Expert Column
Audrey Wuerl 
Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN, PHN, is Education Coordinator for Hospice of San Joaquin in...read more
Articles In This Column
- The Importance of Partnering with Physicians in End of Life Care
- Artificial Hydration & Nutrition in Advanced Alzheimer's
- Hospice & Palliative Care: Where's the Common Ground?
- Determining Hospice Eligibility for Dementia
- Hospice Care: Living with Terminal Illness
- Living with Dementia: How Hospice Care Can Help
Hospice & Dementia
The Importance of Partnering with Physicians in End of Life Care
The Physician’s Role The decision to enroll in hospice services can be difficult for patients and families, and may reflect a reluctance to accept a terminal diagnosis. The physician pays a central role in helping patients and families make the switch from life-prolonging treatment, when it is no longer appropriate, to an approach focused on end-of-life care goals. Patients need assurance that no matter what treatment option is chosen, the goal of comfort will always be paramount. The topic...Read entire article » Related Articles
Artificial Hydration & Nutrition in Advanced Alzheimer's
In my conversations with families of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, they often have anxiety over withholding or withdrawing artificial hydration and nutrition. What should be done when a patient refuses to eat? What does this behavior mean? This article will help illustrate the importance of education in alleviating common family fears and in helping families learn to advocate for their loved one. What happens when a patient stops receiving nutrition and hydration? In this recent article on determining hospice...Read entire article » Related Articles
Hospice & Palliative Care: Where's the Common Ground?
Receiving “The News” A person faced with a new diagnosis that is life-limiting is generally overwhelmed. Everything has changed, and nothing will ever be the same. All of the grief stages can come into play: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and ultimately, acceptance. The person might wonder, Why me? Why now? Can I beat this? The situation can become overwhelming when coupled with confusing medical jargon about palliative care and hospice care. Let’s start by clarifying the care options that...Read entire article » Related Articles
Determining Hospice Eligibility for Dementia
How do you know if your loved one is eligible to receive hospice services? How does a physician make a prognosis of six months or less for a patient? Let’s take a look at the criteria that hospice and medical professionals utilize when determining whether a patient is appropriate for hospice services. A life-limiting dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease will progress over time. Patients can live with this dementia for several years; many are even able to remain at...Read entire article » Related Articles
Hospice Care: Living with Terminal Illness
Patients and their families are usually overwhelmed when faced with the diagnosis of terminal illness. Many patients are symptom-free until an illness or hospitalization reveals they have a life-limiting condition. Suddenly, everything changes. Feelings of fear, confusion, doubt, and even isolation are common. Major health decisions must be made. Most people are at a loss as to where to turn for guidance. A hospice care team can help you navigate this new terrain. It is never too early to...Read entire article » 
