Cough – on normal days, it is forgivable and waiting for medication to take effect after a few days is okay. But if you need to be in a business meeting or give a speech to an audience, you may want a remedy that will immediately give you relief. Of course, these remedies are not really meant to cure the underlying problem. However, they can be pretty useful on certain occasions.

Lemon & Honey

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and other soothing ingredients that can help relieve you from cough. Also, honey is known for its numerous healing properties. To benefit, simply mix equal parts of lemon and honey and store in a jar. Take a tablespoon of the mixture whenever you feel the need to relieve yourself. The honey will make the sourness of the lemon less discomforting. Another way to do this is to heat the lemon first (without bringing to a boil) before mixing it with honey.

Anti-bacterial Gargle

These can be bought over-the-counter at your favorite drug store. There are plenty of varieties and you can choose any brand that you like. However, you need to be wary about products that you may be allergic to. For example, you may want to go for unscented variants if you are allergic to perfume products. A simple menthol-based mouthwash will also do. Just bring a bottle of it wherever you go and gargle when you feel your throat itching again.

Salt Gargle

This is fairly easy to make. Simply mix ½ glass of hot water with ½ glass of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Make sure that the salt is completely dissolved. Gargle using the solution and make sure you gargle deep enough so that the solution will reach your throat. This makes a fine cough relief thanks to the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt.

Garlic Syrup

These can also be bought over-the-counter and are available in different variants. The only problem is that they can sometimes be a bit pricey. However, good garlic syrup makes a fine cough relief thanks to its antibacterial properties. It will instantly kill the bacteria causing itch and inflammation on your throat. Just be wary of the smell. After using garlic syrup, you may want to brush your teeth afterwards or gargle with mouthwash.

Aloe Vera Juice

Most of the discomfort that you feel when you have a case of cough is from the inflammation of the throat. This can result to itch and pain. In which case, a natural aloe Vera juice will work wonders because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also has ingredients than can help soothe the pain and itch. To benefit, you may want to sip down the juice slowly using a straw. This way, your throat will be more exposed to the juice.

Tea & Honey

Tea has long been known for its many medicinal properties and among them are its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes tea a good beverage for relieving cough. But to add to the effect, it is good to add some honey as well. You also have the option of adding some lemon for a stronger effect.

Hospice care services vary according to provider. Some groups offer extensive programs, while others have a limited number. Common services across the country include residential, hospital, and visiting hospices. The following is a simple breakdown of each type.

In home care

In home or residential care is the ideal solution for elderly people who prefer receiving treatment in a familiar environment rather than another facility. A good majority of those who go into hospice choose this option because it allows them to stay with loved ones during a very difficult time. While other hospice care facilities have regular visiting hours and other guidelines, staying at home does not. There are several advantages to choosing this type of care, two examples of which include the following:

24/7 Care – While you and other family members serve as the primary caregivers, round the clock assistance is available from the different groups providing the service. These caregivers consist of registered nurses you can call any time of the day. An in-home team is able to assist with pain management, especially for those with terminal diseases. They can also help with simple things like light housekeeping and reading, talking, and listening to the patient.

Medical Attention – Teams who attend to patients at home are also able to do most procedures usually performed in a hospital. Physicians sometimes assign the registered nurses to administer daily medications and set up IV systems. These professionals can also help a patient out in case there is a need for blood work (especially those with diabetes).

Designated Nursing Homes and Inns

This solution is the home-like alternative in case residential care is not possible. These facilities put a premium on giving patients the palliative care they need – providing relief to terminally ill patients through symptom and pain management. The goal is not to cure, but to provide comfort and maintain the best possible quality of life for so long as it remains. Proper programs address a patient’s mental health and spiritual needs in addition to ensuring their physical well-being. The corresponding services to expect from this type of hospice care include the following:

Nursing care – Similar to what the registered nurse does at home, except with the use of equipment available inside the facility. The necessary technologies allow caregivers to monitor the condition of a patient to better control their pain and other discomforts. Another component of this service includes counseling available through in-house psychiatrists and therapists.

Bereavement

Grief and bereavement for family members often starts once the patient enters palliative care. If you are considering admitting your loved one into such a facility, it is important you seek one that offers this as part of their hospice care services. Note that care should not end with the death of the patient. If you and other surviving family members need help with the coping process, hospices should be able to assist you as well.