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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently, but it eventually leads to severe cognitive impairment and death.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience.
Educate yourself about the disease.
The more you know about Alzheimer’s disease, the better equipped you will be to care for your loved one. There are many resources available online and in your community that can provide you with information and support.
People with Alzheimer’s disease are at risk of falls, wandering, and other accidents. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for your loved one. This may involve removing tripping hazards, installing locks on doors, and using GPS tracking devices (such as medical alert bracelets or inserting Air Tag-like devices in shoes).
People with Alzheimer’s disease often thrive on routine. Establish a regular schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety. (Tip: use colorful plates to help make food easily identifiable).
Alzheimer’s disease can cause people to behave in ways that are frustrating and confusing. It is important to be patient and understanding. Remember that your loved one is not trying to be difficult. (Try not to raise your voice—rather, use a calming tone as much as possible).
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is important to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Make time for activities that you enjoy.
Even if your loved one cannot engage in conversations or activities like they used to, they still enjoy spending time with you. Make time to simply sit with your loved one, hold their hand, or listen to music together. (Music therapy has proven to be effective in calming/lessening anxiety + helps with activities such as reminiscing).
Tell your loved one that you love them and appreciate them. Let them know that you are there for them and will always support them.
Encourage your loved one to continue doing activities that they enjoy. Help them to stay connected with their loved ones and community.
No matter how small, celebrate your loved one’s accomplishments. This will help to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience. By following the tips above, you can provide your loved one with the care and support they need.
Life is a Journey. We are With You Every Step of The Way!
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your loved in the place they call home.
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early detection can be challenging because symptoms frequently do not present until the cancer is in the later stages. Adding to the early detection challenge is the lack of standardized screenings for average-risk individuals. Therefore, when symptoms appear or a tumor is found, cancer has frequently progressed to advanced stages.
As liver cancer progresses, the focus shifts from treatment to improving a patient’s quality and comfort of life. Therapies provided by home health care are critical in the early stages. However, in advanced diseases, hospice care support becomes indispensable. Combined, these supportive systems offer a lifeline for patients with liver cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of adult liver cancer. It usually occurs more frequently in males and those with chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis or viral hepatitis. Chronic alcohol misuse and prolonged cigarette smoking also rank high among the risk factors. If you have any of these risk factors, you fall into the high-risk category and should consult your healthcare team regarding potential screening options.
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent liver cancer, it’s best to curb high-risk behaviors. This includes refraining from cigarette smoking, avoiding unprotected sex, and not sharing used needles, as these measures are essential for overall health, well-being, and cancer prevention. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing potential symptoms, and implementing preventative measures can all assist with early detection and possible prevention.
Home health care offers a variety of customized services for patients with liver cancer and other types of cancer. Whether patients are undergoing treatment, recovering, or requiring additional assistance, home health care provides the support needed. Most patients find solace in familiar surroundings. In the comfort of home, patients can focus on healing while surrounded by skilled care.
When considering home health, it is important to understand the multidisciplinary support behind it. This includes the dedicated involvement of RNs, medical assistants, personal aids, social workers, therapists, and even companions. They all have a shared goal to improve the patient’s condition, avoid complications and limit hospital readmissions.
Home health agencies provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of those who require in-home care. Among these services are medication and pain management. Assistance with medication is especially important for people with liver cancer who frequently experience discomfort. Licensed home healthcare professionals are skilled in administering medications, recommending exercises, and introducing other pain-management techniques.
In addition to medication support, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is essential in supporting daily activities. They can assist with personal care, hygiene, and even light household duties, including meal preparation.
Another key component of home health care is education. Home health care professionals aim to inform patients and families about the disease process and care protocols. This fosters an environment where everyone stays informed and proactive in the patient’s care.
Lastly, physical therapy services can be provided. These services aim at optimizing mobility and improving the patient’s overall health and well-being.
Many people choose hospice care as they approach the advanced stages of liver cancer, especially when treatments aimed to cure the disease are no longer viable. Contrary to popular belief, hospice care isn’t reserved solely for the immediate end-of-life phase. Medicare provides coverage for hospice care for patients who are expected to live six months or less. Many caregivers say they regret not seeking hospice care sooner after discovering the immense comfort and support it provides the patient and family. Hospice care, whether offered at home or in an institution, encompasses a holistic approach to patient care. One primary goal of hospice care is symptom management.
Patients with liver cancer often experience pain, nausea, and other discomforts. To address this, hospice teams comprising doctors, nurses, and other professionals ensure these symptoms are kept at bay through medication and holistic approaches. Physical, emotional, and psychological well-being are also prioritized alongside symptom management. The gravity of a terminal diagnosis can be overwhelming. Hospice ensures that patients and their families receive ample counseling and emotional support, navigating them through the situation’s complexities. Many hospice programs offer spiritual guidance and support for those who find solace in spirituality, ensuring that patients find peace in their final days.
