What To Expect During Hospice Care
What to Expect During Hospice Care
Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families. While hospice does not focus on curing the condition, entering into hospice doesn’t mean giving up hope. Rather, this level of care aims to surround the patient and family with a team of professionals who not only address physical distress but also emotional and spiritual needs. If you have questions about a loved one entering hospice, you’re certainly not alone. Here’s what to expect from the journey ahead.
Hospice Care Explained: Comfort Over Cure
The central goal of hospice is symptom management and comfort care. During this time, the goal shifts from curing the life-limiting illness; this means fewer hospital visits and invasive tests for pain management and symptom control. Instead, the care team prioritizes the patient’s wishes, dignity, and comfort. The hospice care process means patients can live their final days without pain and continue to engage with loved ones.
Who Provides Hospice Care?
Hospice care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. Throughout a hospice patient’s journey, they’ll interact with physicians, nurses, aids, and even spiritual counselors. Here’s a brief overview of the professionals who make hospice as comfortable as possible:
- Physicians and Nurse Practitioners—Medical professionals oversee each patient’s care plan, prescribe medications for pain and symptom control, and work closely with the patient’s personal doctor.
- Hospice Nurses—You’re likely to interact with nurses the most. They’ll monitor your loved one’s condition, administer medication, and provide education to families as needed.
- Social Workers—Social workers provide emotional support and help with practical matters, such as insurance paperwork, advance directives, and funeral planning.
- Home Health Aides—They assist with personal care tasks that can be physically demanding for family members, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Spiritual Counselors or Chaplains—Regardless of specific religious beliefs, spiritual care providers offer support as patients and families grapple with the end-of-life care steps.
- Bereavement Counselors—Bereavement counselors are available to families after their loved one has passed. Their support typically lasts up to a year or more.
Addressing Physical Symptoms
Fear of pain is one of the most significant worries for patients and families. Thankfully, hospice experts are highly skilled in pain management. They utilize a variety of medications and therapies to ensure your loved one remains comfortable. Beyond pain, the team at Agape Hospice & Palliative Care can help manage these symptoms during the hospice care process:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness or agitation
- Skin irritation
- Digestive issues
Recognizing the Emotional and Spiritual Side
At Agape Hospice & Palliative Care, a patient’s emotional and spiritual needs are just as important as their physical ones. People in hospice might feel the need to resolve past conflicts, say goodbye to loved ones, and generally find peace—our team is here to help.
Social workers and chaplains will be around to help your loved one facilitate difficult conversations and find the closure they need.
Specialized Care for Specific Conditions
Our hospice team tailors care for a range of specific health conditions. We understand that each patient has unique challenges, and we strive to address those while delivering the best quality care possible. When you make the decision to move a loved one into our hospice care, you’ll have access to services for all the following conditions, among others:
- Diabetes—Care focuses on balancing comfort with blood sugar management. We monitor for signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and can work with your loved one’s doctor to simplify medication regimens and avoid invasive testing.
- Heart Disease—Support involves managing symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fluid retention. We also can use diuretics and oxygen therapy to ease the strain on the heart and reduce the anxiety associated with difficulty breathing.
- Stroke—Every stroke patient is different but care generally emphasizes physical comfort and managing communication barriers. Our team also monitors for swallowing difficulties and helps manage neurological symptoms with appropriate medications.
- Kidney Disease—Here, the focus is on managing symptoms after dialysis stops. This includes treating intense itching, nausea, and restlessness, ensuring your loved one remains calm and comfortable for as long as possible.
Here to Offer Hospice Family Support
Sometimes, choosing hospice is the best thing you can do for your loved ones. This level of care allows patients to maintain their comfort and dignity while coming to terms with a life-limiting illness. At Agape Hospice & Palliative Care, we understand making the move to hospice isn’t easy. Thankfully, our team is here to guide you through the process. If you have questions or concerns about hospice care, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.