The death of a spouse is universally recognized as one of life’s most devastating losses, often described as an emotional trauma akin to an amputation. For hospice and palliative care professionals, understanding the far-reaching impact of this loss is vital—not only for the grieving individual’s psychological well-being
Cannabis Use in Hospice and Palliative Care: Promise, Pitfalls, and Patient Education The use of cannabis for symptom management in hospice and palliative care patients is an evolving and often controversial topic. As families increasingly inquire about or even initiate cannabis use for their loved ones, healthcare providers must be
As frontline caregivers, hospice and palliative nurses often witness the body’s most profound transitions. One such transition is the sudden appearance of a Kennedy ulcer—a skin lesion that frequently serves as a visible marker of terminal decline. These ulcers, often misunderstood, carry clinical, emotional, and ethical significance. For
In the emotionally complex world of palliative and hospice care, clinicians regularly encounter patients who express a desire to die. For some, it’s a quiet longing for peace at the end of a long and burdensome illness. For others, particularly those with a history of mental illness or prior
The loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and life-altering event, and the grieving process is never one-size-fits-all. Yet for same-sex partners and LGBTQ+ families, bereavement often carries additional burdens—those shaped by social stigma, lack of legal recognition, exclusion from rituals, and a long history of marginalization.
In the realm of serious illness and end-of-life care, connection often serves as a form of medicine. Whether it’s through family caregivers, close friends, or community networks, those with support systems tend to navigate palliative care more safely and meaningfully. But for many older LGBTQ+ adults, especially those who
Advance care planning is a cornerstone of high-quality palliative and hospice care, enabling patients to articulate their preferences, identify surrogate decision-makers, and maintain dignity throughout the dying process. However, for gay and lesbian patients—particularly older adults who came of age in an era of systemic exclusion—the process can
Introduction Parkinsonism, defined by bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, is most commonly attributed to idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, not all patients with parkinsonian features have classic PD. A notable subset, particularly among older adults with vascular risk factors, develops parkinsonism due to cerebrovascular disease. This condition,
Yoga is widely recognized for its numerous benefits, from improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and anxiety. However, its impact extends far beyond just physical fitness. In the context of hospice and palliative care, yoga offers profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for both patients and their families, providing
Chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), present significant challenges not only for patients but also for their families and healthcare providers. These conditions often require ongoing medical treatment and management, leading to symptoms that are not only physically debilitating but also emotionally and
Chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are life-altering diagnoses that bring not only physical symptoms, but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges. While curative and life-prolonging treatments are often prioritized in care plans, a powerful and often underutilized complement—or alternative—is palliative
When we think of antidepressants, our minds often drift to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), or even atypical agents like mirtazapine or bupropion. These medications, while effective in the general population, are limited by their delayed onset — often taking weeks to manifest meaningful clinical