Liver cancer is multifaceted, presenting physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. While medical advancements offer avenues for early detection and treatments, the combined efforts of home health and hospice care provide patients and families unparalleled support. These services are available every step of the journey, from the moments of early diagnosis to the quiet reflections of life’s final chapter.
Patients and families aren’t alone in the face of liver cancer; they are supported by dedicated professionals ready to assist, guide, and comfort. Through comprehensive care and genuine compassion, we can ensure that those affected by this disease find solace and strength, surrounded by love and expertise.
Our chaplains provide exceptional spiritual support to our patients and staff. Chaplains are a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, and especially during Clergy and Chaplain Awareness Month, we would like to take the time to express our gratitude for the work they do every day.
Our chaplains work hard to meet our patients and their loved ones where they are, and they work diligently to address their spiritual concerns. While providing ministry, our chaplains also help soothe spiritual fears, assist patients and their loved ones with difficult spiritual questions, and ensure the proper supports are in place to make any transition of life easier. Our chaplains also aid in planning end-of-life care services, mediating conflicts, offering counsel and more.
Our chaplains serve a diverse community of people and go above and beyond in their efforts to advocate for each patient. Chaplains ensure spiritual needs are being addressed and recognized in their ongoing care. Our chaplains respect all spiritual beliefs and do their best to address any needs or concerns each person may bring forth.
Our chaplains are a great force of strength and it’s admirable how they continue to hold space for every individual they encounter on the job.
We thank you for always responding with compassion and providing exceptional service to our patients, their loved ones, and to the staff of the facilities we serve. We thank you for your determination to show up for others to help provide comfort and ease worried minds. We thank you for being a wonderful source of wisdom and incredible demonstration of strength. We thank you for holding space for the grief of our patients, staff, and their loved ones. Thank you for your counsel, your kindness, and for the respect you show each individual you encounter on the job.
You are valued, appreciated, and celebrated!
October is Depression Education and Awareness Month, which aims to educate people on how depression impacts individuals and families and to decrease negative connotations associated with this mental illness.
Depression can affect anyone, anywhere. Depression in hospice and home healthcare settings is expectantly common. A life-altering diagnosis or the impending loss of life can amplify feelings of hopelessness and isolation. The transition from an independent life to one that requires constant care or special accommodations can trigger feelings of loss of control and dignity. Patients are also often concerned with burdening their families, further contributing to depression.
Home healthcare and hospice workers play a crucial role in educating patients and their families about the emotional aspects of dealing with a life-changing diagnosis or impairment. This guidance is essential as patients navigate the complex emotional terrain accompanying such changes.
It’s essential to recognize the difference between clinical depression and a sad or depressed mood. Yet, identifying depression can be challenging.
Some of the challenges faced by home healthcare and hospice workers in identifying depression in patients include:
Our compassionate care teams address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their families, along with physical care. Our interdisciplinary teams create personalized plans, including mental health counseling and bereavement support.
Our social workers can help patients dealing with depression due to a life-changing diagnosis by collaborating with local support groups, therapists, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Our bereavement coordinators can help patients recognize and cope with signs of depression and provide emotional support to family members grieving the impending loss of a loved one.
Popular therapeutic techniques used by bereavement coordinators and other mental healthcare providers to treat depression include:
It’s important for mental health professionals to create a supportive environment that encourages open communication and meaningful conversations about feelings of depression while respecting emotional boundaries. Our healthcare professionals continue to seek innovative ways to improve mental health and overall quality of life for their patients and families.
The month of October is dedicated to speaking up and raising awareness about breast cancer. What is it? Who gets it? What can I do to avoid it? How can I help people with breast cancer? Breast cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, but increasing your knowledge about it can bring some relief from fear. Learning about breast cancer could help you or your loved ones decrease risk or find treatment
The American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer is responsible for 30% of all newly diagnosed female cancers annually. The following statistics reflect the impact of breast cancer in the U.S. in 2022:
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, second only to skin cancers in terms of prevalence. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the breast tissue cells that causes them to divide and grow without regulation. Depending on the type of breast tissue, and the specific genetic mutation involved, breast cancer may have different outcomes.
Once a tumor forms, cancer cells can metastasize by traveling through the bloodstream and settling in other parts of the body. If metastasis occurs, elimination of cancer can become more difficult. The two most common types of breast cancer are:
Studies of a tumor can reveal if a person’s cancer has particular receptors to respond to treatment. If a person has one of the three most common receptors found in breast tissue, cancer doctors can use therapy that targets the cancer cells with less extreme side effects.
There are many risk factors for breast cancer, but some of them can be controlled. To reduce the risk factors that contribute to breast cancer, you can:
If you have a high risk of breast cancer, performing regular self-examinations can help catch it early. Early diagnosis may allow for a more successful treatment. Your trusted medical professionals can help you figure out an exercise routine, diet, and screening schedule to keep you with your loved ones as long as possible.
