9 The last weeks and days
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In episode 9 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, an experienced RN, discusses the final few weeks of life in depth and the general symptoms faced by individuals during this time. The comfort kit provided by the hospice team is addressed, listing the common symptoms it targets including pain, shortness of breath, Anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The podcast explains Diet changes along with appropriate medications. The crucial role of pain medications is highlighted and common misconceptions clarified. Tips for creating a comfortable environment for the patient are shared. The symptoms and struggles of terminal agitation are discussed along with strategies to manage them. The final symptom addressed is the rattling noise caused by the inability to swallow saliva, along with possible medication to help. The concept of a semi comatose state is introduced and the changes in breathing patterns are discussed. The podcast concludes with guidance on handling the aftermath, including Grief and bereavement support offered by the hospice.
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00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained
00:25 Understanding the End of Life Season
01:00 Symptoms and Medications in the Last Days
01:19 Managing Stomach Problems and Decreased Appetite
01:57 Pain Management and Misconceptions
04:04 Non-Medical Ways to Relieve Symptoms
05:26 Understanding and Managing Shortness of Breath
06:17 Dealing with Terminal Agitation
08:37 Addressing the Rattling Noise and Semi-Comatose State
09:56 Final Moments and Post-Death Procedures
10:33 Grief Support and Conclusion
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When Death is Near and When the Time Comes, created by Hospice of Santa Cruz County updated 2019
https://www.hospiceotp.org/how-we-help-you/when-the-time-comes-booklet/
https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained
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Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community:Â https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c
Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1
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Finding a Hospice Agency
1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,
2. choose Find provider
3. Choose Hospice
4. then add your zip code
This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.
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Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information
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Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link
 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice
Kacie Gikonyo’s Death Doula School https://hospiceexplained–deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/
Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy:Â
https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/
 Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!
https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5Â
The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck:Â https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/
 Marie’s Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com
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