HOLLAND, Ohio, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The vast majority of Americans say what they want at the end of life is to die in their own homes, as comfortable and pain-free as possible. The hospice philosophy is about making sure that a patient's death experience reflects their wishes by supporting one's life to the fullest dignity, regardless how much time remains. In fact, in many cases patients' quality of life can actually improve when they are admitted to hospice at the appropriate time. Here are five ways that hospice helps to deliver this:
Hospice gives comfort. Hospices are experts at controlling pain and managing life limiting illnesses. The hospice team ensures that medication, therapies and treatments all support a care plan that is centered on the patient's goals. These services can be offered in the comforts of the patient's home, allowing friends and family to visit—something that may be more difficult to do in a hospital ICU setting.
Hospice gives peace. Hospice helps give patients and families emotional and spiritual support during this traumatic time. Hospice is staffed with counselors, therapists and spiritual care advisors who can best support the struggles that come with the end-of-life process. These services are part of the hospice benefit, covered by Medicare, Medicaid or most private insurances.
Hospice gives something extra. Hospice is not only about compassionate medical care and control of pain. Art and music therapists inspire joy; pet therapy and massages are offered as part of many programs as well. These extras often lead to a patient focusing on living life as long as possible, since he or she is no longer has to endure difficult treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Hospice gives caregivers guidance. A family is never truly prepared to lose a loved one. Hospice offers services for families that provide emotional support and advice during this difficult time. These services include relief for loved ones who provide constant caregiving. In addition, hospice affords bereavement support for a year after their loved one passes.
Hospice gives more moments. Be it more joy, more love, or more quality of life in general, the goal of hospice is to offer patients the ability to enjoy the time they have remaining, and create meaningful memories for their families and a chance to accomplish remaining goals. Hospice offers more moments of life.
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