Though significant progress has been made in the field of breast cancer treatment, there is still more that can be done. Speaking openly about breast cancer, supporting the American Cancer Society and other organizations that research cancer treatment, and encouraging your loved ones to be regularly screened can reduce the impact of breast cancer on society.
Ask questions and learn about breast cancer. Awareness starts with yourself! Working together, it is possible to minimize the influence of breast cancer in our communities. Our team is available to help navigate you to recourses that can help you or a loved one.
When it comes to hospice care, our team is focused solely on providing comfort and pain-free care to hospice care patients. For both hospice patients and their families, coping with terminal illness brings about a wide array of emotional worries and concerns. In addition to emotional stress, those with congestive heart failure (CHF) may also feel uncomfortable physically.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when a person’s heart can no longer pump blood well throughout the body. As a result, patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain, fluid retention, shortness of breath, and other uncomfortable symptoms related to breathing. For patients experiencing these symptoms, certain medications such as Lasix may help enhance comfort while on hospice care.
People with congestive heart failure (CHF) may experience swelling and edema throughout the body. This symptom can be uncomfortable, causing a person to have abdominal swelling and ankle/leg swelling. CHF can also cause swelling in the lungs in some patients.
To help combat this, Lasix is a diuretic medication (water pill) that helps reduce this uncomfortable swelling. Lasix works by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt, which means less fluid retention.
Hospice patients on diuretic medications may need support from their hospice care team. This medication can make patients need to urinate more frequently and require additional hydration. The Adobe Hospice team is here to support patients on Lasix and aid in managing symptoms and side effects.
Taking care of symptom management and enhancing comfort is a vital component of hospice care. If you or a loved one is experiencing unpleasant symptoms of heart failure, speak to your hospice team. Based on each person’s needs, our nurses can help administer medications that can provide comfort for hospice patients. To learn more, contact one of our Community Liaisons today!
We observe Sepsis Awareness Month in September as a time to raise awareness of this life-threatening condition. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, and it can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. The infection can start anywhere in the body, but the most common sites are the lungs, urinary tract, and skin.
The signs and symptoms of sepsis can vary depending on the person and the severity of the infection. However, some common signs include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Pale or mottled skin
• Rash
• Seizures
• Extreme pain or general discomfort
If you think you or someone you know may have sepsis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Sepsis is treated with antibiotics and fluids. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove the source of the infection.
The best way to prevent sepsis is to prevent infections in the first place. This can be done by:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Getting vaccinated against common infections, such as pneumonia and the flu
• Taking care of cuts and scrapes
• Practicing safe sex
In addition to raising awareness, Sepsis Awareness Month is a time to encourage people to learn the signs and symptoms. By knowing the signs and symptoms, you can help save lives.
Here are some ways you can help raise awareness of sepsis during September:
• Wear a purple ribbon, the color of sepsis awareness
• Talk to your friends and family about sepsis
• Share information about sepsis on social media
• Donate to a sepsis awareness organization
Together, we can help raise awareness of sepsis and save lives.
This year from September 10th through September 16th, join us in celebrating Assisted Living Week 2023. We celebrate this week to recognize all the amazing people involved in assisted living facilities (ALF), including staff, volunteers, and hospice and home healthcare professionals.
This year’s Assisted Living Week has been given a “Season of Reflection” theme, designed to symbolize the staff in assisted living facilities that go above and beyond to make these facilities feel like home for residents.
We strive to maintain strong partnerships with hospice and home healthcare professionals. Many patients interested in home care come from assisted living facilities, which means a change of environment and transition of care is required. Our team works closely with staff in assisted living facilities to help make the transition to home as easy as possible. Working closely with a patient’s care team ensures a smoother transition with fewer setbacks, supporting the patient to help regain independence in their own home.
In addition to home healthcare services, we offer supportive hospice care to those in assisted living facilities. Our hospice services can be provided no matter where a patient is located, which includes patients living in assisted living facilities. Working closely with staff at assisted living facilities, together, we can create as comfortable an environment as possible for those who are terminally ill. Our goal is to help individuals live their final days, weeks, or months with respect, peace, and dignity.
We want to recognize the profound role that employers of assisted living facilities have on patients. Furthermore, we want to remind staff that we are here to help, creating partnerships that help us all thrive. Join us in raising awareness and celebrating Assisted Living Week 2023 by using the hashtag #NALW on social media posts.
Joint Commission-accredited hospices are the partner of choice throughout the care continuum because of their deep abiding commitment to quality end-of-life care. Apreva Hospice is one of the few hospices in San Diego County with this distinct and honorable title. An accreditation from Joint Commission shows dedication to the optimum patient experience, commitment to strong interdisciplinary care management, and a robust patient safety initiative.
Apreva Hospice prides itself by partnering with the We Honor Veterans Program. We have a team of highly-trained individuals who work with our Veteran patients during their time of need.