Residential Health Group

Hospice February 21, 2024

Importance of Hospice Care for Kidney Failure

Navigating the complexities of end-stage kidney disease, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), can be daunting for patients and their families. As kidney failure progresses, it often elevates challenges, including managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and making difficult decisions about hospice care options. In this article, we explore when to consider hospice and how it can provide compassionate care and support during an overwhelming time.

When to Consider Hospice Care for Kidney Disease?

Several factors may indicate that it’s time to consider hospice care for individuals with kidney failure:

Decline in Kidney Function

As kidney function continues to deteriorate despite medical interventions, hospice can provide specialized support tailored to the individual’s needs, such as enforcing a restricted diet.

Persistent Kidney Failure Symptoms

If symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty breathing become increasingly challenging to manage, hospice can offer expert symptom management to improve comfort for individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Desire to Focus on Comfort

When curative treatments, such as dialysis, are no longer effective or desired, hospice shifts the focus to providing comfort and improving quality of life for the remainder of the patient’s life.

Caregiver Burnout

When caregiving responsibilities become overwhelming for family members or caregivers, hospice can provide support and relief, ensuring both the patient and their caregivers receive the assistance they need.

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Kidney Disease

Creatinine clearance of <10cc/min (<15cc/min for diabetics) AND serum creatinine >8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetics) or GFR of less than 10
Patient has chosen not to have renal dialysis
Structural and functional impairments
Comorbid and secondary conditions contribute to terminal prognosis
Nausea or vomiting
Uremia with obtundation
Intractable hyperkalemia
Hepatorenal syndrome
Platelet count <25,000
Pruritus
Self-care deficits
Activity limitations
Uremic pericarditis
Anorexia
Albumin <3.5 gm/dl

Purpose of Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care provides comprehensive support and comfort during the advanced stages of kidney disease. Hospice focuses on enhancing the quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, while also addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and their families. Hospice care teams (consisting of healthcare professionals including nurses, social workers, and counselors) collaborate to ensure personalized care tailored to the individual’s preferences and goals. Additionally, hospice fosters open communication about end-of-life wishes and facilitates a peaceful and dignified transition for patients nearing the end of their journey with kidney disease.

Understanding End-Stage Kidney Disease

End-stage kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function to maintain life. This could be due to various reasons, such as chronic conditions including diabetes or high blood pressure, or other kidney-related illnesses. As kidney failure progresses, individuals may experience a decline in kidney function, leading to complications such as fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and toxin buildup. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more than 500,000 people in the United States live with end-stage renal disease.

In conclusion, considering hospice care for individuals with kidney disease is an important decision that should be based on the individual’s medical condition, symptom management needs, and personal preferences. By offering comprehensive support and focusing on improving quality of life, hospice can provide comfort and dignity to patients and their families during this challenging journey of end-stage kidney failure.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care January 31, 2024

Home health care can improve quality of life for individuals with heart failure.

Living with congestive heart failure (CHF) can be challenging, but with the proper home health heart care and support, individuals can effectively manage this chronic heart disease from the comfort of their homes. Home health services not only enhance patients’ quality of life but also reduce the frequency of hospital readmissions. In this article, we explore how home health care can play a pivotal role in managing CHF.

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic heart disease where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup throughout the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, more than 6 million people in the United States have CHF. Heart failure makes daily activities difficult and symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, weight gain, and coughing. Heart failure is classified in four stages – Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D. These stages measure a patient’s heart function and severity of symptoms. Although there is no cure for heart failure, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of heart failure and manage CHF symptoms.

Benefits of Home Health Care for Heart Failure

Personalized CHF Care Plan

In collaboration with the patient’s doctor, home health professionals design an individualized care plan to manage CHF symptoms. This care plan addresses specific needs of the patient, considering their heart failure stage, medications, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle modifications.

Monitoring of Vital Signs & Heart Failure Symptoms

Home health nurses use state-of-the-art technology to track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, to manage heart failure symptoms. Real-time monitoring allows for early detection of potential complications, encouraging prompt interventions to actively manage CHF symptoms.

