Carrolltown Hospice Care Services That One May Consider

By Gannon G. Hollick


The diagnosis of a terminal illness is, in most cases, very shocking to many patients and their relatives. Many equate such a diagnosis to death and begin to despair. While the primary disease may be incurable, there are associated symptoms that can be managed. If you are living in carrolltown hospice care services may ease the burden of having to take care of the increasingly dependent relative and as well as make sure that they get the best medical care available.

The main role of a hospice is to make sure that patients are as comfortable as possible during their twilight days. The treatment that is provided should be focused on managing pain and any other unpleasant symptoms. One should bear in mind that many of them have to make important personal and family decisions at this time hence should be free from mental and physical stresses that may make this process difficult.

There are different types of hospice arrangements that one can consider. Many of them are organized around the home so that the patient does not need to be admitted to hospital. In such cases, the patient will only be admitted for in-patient management for routine checkups or in the event of a complication. If their condition is much advanced such that constant medical attention is required then they will have to remain in hospital for prolonged periods of time.

Another benefit of a hospice is that it provides spiritual care. As their life slowly grows to an end, patients with terminal illnesses tend to have an increased need for spiritual nourishment. A hospice will arrange to have a spiritual leader, literature and fellowship with other faithful. It has been observed that with this kind of spiritual care, the overall health of the patient improves markedly.

Family meetings are usually scheduled regularly by the hospice. The meetings are typically led by the primary care giver (either the nurse or the doctor). The caregiver updates the family members on the progress that has been made and informs them on ways in which treatment can be optimized. Family members also get an opportunity to engage with the patient and to provide encouragement.

The treatment of cancer requires multidisciplinary input due to its complexity. The multidisciplinary team usually includes, among others, the nurse, the doctor, pharmacists and the clergy. Ordinarily, it is quite difficult to have all the required specialists available for the patient. The hospice makes it easier for them to make coordinated visits and to consult with each other on the best way on how to manage a particular patient.

Respite care can be provided by a hospice when needed. What this means is that for a period of time (usually a couple of days), the duty of taking care of the patient is taken up entirely by the hospice team and the family gets time off. This allows them to travel for a vacation or special event.

In the fullness of time it all comes to an end and we have to face death. An ideal hospice should help relatives plan for this eventuality. This may be done by including a funeral director in the management process when death is imminent. Clergy members or professional guidelines can also be contracted to provide their services to the patient and the relatives.




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