Caregiver Tips

Caregiver Tips

When you’re caring for a patient with a life-limiting illness. Life can get pretty hectic. The following are a few tips to help you through this intense time.

Consistency

Develop a routine in giving care by doing things in the same way each day. Routine helps comfort the patient and will help you make the most efficient use of your time.

Records

Days are often alike and remembering everything can be difficult. Write down the things you need to remember such as medications, bowel movements, nausea and vomiting or other complaints and symptoms. Write down any questions you want to ask the Hospice Nurse at the next visit.

Meals

If chewing and swallowing food is difficult for the patient, use a blender. Most foods adapt well to being chopped, pureed or liquefied. Try cold clear foods like ginger ale, apple juice popsicles, Jell-O or watery ice. Also try salty foods like canned soups or salty crackers. Don’t forget to pay attention to your own nutritional needs. Even if the patient eats poorly you need to eat good meals to keep your strength.

Rest

When the patient rests, make sure you take a break. Remember, what you are doing is important, but often tiring. To continue as a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, too.

Medication

The hospice nurse should be notified if medications are changed by providers other than hospice. We always strive to plan ahead, anticipating needs is central to good hospice care. Prescriptions should be refilled before medicines run out and certain pain medications have specific refill requirements. If you find your loved one has increased medication needs between visits , particularly before a holiday weekend, simply notify your nurse.

Additional Help

Family, friends and neighbors may offer to help. Let them, keep a list of errands, food, chores and appointments. When people call, you will be able to suggest specific actions that may be of help.

Communication

Please keep Hospice of New York informed about the patient and issues you may be facing. Outside of normal business hours, messages can be left with the answering service. You will receive a call back from a hospice nurse to answer any questions that may arise. Do not hesitate to contact us. If possible, give a trusted neighbor a house key and tell us the name of that person in case of crises.

Constipation

Constipation can result from decreased activity, change in diet and the use of some pain medications. Constipation should be prevented if possible and addressed immediately if it occurs. An effective plan to promote bowel elimination must be started early by increasing fluids, especially juices and adding bulk, such as bran and cereal if tolerated. The Physician may order stool softeners or laxatives. Enemas or laxative suppositories may become necessary. Contact your Hospice Nurse if constipation becomes a problem.

Skin Care

With limited mobility, circulation is compromised and skin may become more fragile. It is important, if the patient is able, to vary the position of the patient. Redness is the first sign that skin may be susceptible to breakdown. Be sure to notify your nurse, and follow directions designed to avoid breakdown. Should breakdown occur, your nurse and physician will develop a plan to minimize skin problems.

Hydration and Nutrition

When patient’s systems begin to shut down they no longer need food and drink. Well-meaning family members who encourage food and fluid intake become concerned not eating will be detrimental. In reality, our bodies are very wise. Eating and drinking may make the patient more uncomfortable as their bodies become unable to process intake. Ice chips to keep lips moist are always recommended as something family members can do to help.

Positioning for Comfort

Frequent changes in position help bed-bound patients remain comfortable. Using pillows, egg crate mattresses and fresh bed linen help reduce nausea, anxiety and respiratory stress. A massage often helps as well.

Nausea and Vomiting

Do not offer food if a patient is nauseous. To treat nausea, offer ice chips and a simple diet such as bananas, rice, apples and toast. Be mindful of odors such as garbage, perfume, household sprays, cooking aromas and others.

Room Environment

The amount of noise, light and temperature affect the well-being of a patient. It is best to keep the lights moderately low and the temperatures adjusted for the patient’s comfort. Playing soft music that the patient enjoys also may help manage the patient’s environment. Others enjoy the quiet. Take your lead from the patient.

Visitation

The number of visitors should be limited to the number that can be tolerated by the patient. Monitor the length of visits also based on the apparent needs of the patient.
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