefit your body and mind, and away from those that don’t align with your well-being.

Overall, knowing what to eat can be complicated, but Dr. Andrew Weil’s approach is quite simple: try to eat the rainbow. This means diversifying your diet with vibrant, colorful foods to ensure a variety of nutrients, health-protective phytonutrients, fiber, enjoyment, and balance.

Creating a Mindful Eating Environment

The environment where one eats can significantly affect their experience. Creating a calm, pleasant dining atmosphere can encourage mindfulness and enhance the enjoyment of meals. Simple changes, such as reducing distractions, playing soft music, or using visually appealing tableware, can make a big difference. Of course, everyone is different, so change your environment to whatever makes you happy!

Your Journey Towards Mindful Nourishment

We invite you to embark on this journey of mindful eating, whether for yourself or in your caregiving practices. It’s an opportunity to transform everyday meals into moments of presence, gratitude, and joy.

Why not begin today? With your next meal, take a moment to fully engage with your food. Observe its colors, smell its aromas, and savor each bite. Notice how this simple act can change your experience of eating.

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 to protect residents and patients. This article aims to touch on some of the key safety measures that need to be accounted for and best practices for these care environments, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, patients, and loved ones.

Understanding Unique Risks:

Each of these settings presents unique challenges and risks. In SNFs and ALFs, residents often face mobility or cognitive impairments, increasing the risk of falls or medication errors. In home care and hospice settings, the variability of the home environment and the need for family involvement in care add layers of complexity to maintaining safety standards.

Medication Management:

In all of the settings, effective medication management is critical. This includes accurate medication administration, monitoring for adverse reactions, and coordination between various healthcare providers. Utilizing medication management technologies and involving caregivers and family members in the process can significantly reduce medication errors. Possibly leading to unwanted issues. Being aware of the adverse reactions can be simple, but it’s important to learn to recognize them.

Fall Prevention and Mobility Safety:

Fall prevention is a major concern in SNFs and ALFs. Implementing regular risk assessments, modifying environments to ensure safety (e.g., installing grab bars, ensuring adequate lighting), and using mobility aids are essential measures for all residents. In home care settings, similar issues persist, however the additional need to assess the home environment and educate family members on fall prevention strategies are equally important. Caregivers and family members are usually with the patients longer than you are and ensuring they have the proper tools and education for safety is not always prioritized.

Infection Control:

Infection control protocols are vital, especially in communal living environments like SNFs and ALFs, and for home care patients with weakened immune systems. In settings where patients interact with each other or are close by leads training in hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, and stringent cleaning protocols can help prevent the spread of infections. It’s easy to forget until it’s too late, then you will never forget again. to higher risks of infections spreading.

Emergency Preparedness:

Emergency preparedness is crucial, particularly in SNFs and ALFs. This includes having evacuation plans, ensuring staff are trained for emergencies, and having adequate supplies and backup systems in place. In home care settings, creating a personalized emergency plan for each patient, involving caregivers, is essential. This could involve the best course of action for EMS to access the patient or evacuation safety from the residence.

Caregiver and Staff Training:

All of these listed in the article require training, as this faced with not only an emergency, but a small decision to wash your hands or infection control could save someone’s life. Continuing education although healthcare providers view them as another thing on our to do list sometimes or something to cross off, it is to ensure the safety of yourself and others. 

Patient and Family Education:

Educating patients and families about safety measures, care plans, and what to expect in these settings allows them to participate actively in the care process and gives them a chance for them to advocate for their safety and well-being. This isn’t a job for them, it’s their life. 

Patient Safety Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the continuous need to prioritize safety in these settings. By focusing on specific risks, developing tailored strategies, and involving caregivers, families, and patients, we can create safer environments for the ones we care for. Let’s use this week to recommit to the highest safety standards and to recognize the dedication of those who work tirelessly to provide safe, compassionate care. The patients will thank you. 

Mathew Kovalchick, DPT, OCS

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 able to remove the waste products in your blood.

Why is this happening?

In most cases, renal disease is caused by other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetic diseases. Sometimes your kidneys may stop working suddenly after suffering a heart attack.

