They say “laughter is the best medicine,” but it has to be used carefully when caring for an individual facing a terminal diagnosis. While the situation is clearly no laughing matter, when humor is used appropriately, it can improve the patient’s state of mind and build a bridge between the patient and healthcare providers.
The diagnosis of a serious illness is an emotional and trying time for both patients and their families. While they naturally pursue curative treatment in the early stages, there may come a time when curative treatment is no longer working or when the patient decides to stop curative treatment in favor of comfort and quality of life. This is the time for hospice.
It’s hard to see a loved one in pain – especially after they’ve received a difficult diagnosis. There’s never an easy time to come to terms with someone you love being sick, but there are ways to treat symptoms and side effects in order to make life easier in their time of need.
Location is one of the first things many families consider when trying to find a hospice. But while location can be important, it is only one of the factors to weigh.
There are few things in life that are as difficult as saying goodbye to a dying loved one. When faced with this heartbreaking moment, keep your focus on expressing love and reassurance. That focus and the tips below will help give both you and your loved one what you need to find peace.
Valentine’s Day is all about expressions of love. That’s true even when the person you love may no longer connect in the ways they have in the past due to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
