Most people are not familiar with the value hospice can provide in the last months, weeks or days of life. There is no need to be afraid of hospice, and healthcare providers should encourage their patients to consider these services.
Hospice is there to help. Hospice specializes in making sure that the patient is living the best quality of life possible as they come to the end of their life.
There are two types of hospice care. There are inpatient services in which the patient will be transferred to a local facility to have 24-hour care. This works out best for people who may not want their family members to have to care for them 24 hours a day.
There are also outpatient services in which hospice will come to the home and help with the care of the patient. Outpatient hospice workers will work hard to make sure that the patient and their family is supported in every facet, through any obstacle, mentally, emotionally or medically. They are trained and know how to deal with whatever issues could arise.
Death can be scary to anyone who is dealing with it directly or indirectly. There can be many medical and emotional issues, as well. Hospice can help families deal with both of these areas.
When a patient enters hospice, the family and the hospice coordinator will come up with a plan that will be followed through to the last days of life. The goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. If the patient has any requests, this is the time to make them.
There are social workers and counselors on hand to help the patient deal with any questions, fears or ideas of what death is going to be like. They will help patients and their families go through each phase as it occurs. If the patient suffers with pain, hospice is there to give the patient the medicines he or she needs to be as comfortable as possible.
Hospice provides physicians, nurses, therapists and even spiritual workers when needed. No matter what a patient is going through, hospice staff has been trained to help make the process as easy as possible.
Sometimes in the last days of life, a patient may fight hard to live. It is a defense mechanism and something hospice workers have seen before. They know how to work with the patient and loved ones to utilize this time as best as possible.
Other people may be inclined to let go more quickly. With trained team members, a patient can get the comfort needed at the pace desired. Death can be an extremely lonely road even when surrounded by people who love them.
If a patient starts regressing, talking about things that do not exist or that existed in the past, a family may not know how to deal with it. The hospice team has been trained on how to handle these delicate situations. They help ease fears. They know what is typical and what is not and they are ready to help you through this particularly tough time.
It is most important to know that hospice is available to help.
A medical oncologist with Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, Dr. Mark Shparber has practiced in the South Coast region for more than 20 years. His experience provides a unique perspective of the needs of cancer patients. Board certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, Dr. Shparber also serves as the medical director for the hospice program for the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association.
Hospice is there to help. Hospice specializes in making sure that the patient is living the best quality of life possible as they come to the end of their life.
There are two types of hospice care. There are inpatient services in which the patient will be transferred to a local facility to have 24-hour care. This works out best for people who may not want their family members to have to care for them 24 hours a day.
There are also outpatient services in which hospice will come to the home and help with the care of the patient. Outpatient hospice workers will work hard to make sure that the patient and their family is supported in every facet, through any obstacle, mentally, emotionally or medically. They are trained and know how to deal with whatever issues could arise.
Death can be scary to anyone who is dealing with it directly or indirectly. There can be many medical and emotional issues, as well. Hospice can help families deal with both of these areas.
When a patient enters hospice, the family and the hospice coordinator will come up with a plan that will be followed through to the last days of life. The goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. If the patient has any requests, this is the time to make them.
There are social workers and counselors on hand to help the patient deal with any questions, fears or ideas of what death is going to be like. They will help patients and their families go through each phase as it occurs. If the patient suffers with pain, hospice is there to give the patient the medicines he or she needs to be as comfortable as possible.
Hospice provides physicians, nurses, therapists and even spiritual workers when needed. No matter what a patient is going through, hospice staff has been trained to help make the process as easy as possible.
Sometimes in the last days of life, a patient may fight hard to live. It is a defense mechanism and something hospice workers have seen before. They know how to work with the patient and loved ones to utilize this time as best as possible.
Other people may be inclined to let go more quickly. With trained team members, a patient can get the comfort needed at the pace desired. Death can be an extremely lonely road even when surrounded by people who love them.
If a patient starts regressing, talking about things that do not exist or that existed in the past, a family may not know how to deal with it. The hospice team has been trained on how to handle these delicate situations. They help ease fears. They know what is typical and what is not and they are ready to help you through this particularly tough time.
It is most important to know that hospice is available to help.
A medical oncologist with Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, Dr. Mark Shparber has practiced in the South Coast region for more than 20 years. His experience provides a unique perspective of the needs of cancer patients. Board certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, Dr. Shparber also serves as the medical director for the hospice program for the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association.
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