The Secret in caring for patients are to care for the patients and Taking care of patients and caring for patients are not the same.

Objectives

• Decrease Acute Hospitalizations
• Keep your doctor fully aware of your progress and your changes
• Ease your transition to a maximum functional level at home
• Answer your call 24/7 with an RN available at all times.
• Identify early exacerbation/decomposition in your condition.
• When should you call for professional help?

The National Cancer Institute says you can call the patient’s doctor or nurse for help in any of the following situations:

• The patient is in pain that is not relieved by the prescribed dose of pain medication;
• The patient shows discomfort, such as grimacing or moaning;
• The patient is having trouble breathing and seems upset;
• The patient is unable to urinate or empty the bowels;
• The patient has fallen;
• The patient is very depressed or talking about committing suicide;
• The caregiver has difficulty giving medication to the patient;
The caregiver is overwhelmed by caring for the patient, or is too grieved or afraid to be with the patient; or at any time the caregiver does not know how to handle a situation.