In-Home Cardiac Rehabilitation Support

For patients recovering from cardiac events, home health services offer cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery and promote a heart-healthy lifestyle in the comfort of their own home. These personalized programs aim to enhance recovery, foster a heart-healthy lifestyle, and address physical and mental health, thereby reducing the risk of future complications.

Medication Management for Heart Failure

Maintaining consistent medication routines is important for effective CHF management. Home health nurses oversee the adherence to prescribed medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. Medication management not only mitigates the risk of complications but also minimizes the likelihood of hospital readmissions.

Education and Guidance for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Home health care provides comprehensive education on managing heart failure, recognizing symptoms, and making lifestyle adjustments. These resources empower CHF patients and their families with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for a healthier life.

Home health services offer personalized care with the comfort and convenience of home-based care, enabling patients to live a more fulfilling, healthier life. With a customized care plan focused on the patient’s needs, home health allows the patient to navigate the complexities of living with congestive heart failure. At Residential Home Health, we provide specialized home health programs designed for individuals with CHF in the comfort of their home.

This article is not medical advice, please consult with your medical physician to learn if home health is right for you.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care January 15, 2024

Whether you are transitioning home from a hospital stay or choosing to stay indoors during the challenges of winter weather, maintaining a healthy lifestyle while at home is important for a fulfilling and comfortable life.

As a leading home health care agency, we understand the importance of fostering wellness within the home environment. Below are some ways to ensure you stay healthy at home this winter and beyond. Always consult with your medical team before making significant changes to your diet or exercise.

Prioritize Nutrition

Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet while you are at home is essential for your overall well-being. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals is important for a balanced diet. Please consult with your medical team on the best options for your needs. Here are some options to help prioritize nutrition:

Plan your weekly meals
Consume smaller portions
Avoid processed foods
Keep healthy snacks readily available

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is fundamental for overall health and well-being. Ensuring you drink plenty of water throughout the day supports optimal digestion, metabolism, and bodily functions. Here are some hydration tips for your daily routine:

Keep a full water bottle nearby
Set reminders to drink water
Monitor your caffeine and alcohol intake

Regular Physical Activity

Integrating regular exercise into your routine is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle at home, even when faced with challenges like recovery from illness or injury. Staying active promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and improved flexibility. Simple, yet effective activities include:

Walking
Chair exercises
Yoga or stretching

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact your physical and mental well-being, so it’s essential to adapt healthy coping mechanisms while indoors. Embracing stress management techniques for a healthier and happier life include:

Deep breathing
Meditation
Journaling

Quality Sleep

Recognize the important role quality sleep plays in your overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, as deep sleep rejuvenates the mind and contributes to heart health, weight management, and cognitive function. Improve your sleep habits with:

Consistent bedtime routines
Dark, quiet, and cool bedroom environments
Removal of electronic devices from the bedroom
Avoidance of large meals before bedtime

By incorporating these effective habits into your daily routine, you can establish a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life within the comfort of your home. At Residential Home Health & Hospice, we are dedicated to supporting you in achieving your health goals and providing the quality health care you deserve in the comfort of your home.

Residential Health Group

Hospice October 5, 2023

Some people think of “hospice” as a bad word

Why? Because they don’t realize how positive the hospice experience can be. The good news is that hospice is gaining understanding worldwide, and each person who opens his or her mind to it is more likely to be comfortable, in control of events, settled with their choices and at peace at the end of their life.

At Residential Hospice, we believe strongly that everyone has the right to their own healthcare wishes and desires and should be in control of their healthcare plans.

We have decades of experience helping patients and their families prepare and plan for life after a difficult diagnosis. Our teams help patients to use the time they have to plan for the environment they want to have around them, settle their financial and other affairs, heal damaged relationships and experience the beauty and meaning of their last days – all with minimal discomfort.

Residential Hospice is a life-affirming gift to give to yourself or a loved one. Here are some fast facts:

Residential Hospice comes from a place of “yes.” When any patient has an unusual request or need, we do everything we can to go above and beyond to say “yes.”
Our Care Teams collaborate with the patient and family to tailor the Care Plan to their specific needs and preferences.
We offer many specialty services to relieve symptoms and enhance the patient’s experience, like aromatherapy, massage, pet and music therapy, virtual reality experiences and hospice doulas.
Residential Hospice is a partner in the national organization We Honor Veterans, ensuring that we are specially qualified to meet the unique needs of veteran patients.
When a patient receives a scary and confusing diagnosis, Residential Hospice is a soft landing place.

