When a family member is terminally ill, hospice care can provide many beneficial aspects that are in the best interest of the patient as well as the family. Assessing the patient’s needs and implementing the plan that will best provide pain management and comfort during this time is extremely important.
Often when family members are faced with the terminal illness of a loved one, they are at a loss. They are caring for their husband, father, mother or grandmother and they are unsure of what to do or what not to do in certain situations. Hospice volunteers are always available by telephone to assist with any questions or concerns.
Caring, supportive members provide an essential service to the patients and their families. From picking up medications to being a shoulder during this time, hospice care team will provide the patient and the family with the knowledge, assistance and encouragement needed at this time.
The Hospice Team
The team of hospice care workers will include the physician, a registered nurse, a home health care aide, a volunteer, a social services worker and a chaplain. They are all integral parts of the team that coordinate the care to make the patient more comfortable.
The hospice nurse is available 24/7 and can make a home visit anytime the need arises. When people are terminally ill, their family, especially the primary caregiver is on an emotional roller coaster. The feelings of helplessness are overwhelming and this can be alleviated by the hospice nurse. They can help the caregiver by teaching them what they need to do to care for their loved one.
Consultations with the attending physician are a part of this plan. Needs identified by the visiting hospice nurse can be relayed to the doctor and the care needed can be coordinated with the primary care giver. One of the most beneficial aspects of hospice care is the support they provide to the patient and his family.
Patients are provided with personal care that is needed by the home health care aide. When special needs are identified such as medical equipment needed to make the patient more comfortable, the social workers of hospice can help to provide these needs. Hospital beds, oxygen machines and other essential equipment that allows the patient to remain in familiar surroundings rather than a hospital setting are provided.
The chaplain can help with the final plans, such as memorial services and arrangements for the funeral. They offer spiritual support during this time.
The Concept Is Not New
Hospice is not a new concept. It has been around since medieval times, offering comfort and a final place to rest for many who were wounded or ill. Today’s hospice care is a program that emphasizes the patient and the family’s needs based on providing a quality of life that is desired.
Preparing both for an eventuality is the focus and the personalized services that are provided are unique to each individual situation. The responsive and sensitive manner in which this is handled helps the patient and family prepare for a natural process.
Although many patients that hospice serves are cancer patients, no one is turned down regardless of the illness they have or their age. The care is provided to all patients with a limited life expectancy. Respecting their wishes to spend their final time in their own home or a home setting with loved ones by making them as comfortable as possible, hospice care is a compassionate and sensitive service for the needs of terminally ill patients.
Hospice care is the link that provides peace and comfort for the patient as well as the family. The effect of a dying family member can be very hard to deal with and one of the very important goals of hospice care is to give comfort to both – the patient and the family.
(Footnote: Dr. Di Noto serves as medical director in Oakland and Macomb County for Seasons Hospice.)