Common Signs of Decline

While not all signs and symptoms may occur – below reflects common signs and symptoms:

Renal Failure (Chronic)

The patient has 1 and either 2 or 3. Documentation of conditions in #4 support hospice eligibility.

  1. The patient is not seeking dialysis or renal transplant or is discontinuing dialysis.

AND

OR

** Creatine Clearance Calculation

(140 – age in years) x (weight, in kg) – 72 x (serum creatine in mg/dl)

Multiply answer by 1 for men and by 0.85 for women

The absence of one or more of these findings, comorbidities may also support eligibility for hospice care.

Renal Failure (Acute)

The patient has 1 and either 2 or 3. Documentation of conditions in #4 support hospice eligibility.

  1. The patient is not seeking dialysis or renal transplant or is discontinuing dialysis.

AND

OR

National Social Work Month

Some patients can head home after an office visit or hospitalization, pick up their prescriptions, and manage follow-up appointments and care. Others may need a lot more help. When they do, medical social workers can provide valuable insight and access to resources. Whether patients need home health services or end-of-life care, social workers are uniquely equipped to find and arrange the support they need.

Columbia University pioneered the first social work class in 1898. Since then, social workers have advocated for those in need. Trailblazing social workers have won the Nobel Peace Prize, sat on presidential cabinets, and served in Congress.

Throughout history, social workers have fought for civil rights and promoted the equal treatment of vulnerable populations. In our practices, hospitals, and patient homes, social workers make it their mission to connect our patients with the services they need.

Social Workers in Home Health

When a patient needs home health, the number of “cooks in the kitchen” can overwhelm any busy clinician. An experienced social worker can take the reigns and coordinate between all parties.

They understand the intricacies between our patients’ health insurance, home health providers, and individual needs and can take this task from our plate. Social workers manage pre-authorizations, choose an appropriate home health agency, and work closely with patients and their families to discuss their options.

Social work professionals also assess our patients’ safety for discharge. They ensure their home is accessible and they have the support system to follow their care plan when a home health professional isn’t there.

Some social workers help our patients get set up with home health from the hospital or office. However, others work for home healthcare companies. In this setting, they can manage our patients’ needs at home and ensure they receive the most appropriate level of care. Social workers may be our patients’ first call with questions, and they can offer advice on resources and the coordination of their health needs.

Social Workers in Hospice

End-of-life care can take many forms. Some of our patients require palliative care with pain control and a once-weekly nursing visit. Others may need more frequent visits and other types of care, such as help with activities of daily living. While we may want our patients to get all the bells and whistles, a social worker’s input can help the healthcare team and patients figure out what they would like, what they need, what insurance will cover, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Once we establish a hospice, a social worker employed by that service has much to offer patients. They can serve as counselors, listening to concerns and troubles. Social workers can help patients and their families cope with many challenges: emotional, social, and practical.

Our patients’ communities may offer resources for their citizens nearing the end of life, and a social worker can alert them to these opportunities. As our patients’ families cope with their loved one’s situation, social workers offer support for grief and bereavement.

Social workers help a myriad of patients from all walks of life. As such, they hold a unique perspective that helps to fill in any cracks left by other medical disciplines. Used in conjunction with other members of the healthcare team, social workers can add vital expertise and vastly improve our patients’ outcomes.

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 practice, steps in—offering you a path to navigate your condition with grace and resilience.

Understanding Mindfulness

At its core, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment. It involves acknowledging and accepting your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. For someone managing a chronic condition, this practice becomes a gentle reminder that you are more than your illness–you are a whole person with unique experiences and emotions. In turn mediation, is the formal practice of mindfulness; and, a practice is the embodiment of a concept of approach. In this case, mindfulness.

Embarking on the Mindfulness Journey

Start by dedicating a few minutes each day to mindfulness. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your chest. Remember, mindfulness is not the absence of thoughts. As Sam Harris writes, “The problem is not thoughts themselves, but the state of thinking without knowing that we are thinking.”

woman meditating with dog

As your mind wanders to thoughts about your condition, notice them without criticism and gently guide your attention back to your breathing. This simple act can become a powerful tool in managing the stress and anxiety that often accompany chronic conditions.