A difficult diagnosis can leave people feeling stressed, confused and frightened. What a relief to finally relax and allow experts to make life easier, more comfortable and more meaningful! If you have any questions or concerns at all, please contact us or learn more HERE. We are here for you and your family.

Residential Health Group

The best time to make healthcare decisions is before a medical emergency happens.

When someone you love has a chronic illness, you want answers. What options for care are there? What can you expect? How can you prepare? How can we discuss issues with the family?

Journey is a free service for patients currently on our Home Health care service. Our Journey Counselors are patient advocates who provide guidance on available care options, when it may be time to consider another level of care, advance care planning, and more.

Complete the form to begin a conversation and discover how this unique program can help you get the information you need for mapping your journey.

Connect with a Journey Counselor.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care Hospice Palliative Care January 20, 2018

When adults teach children about manners, they might remind them to say ‘please’ by prompting, ‘What’s the magic word?’ This is our introduction to ‘please’ — as the gateway to getting anything we want, whenever we want it. But by the time we reach adulthood and better understand politeness, the word loses a bit of its luster, no longer a mystical source of instant gratification.

In the realm of health care and chronic disease management, the word ‘please’ has its limits (although politeness always has its place, of course). No matter how kindly patients ask, how well they are recovering or responding to treatment takes priority over less urgent quality-of-life concerns like lost appetite, insomnia, or unpleasant side effects. What many patients coping with serious disease don’t realize, however, is that there is a magic word to get them the assistance they need, and that is ‘palliative care.’ Read on to learn how palliative care works in tandem with a patient’s existing treatment, but brings comfort and support within reach — you just need to ask. (more…)

Residential Health Group

Aging In Place Fall Prevention Home Health Care Home Improvements October 20, 2017

For aging adults who live independently, adjusting their home environment for reasons of safety or accessibility can feel like an admission of defeat. However, putting off such improvements exposes aging individuals to greater risk of even more serious injuries — the kind that threaten the very self-sufficiency they are protecting. Rather than ignoring the changing needs and capabilities that often come with age, the best way to preserve independence and continue aging in place is to welcome these alterations as a way to stay safely at home.

For caregivers looking to improve the safety of a loved one’s home, the bathroom is a smart place to start. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control once named the shower as the number-one location of home injuries. Fortunately, a wide spectrum of improvements can increase accessibility in of one of the most hazardous areas of the home. Read on to learn about DIY options for a range of skill levels.

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Residential Health Group

Aging In Place Dementia Home Health Care July 24, 2017

Elderly adults who live alone may be targeted by scams attempting to gain access to their finances. Elder financial exploitation becomes even more common if they are experiencing the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are caring for an elderly adult, at some point you may find that your loved one is the victim of financial mistreatment. In fact, financial abuse happens to about one in nine elderly adults. Sadly, only about one in 44 cases is ever brought to authorities. Since nearly 90% of abusers are caregivers or family members, you may find yourself in a tough personal position while doing what is best for your loved one. As a caregiver, it is important to be aware of some of the financial scams that can occur and some ideas to keep your loved one safe.

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Residential Health Group

Fitness Home Health Care June 25, 2017

Mobility becomes increasingly challenging as we age, and as a result, one in three seniors over the age of 65 experiences a fall causing over two million ER visits each year. Not only does falling pose a risk to our health, but decreased mobility can hinder our ability to do the things we love. At Residential Home Health, we have a mission to keep you on your feet, allowing you to stay active and engaged in your favorite activities.

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Residential Health Group

Dementia Home Health Care June 15, 2017

Millions of men and women in the United States are battling dementia and its associated diseases – Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia being the most common – on a day-to-day basis. The idea of losing precious memories and basic thinking skills you’ve had your whole life is alarming to even imagine, and it’s painful to think of forgetting the faces and names of people you love. On the flipside, for the spouses of these men and women with dementia, the prospect of being forgotten or having a loved one change can be challenging and confusing in its own right. (more…)