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
In cardiology, national guidelines already recommend that every patient receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) also receive a palliative care consult. The rationale is both evidence-based and deeply humane: when a person is about to commit to a complex, life-prolonging technology, they deserve the dignity of informed, values-based decision-making.
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
When I think back to my early days as a nurse—bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and full of hope—I can’t help but smile. I was determined to take on the world’s problems and make every life a little bit better. And I still chuckle softly at that version of
In hospice and palliative care, our shared goal is to ease suffering, uphold dignity, and support patients and families through some of life’s most tender moments. Yet how we define comfort, dignity, and support is deeply shaped by culture, beliefs, and identity. Delivering high-quality, person-centered care means recognizing that
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
When we hear the word “hospice,” it’s often accompanied by fear, confusion, or the assumption that it’s only appropriate in the final days or hours of life. But the truth is, hospice is not about giving up—it’s about choosing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. And