Deepening Awareness with Body Scan Meditation

There are many types of mindfulness practices (e.g., headless way, metta, breathing techniques, TM, etc.), and it is important to explore each to build well rounded practice. A body scan meditation can heighten your awareness of how your condition affects you physically. Lie down and mentally traverse your body from toes to head. Notice any discomfort, tension, or pain, acknowledging these sensations with kindness. This practice not only deepens your understanding of your body’s needs, but also fosters a compassionate relationship with yourself.

The Art of Mindful Eating

Chronic conditions often necessitate dietary changes, which can feel restrictive or overwhelming. Mindful eating turns this necessity into a practice of awareness and enjoyment. As you eat, concentrate fully on the experience—the textures, flavors, and sensations. Chew slowly, savor each bite, and notice how your body feels. This approach can lead to better dietary choices and a more harmonious relationship with food.

Cultivating Gratitude

Maintain a gratitude journal, recording moments of joy, no matter how small. This practice shifts focus from the burdens of your condition to the many facets of life that bring happiness and fulfillment. It’s a powerful way to maintain a positive outlook, even on challenging days. Remember, a smile a day keeps the doctor away.

The Transformative Power of Regular Practice

With time, mindfulness can significantly reduce stress, elevate mood, and enhance your overall well-being. It empowers you to face your condition with a balanced mind and a peaceful heart.

Your journey with a chronic condition is uniquely yours, filled with its own challenges and triumphs. Mindfulness offers you a tool, not only to navigate this journey, but also to embrace each day with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. It reminds you that in the midst of life’s storms, there’s always a space of calm within you.

rocks that say mind, body, soul

Deepening Connections: The Art of Mindful Communication in Hospice Care

Caring for a loved one in hospice care is a deeply emotional and transformative journey. In this sensitive phase, communication takes on a profound significance, transcending conventional conversations to become a vital tool in providing comfort and understanding. This blog post explores the nuances of active listening and its remarkable impact in hospice care.

The Essence of Active Listening in Hospice Care

Active listening in the context of hospice care is about fully immersing yourself in your loved one’s emotional and psychological world. It involves much more than processing spoken words; it’s about tuning into the emotions, fears, and unspoken needs underlying those words. This level of listening demands a high degree of empathy, patience, and full presence. It’s essential for creating an environment where your loved one feels genuinely heard and understood.

Effective active listening involves several key techniques:

  1. Full Presence: Dedicate your complete attention to your loved one. Avoid distractions, maintain eye contact, and engage fully in the moment.
  2. Acknowledging Non-Verbal Cues: Body language and facial expressions often communicate more than words. Observing these cues can provide deeper insights into your loved one’s emotional state.
  3. Empathetic Responses: Show that you are not only hearing but also feeling with your loved one. This can involve summarizing their thoughts and expressing understanding before sharing your own perspective.
  4. Encouraging Expression: Sometimes, simple gestures like a nod or a gentle prompt can encourage further sharing. Show that you are a willing and patient listener.

The key to active listening is openness. This means being willing to engage in conversations that may seem difficult on the surface, but you know will deepen the bond between you and your loved one. For instance, start small: What’s something you’ve always want to know about your loved one, but never asked?

man listening in cup with string

Creating a Comforting Environment for Communication

The environment plays a crucial role in facilitating open communication. A peaceful and comfortable setting can significantly ease the process of sharing personal thoughts and feelings. Soft lighting, a quiet room, and a relaxed atmosphere can make a considerable difference. It’s also vital to approach difficult conversations with sensitivity and care. Being prepared for these challenging discussions ensures that your loved one feels safe and supported in expressing themselves.

Moreover, understanding the power of silence in communication is essential. Silence, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful aspect of active listening. Being present, even in moments of quiet, can offer immense comfort and solidarity.

