dalmos

What is the general opinion re the use of appetite stimulants in newly admitted hospice patients. I am well aware of normal nutritional changes associated with end of life progression, however, is there any benefit using appetite stimulants to either improve patient's perceived quality of life or provide some initial emotional support to family members having a difficult time making the transition to hospice? thanks........

How do you take care of yourselves as a group? Do you even feel a need to do so? Do you get together to discuss patients, deaths, personal stress? How do you support each other in what can be described as a very emotionally charged job?

My hospice agency is pushing hard for "point of service documentation" or charting in the home during nursing visits. They site several reasons for doing this including medicare requirements and, of course, the nurses have just as many, if not more, reasons not to. We are being told that many other agencies nationwide chart in the home and many use computers when doing so. We currently utilize 6.5 lb Dell laptops with Suncoast software. I am curious how other agencies are dealing with this requirement, patient's reactions, and clinicians acceptance. Thanks