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Training Guide for Caregivers/Family Members

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Avow Hospice

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Aug 09, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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Anxiety & Restlessness An inability to relax due to worry, or fear, about everyday situations. Experiencing anxiety & restlessness is common and treatable. However, if left unmanaged - these can interfere with you & your loved one’s quality of life and create an unsafe situation. Two of the most common origins of anxiety & restlessness are: pain and trouble breathing. If you or your loved one is experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, it is important that you report this as soon as possible. Signs & Symptoms may include: Fatigue, or insomnia Trouble focusing Agitation Sadness or depression Increased heart rate, breathing, & sweating Nausea and/or vomiting Unpleasant sensations/cramps in extremities (arms & legs) What can be done to manage anxiety & restlessness? Always try calming relaxation techniques first: 1.Deep breathing, or the “pursed lip exercise,” 2.Listen to soothing music, or 3.Watch the Avow.tv “Safe Place Guided Imagery” video Express thoughts & feelings with an Avow Hospice Social Worker and/or Chaplain In combination with holistic treatments, an Avow Hospice nurse, or medical provider, is always available to discuss with you medication options, potential side effects, and frequency of when to give prescribed treatments. What should be reported to your Avow hospice team? Past history of anxiety and/or depression If your symptoms worsen or do not respond to your current interventions.

Common Side Effects of Pain Medication Patients may receive help with pain, trouble breathing, or anxiety by their medical provider prescribing opioid (oh-pee-oyd) pain medications. These strong drugs help relieve discomfort and should always be taken as prescribed to avoid complications. Tell your Avow team if the patient is experiencing these common and manageable side effects: Constipation: Pain medications can allow too much water to be absorbed, which can lead to hard or infrequent stools. Avow can prescribe medication (stool softener or laxative) to help manage constipation. Tell your Avow team if the patient has not had a bowel movement for three (3) days. Sleepiness: Feeling drowsy or sleepy only lasts a few days when starting, or increasing, a pain medication dose. This should go away as the body adjusts. Opioids are used to provide comfort, so this is normal. Patient caregivers: If you feel the patient is in their final weeks or days, tell the Avow team as soon as possible. Dizziness: When starting, or increasing, a pain medication dose, the patient may experience dizziness for the first couple of days. Dizziness typically decreases within that time. Be careful when changing positions (sitting to standing.) The patient may need assistance to prevent falls. Tell your Avow team about dizziness that does not go away after the first couple of days or if you or the patient has a fall. Ineffectiveness: If your loved one is still in pain after taking medication, he or she may need additional treatment. Tell your Avow team so we can make medicine or dosage changes that bring you relief. Nausea: Opioids can cause an upset stomach for the first few days, as the body adjusts to the medicine. Encourage the patient to eat a light snack (such as crackers) when taking opioid pain medication. Your Avow team may also treat the nausea with medication until it goes away. Tell your Avow team about nausea that does not go away, as it may be related to your condition. Remember: Do not skip or provide extra doses unless instructed by the Avow Hospice nurse.

Constipation Hospice patients may experience constipation as a result of taking pain medication, moving less, eating and/or drinking less, or transitioning into a new phase of illness. They may suffer hard or infrequent stools that cause a great deal of anxiety, pain, and agitation. While bowel habits can vary from person to person, hospice patients should have a bowel movement at least once every three (3) days. Signs and Symptoms:  Dry, hard (pellet-like) stools  Inability to pass stool  Abdominal bloating  Oozing, watery leakage  Rectal pain or pressure If the patient’s constipation is left unmanaged, he or she may experience extreme pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. What can help with constipation? 1. If the patient is physically able to tolerate, or if his or her diet allows:  Increase fluid intake to 6-8 glasses per day o Choose warm fluids such as water with lemon, tea, or prune juice  Eat fibrous foods o Examples are bran, whole grains, fruits and vegetables  Walk or do light Range of Motion (ROM) exercises  Sit upright on the toilet, bedside commode, or bedpan  Avoid fiber supplements (like Metamucil) as these can make symptoms worse 2. Keep a record of the patient’s bowel movements including date/time, consistency of stool (hard, soft, watery). 3. Talk to your Avow hospice nurse about prescribing a stool softener or laxative to help manage constipation. What should you report to your Avow hospice team?  The patient feels constipated or has not had a bowel movement in three (3) days  Other symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, straining, diarrhea, pain, or rectal bleeding ,

