Comfort for hospice patients - Symptoms management at end of life
Caring for residents at the end of life presents unique challenges. This session will discuss evaluation of the residents at the end of their lives, discussion of symptoms and their management, and resources for caregivers, residents and their families. Participants will learn:
* Evaluation of hospice patients – Is patient comfortable?
* Discussion on common symptoms at end of life (EOL)- pain, dyspnea, terminal agitation, oropharyngeal terminal secretions, intractable nausea and vomiting…
* Nonpharmacological management of symptoms at EOL
* Pharmacological management of symptoms at EOL
* Deprescribing at EOL and Hospice E-kit
Anica Naprta, MD - Home Health & Hospice Care
Anica Naprta is a board-certified physician in Family Practice and Hospice & Palliative Care, as well as a certified Hospice Medical Director, with over 30 years of experience delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. Since 2015, she has served as Medical Director at Home Health & Hospice Care in Merrimack, NH, leading with clinical expertise and a deep commitment to supporting patients and families.
Originally from Croatia, Dr. Naprta earned her medical degree from the University of Zagreb in 1990 and began her career as a primary care physician during wartime. After relocating to the U.S., she worked in bone research at the University of Connecticut and completed her Family Practice residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Her deepening passion for whole-person care led her to pursue a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona from 2012 to 2014. She became board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2012 and began her career at Home Health & Hospice Care as a Hospice & Palliative Care Physician.
Throughout her career, Dr. Naprta has served in both inpatient and outpatient roles, including in skilled nursing facilities, community health centers, and hospitals. Her care philosophy integrates evidence-based medicine with a compassionate, holistic approach that honors the dignity and unique needs of every patient.
Dr. Naprta is deeply committed to advancing high-quality end-of-life care and supporting interdisciplinary teams in delivering care that truly makes a difference.