Managing pain and pain medicines
How to recognize pain even when your loved one can't say it, give medications safely and on schedule, and sort common myths about pain medicine from the facts.
Clear answers for caring for someone you love at home
Caring for someone at home comes with questions no one prepared you for. Our free Patient & Caregiver Training Guide walks you through them — one symptom, one moment at a time. And when the guide isn't enough, a hospice nurse answers our phone every hour of every day. You are never doing this alone.
Nurse line
24/7
Call 772-403-4500 any hour, any day. A real hospice nurse answers — nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Full guide
Free
Download the complete Patient & Caregiver Training Guide at no cost. It's yours to keep and print for the bedside.
Joint Commission
Gold Seal
Treasure Coast Hospice has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for hospice accreditation — a national mark of quality.
Inside the guide
A handbook built around three simple questions
Every symptom chapter in the guide follows the same steady pattern: what you may see, what you can do, and what to report to your Treasure Coast Hospice team. No medical jargon, no guesswork — just clear steps you can follow at the bedside, even on a hard night.
Breathing and other physical symptoms
Steady, practical steps for trouble breathing, constipation, swelling, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue — what each one looks like and the simple comfort measures that help.
Comfort and daily care
Everyday care made easier: skin care tips, urinary catheter care, safe positioning, and honest guidance on eating and drinking as needs change.
Emotional wellbeing
Gentle ways to ease anxiety and restlessness, what sadness and depression can look like near the end of life, and how to comfort without fixing.
Caring for the caregiver
You matter too. This chapter gives you real permission to rest, eat, accept help, and step outside — because your loved one needs you well, not worn through.
Preparing for the loss of a loved one
An honest, tender look at what the final days may hold, so the changes you see feel less frightening and the time you have feels more your own.
Quick reference
What you may notice, and what can help right now
Keep this page handy for the moments you need an answer fast. It's a quick reference, not a substitute for your nurse — when you're unsure, call 772-403-4500. That's exactly what the line is for, and no question is too small to ask at any hour.
Pain
You may notice grimacing, guarding, moaning, or restlessness — even without words. Give pain medicine exactly as ordered; don't wait for pain to get bad. Quiet music, relaxation, a warm or cool compress, and gentle repositioning can help too. Keep a simple log, rating pain 0 to 10, and call 772-403-4500 if it isn't easing.
Trouble breathing
Breathing may become faster, shallower, or feel like work. Raise the head of the bed, loosen tight clothing, open a window or aim a small fan toward the face, and stay close — your calm presence steadies theirs. Give any medications as ordered. If breathing changes suddenly or your loved one seems frightened, call 772-403-4500.
Constipation
Pain medicines almost always cause constipation, so it's expected — not a sign something is wrong. Give stool softeners or laxatives as your nurse directs, offer fluids if swallowing is safe, and keep a simple note of bowel movements. If several days pass without one, or there's pain or bloating, call 772-403-4500.
Anxiety & restlessness
You may see fidgeting, pulling at bedding, or worry that words can't settle. Speak slowly and softly, play familiar music, lower the lights, and offer a gentle hand. Don't argue with confusion or try to restrain movement — soothe instead. If restlessness grows or your loved one seems distressed, call 772-403-4500 so we can help ease it.
Nausea & low appetite
Small, bland meals, slow sips, and fresh mouth care can settle a queasy stomach. Please don't force food or fluids — near the end of life, the body truly needs less, and that's normal, not giving up. Offer, never insist. If vomiting persists or your loved one can't keep medicine down, call 772-403-4500.
Skin comfort
Skin gets fragile with time in bed. Reposition every couple of hours using a draw sheet, keep skin clean and dry, and cushion heels and knees with pillows. Watch for redness over bony spots — heels, hips, tailbone. If you see a red area that doesn't fade, or any open spot, call 772-403-4500.
This is general guidance drawn from the guide. Always follow the specific instructions your Treasure Coast Hospice nurse gives for your loved one.
Watch and learn
Ten short videos that show you exactly how
Some things are easier to watch than to read. That's why the guide pairs with ten short training videos made for family caregivers — not medical professionals. You'll see exactly how to help someone walk safely, move from bed to chair, turn and position with a draw sheet, give mouth care, manage pain, and ease difficult breathing. Watch them whenever you need to, as many times as you need to — 3 a.m. included. And you won't learn alone: your nurses and hospice aides will teach you these same skills hands-on during visits, until you feel steady doing them yourself.
You're not alone
The changes you're seeing are normal
As the end of life comes closer, your loved one may sleep more, eat less, and seem farther away. These changes can be hard to watch — and they are a natural part of the body slowing down, not a sign you've done something wrong. The guide walks you through what to expect, gently and honestly. Grieving someone who is still here is normal too. Our chaplains, social workers, and counselors are part of your care team, and they're here for your whole family — before the loss, and after. Whenever the night feels long, call. A nurse always answers.
Florida ready
Make a hurricane plan before the season does
In Florida, a storm plan is part of caregiving. A little preparation now means calm decisions later — for you and for your loved one. These four steps cover the essentials, and your care team can help you think through the rest.
Keep two weeks on hand
Keep about a two-week supply of medications and oxygen ready during storm season, and refill early whenever a storm is in the forecast.
Register for a shelter
Register your loved one for your county's Special Needs Shelter now, before a storm forms — registration can take time, so don't wait.
Pack a waterproof binder
Keep advance directives, a current medication list, and your printed guide together in a waterproof binder you can grab in one motion.
Tell your team early
Share your storm plan with your care team well ahead of time, so they can help you plan visits, supplies, and medications around it.
Keep the guide close, and our number closer
Download the free Patient & Caregiver Training Guide and keep it where you can reach it. Treasure Coast Hospice is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that has served families in Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties since 1982 — and a nurse answers our phone every hour of every day.