Dispelling the Myths of Opioids Opioids (oh-pee-oyd) is a class of drug that interacts with nerve cells in the body and brain to reduce feelings of pain and trouble breathing. Use of opioids in hospice care is common, necessary and a safe treatment option for pain and other symptom management. Your Avow Hospice nurse can address any questions or concerns you or the patient may have regarding the treatment plan and/or side effects of medications. Top 5 Myths of Opioid Use 1.“Opioids are addicting” Prescribed use of opioids to treat pain and other symptoms does not lead to addiction. This fearfulness to take pain medication can lead to suffering. Addiction is a chronic disease and only happens when a person misuses drugs despite physical or social harm. Addicts are not in control of their drug use. Opioids are strictly monitored and assessed on a routine basis. Always tell your care team if there is history of drug or alcohol abuse. 2.“If a person takes large doses of opioids early in their disease process, the opioids will not be as effective later on when he/she needs higher doses.” Tolerance is a reduced response to a drug used repeatedly. Hospice patients develop tolerance as their disease and symptom management needs increase. The right dose should give the same relief for quite a while. In many cases, the dose may increase when symptoms are worsening, then treatment could change to a lower dose once relief has been reached. If you are worried about this, talk to your care team about preferred options. 3.“Giving opioids to a terminally ill patient will speed up death.” Research shows that the use of opioids does not lead to a faster death. It is the disease that causes death, not the pain medicine. The small opioid dose for a hospice patient in their final weeks, days, or hours is to be used for comfort and relief of suffering and to allow the patient to experience a peaceful and dignified death. Withholding or withdrawing pain medication at the end of life is not appropriate or safe.

Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) Dyspnea (disp-nee-uh) is a medical term for troubled breathing. This symptom is closely related to heart and lung diseases. Experiencing difficulty breathing causes anxiety, agitation, fatigue and restlessness. It may also interfere with daily activities such as eating, bathing, walking, talking and visiting with friends and family. Signs and Symptoms  Rapid breathing  Tightness in the chest  A feeling of being “winded” Inability to speak in full sentences Fear or panic about not getting enough air in or out of the lungs What can be done to prevent and treat troubled breathing? Remain calm and reassuring for the patient o Watch the Avow.TV Safe Place Imagery & Relaxation Music video Reposition the patient until his/her breathing improves o Raise the head of bed o Place pillows under the patient’s head, back and neck o Transfer the patient to a chair or recliner  Increase air movement in the room by opening a window or using a fan Apply a cool cloth to the patient’s head or neck  Lead the patient in the “pursed lip breathing” exercise shown in the Avow.TV Caregiver Training video Ask your Avow team about oxygen therapy for the patient . Your Avow Hospice nurse will train you how and when to safely administer oxygen Medications (such as morphine or a nebulizer) may be needed to help o Your Avow Hospice nurse will discuss this with you and train on potential side effects What should you report to your Avow hospice team?  Breathing problems that continue or worsen New or worsening cough Need for additional oxygen or medication supplies for the patient

Edema (Swelling) Edema is unusual fluid buildup in the feet, ankles, legs, arms, hands or face. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), liver, kidney or thyroid disease, and cancer can cause edema. Medications and diets with high salt can make the swelling worse. Signs and Symptoms:  Swollen joints, extremities or face Trouble breathing Tightness in the skin or clothing Indents or dimples left by accessories such as rings, watches or necklaces Fluid oozing from the skin What can be done to prevent and treat edema?  Elevate the patient’s head, arms and/ or legs to a comfortable position o Your Avow Hospice nurse or aide will train you how to safely position and move the patient using pillows and assistive devices  Avoid sitting, standing or crossing legs for long periods of time  Limit consumption of high amounts of sodium (salt) Examples are canned soups, processed foods and preserved meats Wear compression stockings o Your Avow Hospice nurse can discuss this option with you and train you on their use  Medications (such as diuretics) may be needed to treat edema o Your Avow Hospice nurse can discuss this option with you and train you on potential side effects and dosage frequency What should you report to your Avow hospice team?  Any new or changed swollen areas  Tenderness or pain in a reddened area Changes in the color or temperature of the skin  Trouble breathing or a persistent cough

