What Does Hospice Care Offer?
Hospice care offers a patient and his family many positive benefits. At a time when loss is certain and emotional pain is high, the hospice staff is there to offer support and comfort. They are there for the patient from the beginning and continue to be there for the family to the end.
Pain Control: Hospice helps to seek pain control and comfort for their patients. The patients desire a life as comfortable and pain free as they can manage while still enjoying life. Hospice makes it a goal to try to improve the quality of life during the patient’s last days.
Medical Supplies: Hospice services help with the medical equipment and supplies needed by the patient for comfort and treatment of symptoms.
Counseling: Counseling is offered to patients and their families to help with any psychological, spiritual and emotional issues.
Trained Professionals: The hospice programs are usually managed by a team of trained professionals. This may include a wide selection of individuals. Doctors, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, clergy and trained volunteers all play a special role in the hospice care process.
Activities of Daily Living: Trained volunteers are available to help patients with their normal daily activities. The volunteers may do chores inside the home, run errands and prepare meals. Some volunteers also help with bathing and dressing the patient or giving caregivers an opportunity to take care of other obligations.
Respite to Care Givers: This gives caregivers, such as friends and family, an opportunity for a little break. Patients are usually moved to an inpatient facility so that the family can go to a special event or just relax at home for a few days.
Spiritual Care: Patients differ in their spiritual needs and religious beliefs. Spiritual care is there to help patients understand death and to help them say good-bye to their family and friends. It continues on to help the family through the grieving process as well.
Home Care: Most patients receive hospice care inside their own homes but it can also be provided at an inpatient facility such as a hospital or nursing home.
Bereavement: During the time of loss, the hospice staff works with the family in dealing with the bereavement or mourning process. This support is offered by a clergy member or counselor through visits and phone calls as well as support groups.