Hospice Education | Free Downloads
Explore our educational page on end-of-life care and hospice resources, carefully crafted by the Stillwater Hospice team. Gain insights into understanding the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that occur during the end-of-life process.
Personal experiences during this time are influenced by various factors, including illness and medications. While each journey is unique, certain physical changes are commonly observed.
Whether the dying process unfolds over weeks, days, or hours, our informational downloads can help you navigate these changes with clarity and compassion.
If you are in immediate need of support or guidance, please reach out.
End-of-Life Management How to Prepare (General)
While it is difficult and frightening to accompany someone at the end of their days, understanding what to expect can help you create a comfortable atmosphere during the final stages of life.
Senile Degeneration
Exploring the challenges of senile degeneration of the brain, which holds the #2 spot among the Top 20 Diagnoses for Hospice in 2022. Taking a compassionate look at LCD guidelines to better understand the journey and signs of decline in clinical status and symptoms.
Holiday Tradition Tips While in Hospice Care
The holiday season is deeply rooted in tradition, a tapestry of memories woven through festive rituals and cherished customs. For families navigating the journey of hospice care, the desire to preserve these traditions becomes even more poignant. Here are six heartfelt ways to keep family holiday traditions alive while embracing the unique circumstances of hospice care.
F.A.S.T. Warning Signs: Spotting a Stroke and Taking Action
When it comes to recognizing a stroke, every second counts. Time is of the essence, and knowing the warning signs can be crucial in ensuring a person receives prompt medical attention. That's where the F.A.S.T. acronym becomes invaluable.
Summer Hydration for Older People
During the summer, older adults must stay hydrated as dehydration can cause serious health problems. Aging, medications, chronic health issues, and heat sensitivity increase this risk. Recognize early signs like dry mouth, dark urine, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue to prevent complications. Here are a few tips to stay healthy and hydrated.
End-of-Life Management How to Prepare (Cancer)
The end of life may be months, weeks, days, or hours. It is essential to understand end-of-life plans; informed preparation will help make it easier for family members to make meaningful decisions for the cancer patient at the end of life.
Advance Care Planning Tips
Advance care planning involves thoughtful discussions and decisions about the medical care one wishes to receive towards the end of life. While the topic may seem daunting, embracing these conversations is an act of profound love and consideration for our loved ones.
Spiritual Support for Non-Religious Patients
In hospice care, chaplains play a broader role beyond religion. While traditionally linked to religious guidance, today's hospice chaplains provide spiritual support beyond faith boundaries, making their assistance equally valuable to non-religious patients. By recognizing all aspects of human spirituality and providing a compassionate presence, chaplains help patients and families.
Awareness about Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation
National Donate Life Month is not just a one-time event; it's an ongoing initiative that extends far beyond the month of April. While April serves as a focal point for raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, the mission to promote donation and honor donors persists throughout the year.
Hospice Care: Embracing an Integrated Approach
At Stillwater Hospice, our team works together to support you. Healthcare providers coordinate care with your doctors, while nurses offer direct care and education. Social workers provide counseling and resource connections, and spiritual care offers emotional support, including religious ceremonies if needed.
End-of-Life Management How to Prepare (Alzheimer’s)
Coping with the end of life for a loved one with dementia poses unique challenges due to the unpredictable progression of the illness, and although it's challenging to view these diseases as terminal, they eventually lead to death.
Hospice Spirituality Tips
Spiritual Counselors in hospice care are essential in supporting individuals who may not identify with any particular religion. In this blog post, we will explore how spiritual counselors can provide meaningful assistance to those who seek spiritual solace, irrespective of religious beliefs.
Top Five Family Caregiver Mistakes to Avoid
Family caregivers often juggle multiple roles, from providing physical assistance to managing medical and legal affairs. While the dedication and compassion of caregivers are commendable, there are common mistakes that can inadvertently impact both the caregiver and the recipient of care. Here are five family caregiver mistakes to avoid.
Tips to Raise Awareness About Brain Health
While Brain Awareness Week in March serves as a dedicated time to shine a spotlight on brain health, our commitment to raising awareness about this vital topic extends beyond a single week. We believe that fostering understanding and promoting proactive measures to support brain health are ongoing priorities.
The Caregiver's Journey: Understanding Common Stages of Caregiving
Caregiving is a personal journey with emotional highs and lows that can be hard for others to understand. While each path is unique, most caregivers go through five common stages, helping them navigate emotional and practical challenges.
End-of-Life Management How to Prepare (Heart and Lung)
Caring for someone in the final stages of respiratory disease is a significant responsibility. Respect your loved one's wishes, let them express their feelings without judgment, and follow their lead in preparation for the end of life.
Holiday Caregiver Tips
During the holiday season, supporting family caregivers is crucial. By weaving these holiday-themed tips and resources into your caregiving role, you can provide your loved ones with the support they need while ensuring your holiday season remains bright and filled with love and care.
Seven Hobbies for Seniors in Hospice Care
Many people in the latter stages of life discover that hobbies can bring purpose, joy, relief from discomfort, stress reduction, and a sense of ongoing fulfillment. Keep in mind that certain activities may benefit from the assistance of a caregiver or family member, enhancing the experience for all involved.
Myths About Grief: Debunking Myths
Grief is often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary pressure on those mourning. Debunking common myths helps create more compassionate spaces and acknowledges that grief is a personal, non-linear journey unique to each individual.