Managing Fatigue Fatigue is defined as feeling tired, exhausted or generally lacking energy. This is a common symptom in both hospice patients and their primary caregivers. In hospice patients, fatigue may be caused by the person’s illness, treatment, medications, emotions and other changes. For the caregivers, it is compassion fatigue and burnout. Education and support are essential with managing fatigue. Signs and Symptoms: Increased agitation or restlessness Decreased motivation or lack of interest Emotional numbness Anxiety or sadness Sleep disruptions What can be done to prevent and treat fatigue in patients and their caregivers? Tell your Avow team about signs and symptoms you or the patient are experiencing Listen to your body and rest when you are feeling tired Establish a routine bedtime Take shorter naps earlier in the day Avoid caffeine before bedtime or patients: wear oxygen to sleep, if prescribed Prioritize and plan activities you enjoy .Allow time for self-care Utilize respite care Eat nutritious foods in small, easy-to-digest portions, Protein, beans, fruits and vegetables Ensure or Boost What should you report to your Avow hospice team? Lifestyle or behavioral changes Treatments that are not working Medication side effects Avow is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (239)261-4404 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-273-8255 Sadness & Depression

Skin Care Tips Seriously ill patients may experience two common skin problems: pressure ulcers and chafed skin. Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore): is an area of the skin that loses its blood supply for extended periods of time. The skin reddens, breaks down, and becomes painful. If left untreated, wounds and infections could develop. Bedsores can be found on tailbones/ buttocks, joints (elbows, heels, ankles), back of the head, hips and spine. Chafed Skin: is an irritation caused by heat, moisture or friction. Chafed skin occurs in areas of the body where there are skin folds. Examples are: groin, under breasts or in the abdomen. It is especially important to keep these areas clean and dry. Even with the most attentive care, patients may still develop skin problems because of their declining condition. Here’s what you can do: Make sure the patient changes position at least every 2 hours oIf the patient is unable to move safely by himself/herself, you may need to help Use warm water and gentle soap for baths Apply a lightweight lotion to the skin after bathing to increase moisture Keep bed linens clean, dry and free from wrinkles Change and apply clean absorbent pads and diapers often to keep skin dry of the patient uses a bedpan or bedside commode, move the patient off after a couple minutes to avoid pressure on the tailbone Never apply heat or further irritate reddened skin Your Avow team can order special supplies for the patient if needed, including: Alternating pressure pad Special dressings What should you report to your Avow hospice care team? Irritated, itching or reddened areas of the skin Painful, burning or tingling of the skin Open wounds or new growths Do not attempt to lift or reposition anyone if you are unsure about your ability to do so safely. Use the push or rolling techniques that your hospice team members train you to use.

