Palliative Pearls

We find many patients admitted to hospice feel better simply from the de-prescribing we do.

Frail elders can be disabled for days after a “non-injury fall." A 7-day dexamethasone burst can improve function, mobility and comfort dramatically, easing pain with respiration, improving mobility and relieving other musculoskeletal pain, without the sedation risk...

When you feel a therapy may be “futile”, we suggest you ask what benefit would like to the patient and family.

When you feel a therapy may be “futile”, we suggest you ask what benefit would like to the patient and family.

The short and rainy days of December can dampen spirits. We appreciate all you do to help patients despite heavy workloads and busy waiting rooms. Wishing you peace and renewal over the holidays!

Showering often becomes the most difficult physical exertion in COPD patients.

Watch for a change in facial expression, body language, avoiding eye contact, and the more obvious tears or anger.

Even a small degree of urinary retention can contribute to nocturnal agitation.

All hospice is palliative care; not all palliative care is end-of-life or hospice care.

It can be hard to bring up “hospice” but it doesn’t have to feel like giving up.