Four "Naughties" For End of Life
Abode Hospice of Colorado
Nov 02, 2022
Colorado - Western Slope
In this time of Santa, we hear the saying “naughty and nice”. Here are four “naughties” that can be turned into “nice”, enhanced experiences common to end of life.
Keeping Secrets: “Don’t tell mom.” Don’t say that she could die.” Don’t talk to her about “sad” things.” “Pretend everything is going to be alright.” Mom lives inside of her body. She knows if it is preparing to die. She may play your game of pretending but she knows. She is frightened, you are frightened, but now you are both frightened alone. By talking, by sharing, you are able to support each other, love each other during this stressful, sad time.
Delaying beginning hospice services: We associate hospice care with dying care, when in fact hospice care is living care. Hospice helps people live the best they can while they can’t be fixed, while their body is shutting down. If you wait until a person looks like they are dying they probably have one to three weeks to live. If you wait you will have missed out on all the guidance, the help that hospice could have provided in those months before death. Help with caregiving, help financially, help with knowledge and help with emotional support. You will miss out on guidance during one of the most challenging times in a person’s life—the time a loved one is dying.
Thinking you can care-giver alone. It takes a village as the saying goes. Caregivers become exhausted, frightened, and are not prepared for the physical, let alone the emotional toll, of caregiving. Being “the little red hen”, saying “I can do it myself”, leads to burnout, anger, and frustration during a time when we want to be loving and supportive. It takes a village!
Not talking about the person who has died: In our grieving we sometimes think, particularly during the holidays, that we just make people uncomfortable when we talk about someone who has recently died. When a recent death has occurred everyone close to that person is, in their grief, thinking about the huge space that is not filled. Talk about it. “Dad would have loved — “, address the elephant in the room, set a place at the table and put a picture instead of a plate. Be creative in ways to include our missing special person.
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What Are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?
What Are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure? A diagnosis of congestive heart failure can feel overwhelming. If you or a loved one has recently received this diagnosis, you may have many questions. Learning more about congestive heart failure can help you understand what to expect. It can be especially helpful to understand what the four stages of congestive heart failure are, along with your options for care. Understanding Congestive Heart Failure: An Overview Congestive heart failure, also called simply heart failure or CHF, is a chronic health condition caused by weakened heart muscle. If healthy, your heart squeezes with enough force during each heartbeat to pump enough blood for your body to function normally. In congestive heart failure, blood is not pushed out of the heart with enough force, causing other health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 6 million adults in the United States have congestive heart failure. 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Stage A: Pre-Heart Failure People diagnosed with Stage A heart failure dont have a problem with their hearts structure but are at risk for developing the later stages of heart failure. Treatment at this stage is focused on preventing new problems. Patients are educated on healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent coronary artery disease and sometimes may be prescribed medications that reduce their risk for developing heart problems. Stage B: Asymptomatic Heart Failure In Stage B heart failure, the heart has begun to show signs of structural changes. For example, this can be an enlarged left ventricle (a section of the heart), along with a decreased ejection fraction (EF), which measures how much blood the heart pumps. In Stage B there are not any symptoms of heart failure (and there have not been in the past). 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Abode Hospice of Colorado
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Abode of Colorado Hospice & Home Health
Volunteer Opportunities 744 Horizon Court, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506At Abode Hospice the purpose of our program is to provide support and care for people in the final phase of a terminal illness, so they can live life as fully and as comfortably as possible. We believe that through personalized services, patients and families obtain the necessary education and skills needed to be prepared for end of life care. A diverse medical care team works together to manage pain, increase comfort, and support every aspect of a patients physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The goal of hospice care is to help people live their last days with respect, peace, and dignity.
Abode Home Health of Colorado
Home Health 744 Horizon Court, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506At Abode Home Health, we understand that each patient has unique needs. Home Health is a great option for those who need extra assistance, but do not need to be in a hospital or other care facility. Our services can help patients avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, speed up recovery time, and allow them to stay in their own homes where they can feel safe and secure. The patient can remain independent, continue their daily routine, and recover with a low level of stress. We provide the full spectrum of home health care services, thoughtfully tailored to patients and families, with focused attention given to individual needs and preferences.Abode Home Health, is the leading provider of comprehensive home health services in Grand Junction and surrounding communities. At Abode, we are committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care in the comfort and familiarity of our patients' own homes. With a dedicated team of skilled professionals, innovative care solutions, and a focus on empowering individuals to regain independence and improve their quality of life, we strive to be the trusted partner in home health care for the community.Abode Home Health understands that recovering from illness, injury, or surgery can be challenging, which is why we offer a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve. Whether it's skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or medical social work, our interdisciplinary team collaborates closely to develop personalized care plans that promote healing, independence, and overall well-being.Our team of compassionate professionals at Abode Home Health includes registered nurses, licensed therapists, and medical social workers, all of whom are dedicated to providing exceptional care with a personal touch. With extensive training and expertise in their respective fields, our staff go above and beyond to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care and attention, tailored to their specific goals and preferences.At Abode Home Health, we recognize that home is where healing happens best. That's why we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment within the comfort of our patients' own homes, allowing them to recover and thrive in familiar surroundings surrounded by loved ones. From assisting with activities of daily living to providing skilled medical care, our team is committed to helping patients achieve their optimal level of health and independence.One of the key advantages of home health care is the personalized attention and continuity of care it offers. At Abode Home Health, we take the time to get to know each patient on a personal level, understanding their unique needs, preferences, and goals for recovery. Whether it's developing a tailored exercise program to improve mobility, providing education on managing chronic conditions, or coordinating with other healthcare providers, our team is dedicated to supporting patients every step of the way on their journey to better health.Abode Home Health is committed to excellence in everything we do, which is why we adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. We are proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission, demonstrating our commitment to upholding rigorous standards of care and continuous improvement. Additionally, we participate in ongoing quality assurance programs and performance evaluations to ensure that we are consistently delivering the highest level of care to our patients.Beyond our clinical services, Abode Home Health is deeply rooted in the community, actively engaging in outreach and education to promote health and wellness among residents of all ages. From wellness seminars to community health fairs, we strive to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.Abode Home Health, is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care that empowers individuals to regain independence and improve their quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a team of skilled professionals, innovative care solutions, and a commitment to excellence, we are proud to be the trusted partner in home health care for the community. Contact us today to learn more about our services and discover how we can help you or your loved one achieve optimal health and wellness at home.