March 2026 - Home of St. Theresa Hospice

Managing Dysphagia on Hospice: Using Thickened Liquids Safely

Many patients on hospice develop difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) well before the very end of life. This is especially common with stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and general weakness. Families often notice coughing when drinking, liquids “going down the wrong pipe,” or a wet, gurgly voice after swallowing. The biggest risk with dysphagia isn’t choking—it’s aspiration, where […]

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End of Life Secretions Hospice: What Families Hear, What It Means, and Why Your Loved One Isn’t Suffering

Updates / Ly Tang

When families search end of life secretions hospice, it’s usually because they’ve heard a sound they weren’t prepared for. It can start suddenly—a soft gurgling or rattling noise when a loved one breathes. The room may be quiet, and the sound can feel loud, unfamiliar, and unsettling. Many people immediately worry that their loved one

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End of Life Constipation Hospice: Medications, Causes, and What Families Should Do

Updates / Ly Tang

When families think about end-of-life care, constipation is not usually the first concern—but it quickly becomes one of the most uncomfortable issues for patients. If you’re caring for someone at home and searching constipation on hospice, it’s likely because you’re noticing: Fewer bowel movements Straining or discomfort Restlessness or agitation Several days without a bowel

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