Reflecting on the Impact of Mindful Communication

Engaging in mindful communication in hospice care is not only beneficial for the individual receiving care but is also profoundly enriching for the caregiver. It enhances your capacity for empathy, strengthens your patience, and deepens your understanding of the complex emotions involved in the end-of-life journey.

Regular reflection on your listening experiences is crucial. Consider how your approach affects your interactions and remain open to adapting your methods to better suit your loved one’s needs. This adaptive approach not only improves your effectiveness as a caregiver, but also contributes significantly to your personal growth.

If it helps, consider starting a daily reflection journal. At the end of each day, write down the thoughts, emotions, and sensations you experienced throughout the day. The key to journaling is to write for yourself—no one else, other than yourself, is going to read the material. So, write whatever comes to mind and feel free to revisit your writings later on to see how your mentality has evolved.

Conclusion

In the profound journey of hospice caregiving, mastering the art of active listening is a testament to compassion and connection. It allows caregivers to provide support that goes beyond physical care, touching the hearts and souls of those they look after. By embracing the principles of mindful communication, you ensure that your loved one’s final chapter is filled with understanding, respect, and a deep sense of being valued and heard.

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 for a loved one who is ill are at increased risk of stress, and as a result, at increased risk for health issues due to that stress. The topic of stress management – especially for caregivers – has become a popular one. There are many resources available that provide tips to help caregivers manage stress. One of these is a gratitude journal.

How Gratitude Can Help Reduce Stress

Before we jump right into the gratitude journal, let’s talk about how gratitude can help reduce stress. Gratitude is said to help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels in our body by about 23%. Reducing stress can in turn reduce health issues that may result from stress. These can include anxiety, depression, headaches, sleep issues, weight gain, and even heart disease.

One study indicates the beneficial role of gratitude on coping with caregiver stress and even recommends incorporating gratitude in psychological interventions for caregivers.

gratitude journal

What is a Gratitude Journal?

A gratitude journal is a tool used to keep track of the good things in life – the things you are grateful for. No matter how difficult or stressful life may get, there is always something to be grateful for. Taking the time to write it down in a journal can help you remember to take a break from everything that is causing you stress and focus on the good.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in physical or electronic form. All that matters is that you are writing it down. Physical journals can be as simple as a notebook. There are also templates online that can be downloaded and printed or journals that can be purchased. Electronic journals can be a Word document on your computer or a notes orjournaling app on your phone.

Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

In addition to reducing stress levels, keeping a gratitude journal can:

woman journaling

How to Start a Gratitude Journal

Getting started is often the hardest part of any new habit. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose how you want to journal. As we previously mentioned, it can be in physical or electronic format. Things to consider when choosing how you want to journal include:

How to structure your journal. You should do what works for you. Try different templates and formats until you find one you like best. For example, do you prefer to write full paragraphs or bulleted lists?

Commit to a schedule. This is very important. Like any habit, you have to commit to it if you really want to see the benefits. If journaling every day feels like too much to commit to in the beginning, aim for once a week or a couple times a week. You can always increase it to a daily reflection once you get in the swing of things.

Still not sure where to start? Try this 21-day Gratitude Challenge!

Happy journaling!

Handwashing: The Best Way to Prevent the Spread of Germs

National Handwashing Week is celebrated in the United States during the first full week of December. It is a time to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing and to teach people how to wash their hands effectively.

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Germs can be found on all sorts of surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. When we touch these surfaces and then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth, we can transfer germs to our bodies and get sick.

When to Wash

Handwashing with soap and water removes germs from our hands and prevents them from spreading. It is especially important to wash our hands at certain times, such as:

washing hands

Effective Handwashing

To wash our hands effectively, we should follow these five steps:

  1. Wet our hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather our hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of our hands, between our fingers, and under our nails.
  3. Scrub our hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  4. Rinse our hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
  5. Dry our hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Teaching Children the Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. By following the five steps above, we can all help to keep our communities healthy.

kids washing hands

In honor of National Handwashing Week 2023, here are some tips for teaching your children about the importance of handwashing:

By teaching your children about the importance of handwashing, you can help them to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Need more tips or assistance with your loved one?  We are here to help.  Contact us today to learn more about our services!

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