Palliative care plays an important role in long-term health care. For individuals who experience symptoms related to pain, disease, and aging, palliative care provides relief that improves their quality of living. Nursing services help patients obtain the palliative care they need for long-term relief from symptoms and an increased sense of well-being and vitality. The following will help you understand what a palliative care nurse does so that you and your loved ones can choose the right services to meet your needs. What Is Palliative Care? The primary purpose of palliative care is to reduce or eliminate symptoms that cause discomfort to patients. Symptoms related to illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s can all lead patients to seek palliative care. Physical and emotional distress can result from these and other illnesses, and palliative care services help patients and their loved ones address all issues related to chronic illness.…

The caregiver-patient relationship is a relationship that forms under tense and difficult conditions. The patient on the receiving end of care may be initially resistant to accepting help, or he or she may flat out refuse the help altogether. There are many barriers in the caregiver-patient relationship. However, this unique relationship can flourish once an emotional connection grows between both parties. In fact, it is this very connection that not only allows patients to receive the best quality of care but also goes on to have a direct influence on the patient’s health and well-being, thereby improving their quality of life. It Facilitates Open Dialogue The emotional connection that is formed as the caregiver works alongside the patient creates mutual understanding between the two of them. One of the first benefits that begins to emerge from this emotional connection is that it facilitates open dialogue and communication between the caregiver…

The job of a caregiver is simultaneously rewarding and very taxing on the body, mind and spirit. Caregivers invest so much of themselves into their caregiver role and it can take its toll over time. This role is made even more complicated when the caregiver is caring for his or her own parents. Emotionally, it can be particularly difficult and, in general, it presents its own set of challenges due to the personal history between each party. If you want to show your appreciation to the caregiver in your life, a gift is a great way to show them that you care. Here are a few great gift ideas for a family caregiver. Home Health Care Services. One of the best gifts you could possibly give your family member is to give them time to recharge away from their duties as caregivers. One way to accomplish this is to arrange…

Seniors and those with illnesses or other health concerns who are living at home face a great number of risks. This can include everything from devastating falls to heart attacks or strokes, to being at an increased risk of fires, home burglaries and scams. However, personal emergency services can help to reduce the devastating consequences of these risks and in many cases, they can save lives. Personal emergency services are devices that connect to a 24-hour monitoring service. In the event that an emergency happens, such as if a senior falls or a fire breaks out, they simply press the button on the transmitter (which is generally worn as a necklace or bracelet/wristband) and the appropriate emergency services are then sent on their way. People can speak to emergency services regardless of where they are in the house and help will be sent on their way regardless of whether they…

Transitioning a loved one to a different facility can be difficult and present a new set of challenges; so much so that there is a term for it: relocation stress syndrome or transfer trauma. The extent of the symptoms varies by person, but they can include sadness, anger, irritability or anxiousness. Behaviour changes can also occur and can include complaining, combativeness and even screaming. Physiological symptoms include, but are not limited to, confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea and falling. It is particularly challenging for those who do not have a choice in the matter. It is also particularly taxing on seniors with cognitive impairments as the disruption in routine can be disorienting. However, it may be comforting to know that it is possible to minimize the stress that comes with this transition. Tips For Transitioning From One Facility To Another: Involve Them In The Decision (For Caregivers) For caregivers, it is…