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Easiest of all, if it works for your budget (or your sisters budget), hold the dinner at a hotel. The holiday decor, the giant buffet not to say the prep and the cleanup are all on them. Time-Shifting and Place-Shifting TipsWho says that everything has to be done in December? Send New Years greetings instead of the usual holiday cards in January. No one loves traveling on the holidays. One family moved to Chanukah in May when the airports would be less congested and the weather would be better. You can even move or extend the holiday itself. If its tough to get everyone to the same place on the same day, consider visiting with your person a day before or after. Beth Williams, who directed programs for the Alzheimers Association in nineteen counties in Georgia and is a former professor of gerontology, has counseled countless caregivers on how to manage the holidays. If (the person you care for) has lost the concept of time, she says, just celebrate. 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It can be in the moment. Pause in the transitions between activities. In the car, take a moment before heading to your destination. Breathe. Take time between appointments. Breathe. Or stare at the sky or your garden and reconnect with your senses and soul. Breathe. While shopping for gifts at the mall, find a coffee shop, sit down and treat yourself to one of those only-at-the-holidays specialty drinks. And when you go to the Post Office to mail off the presents, look at the revolving gift card kiosk. Theyve got cards from retailers and restaurants, movie theaters, online stores and more. Prices can be as low as $10 or $20. Treat Yourself to Your Holiday GiftFor delayed gratification, book a massage for January or February (check out local massage franchises, health clubs, spas and massage schools). You deserve it. Dr. Karen Midyet, a clinical psychologist in Fort Collins, Colorado, whose coaching practice includes many older caregivers, knows how critical self-care is. I tell them, hire somebody to come in so you can leave for a few hours. Sometimes, she adds, you can just do something as simple as sitting outside in the sun for one minute, taking a short walk with the dog. A short walk is better than no walk. For some extra help during the holidays, Shapiro suggests looking into the senior centers in your area (search on senior centers near me and adult day care near me). Many of them offer unique programs and caregiver support groups during holiday times. Several states offer free respite care services. Check out the Family Caregiver Alliance for details on respite programs, state by state. The National Adult Day Services Association has an interactive Find a Center map for daycare facilities nationwide. Respite care for veterans and their caregivers is also available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. All Dad Wants For Christmas is YouYour first impulse may be to bring Mom or Dad home for a family gathering. But if your person is in a care facility, Shapiro points out, it may be more detrimental to bring them to your house and bring them back. For a lot of people with dementia, the back-and-forth causes stress. Big gatherings and blinking Christmas lights may also be overwhelming. So bring a quiet celebration to them or join in whatever holiday event the care facility offers. Bring your persons favorite holiday food, get a stack of holiday cards to look through, show photos of the family in their red-and-green elf caps, or FaceTime with the grandchildren. If you want your person to enjoy the holiday, it has to be meaningful to them. If you want your person to enjoy the holiday, it has to be meaningful to them, says Williams. Keep the tradition of celebrating; just shift the focus. If youre taking Mom to someones party, consider what she needs. Have a quick meal, Williams advises. Just stay for an hour. The key, says Shapiro, is to plan. Set things up for success. If youre going to someones house, make sure there is a chair they can get in and out of, a quiet room they can retreat to. You need to find a way to make it comfortable and realistic. If your loved one has dementia, they can still engage in reminiscing. Use that to your advantage, she says. When the family gets together, ask what was the favorite part of this holiday for each of us. Have an intergenerational table and design questions so the older people can impart their memories. Shapiro adds, With dementia you have to slow everybody down. Tell them that after dinner, were all going to sit on a couch and listen to some stories. Holidays often involve religious observances, but extended services and large crowds may not work this year. Do you have to go to church for the big gathering? Williams asks caregivers. Try Saturday evening instead. You could call Father So-and-so and ask, Can we come as a small group, and could you give us a sermon and Communion?' Jim Sherblom, a social impact investor and former Unitarian Universalist minister in Brookline, Massachusetts, encouraged innovative ways to mark the holidays. Especially if it was difficult for his congregants to get to church, he would invite them over to his house, and they would walk together in the nearby woods. These days many religious groups live stream their services. All Dad wanted for Christmas was church, one caregiver told me. So we watched the holiday service on his iPad, and it worked just fine. Ask your person what theyd like to do for the holidays it may surprise you. Leave day-to-day activities behind, put on your fancy clothes (or that once-a-year Christmas sweater), and share some moments. Focus on that. Stick to whats doable and enjoyable for you and meaningful for your person. Reminiscing may be the best way to enrich your persons day. Play the music that moves them, says Williams. Maybe its just the same five oldies. Thats okay. Run old family movies on a loop. Or maybe its playing a game together, laughing, watching a football game. Holidays are an opportunity to create new rituals, Abramowitz reminds us. We get to remake the holidays. We get to create what we want. You never know this could be the last holiday with your person. Take a lot of photos, says Shapiro, adding, take mental photos. Say to yourself, I will capture this and remember this moment. Whatever you create, whether you trim the tree or trim down the festivities, the holidays are still a unique time to build new memories and savor the simple joy of being with people you love. Writer: Connie Baher This article originally published on nextavenue.org___________ SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Contact Synergy HomeCare of Daphne at 251-621-1900 to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.

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Avow Hospice

Support Groups & Services 1095 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples, Florida, 34105

Avow is a nonprofit provider of hospice, palliative care, and grief support services dedicated to serving the Collier community. Our compassionate team delivers care for patients of all ages in Collier County through life's most challenging transitions. We aim to provide peace of mind to patients and their caregivers, making us the leading choice for hospice in Naples, Florida.Avow Hospice offers a range of services including hospice care, palliative care, and grief and loss support. Our mission is to create peace of mind by providing compassionate care and support to those who need us. We are committed to touching lives and making a positive impact in our community.For more information about our services or to refer a patient, please call 1(239) 237-5421. You can also donate to support our mission of providing compassionate care to those in need. Join us in making a difference in the lives of others.

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