Tag Archives: hospice

Caring for Others Palliative Care Option

Posted on by

Needless stress can be alleviated as we learn options available. One object of this column is to help caregivers and caring families know about choices available. I was not aware until recently of palliative care; what it meant and who may need it. Perhaps, you also find the term unfamiliar.

As we learned last week, hospice care is generally for patients with life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care is an area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients without dealing with the underlying cause. This care may be available in all disease stages, not simply end-of-life situations.

The rapidly growing field of pediatric palliative care has clearly shown the need for services geared specifically for children with serious illness.

Immediate palliative care is indicated for patients with serious illness and who have physical, psychological, social, or spiritual distress as a result of the treatment they are seeking or receiving. Palliative care increases comfort by lessening pain, controlling symptoms, and lessening stress for the patient and family, and should not be delayed when it is indicated. Palliative care  can increase quality of life and lengthen the patient’s life.

Depending on the circumstances and need, both hospice and palliative care are provided by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, chaplains, various therapists, volunteers and family. It would be wise to visit with your primary physician concerning the help available to you or your loved one. As with any care, this may not be a viable option for you; be sure to become well-informed.

Several of you are facing complicated issues. From personal experience, I also know when in the middle of a crisis or potential crisis, it is difficult to make sound decisions. I cannot stress enough to communicate, not only with your health care providers, but also family and volunteers who may be helping you.

During the years I took care of Mother, it was often an aide or friend of the family who had been in similar circumstances and therefore, provided some timely information.

I believe our loving Heavenly Father equips many people according to their gifts to help others cope when the inevitable trials come. My husband has served as a hospice chaplain nearly twenty years and often shares with me how God has worked through ordinary people to accomplish great things.

My prayer is that you will trust and rely on Him for guidance in all your decisions and never lose hope.

Hugs,

Please let me know if you found this helpful to you. I would like to hear from those who have used this care. Next week we’ll look on the lighter side of caring for others. Blessings to you.

Every Person Needs to Understand Hospice Care

Posted on by

Every adult, regardless of age or physical condition, will do well to become familiar with hospice care: what it is and what it is not. Family caregivers, professionals, and individuals need to be informed before major decisions have to be made for yourself or a loved one.

            Sudden illnesses or accidents can quickly disrupt any family. While many do not want to consider end-of-life decisions, much stress is alleviated as families are well-informed concerning future options. These decisions are better made before a person’s health is declining.

            Living wills are designed to simplify this process and to make sure individual desires are met with dignity and compassion. Living wills record personal requests for end-of-life care. Family members are then relieved of the stress of making decisions based on emotions or feelings of the moment. 

            Hospice is not simply an agency that moves in to hold hands of the dying as their life ends. The services they provide are invaluable. Here are just a few of the benefits of hospice care:

1. Hospice care will help free up the time of the primary caregiver and family members. You can be assured your loved one is getting good care.

2. You will have a nurse or aide available to answer your questions. Because their focus is on one patient at a time, they can take time to fully address each concern.

3. A hospice person will be up-to-date on the latest services available to help you as well as your loved one.

4. Hospice care can reduce ER visits and inpatient hospitalization which are costly and emotionally traumatizing for the patient and family.

5. Hospice care is often covered by Medicare and some insurance providers. Be sure to check what is available in your state.

6. There is children’s hospice services dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and young people who are not expected to live to reach adulthood.

Hospice began in the 11th century as a way to treat incurably ill and dying and to provide refuge for travelers throughout the world. Volunteers were counted on to maintain this movement and provide needed care. In other countries, hospice refers to a building or institution; here in the U.S. we refer to the service itself. While the very word brings the idea of impending death and sadness, hospice programs now focus more on helping patients live productive and pain-free lives as long as possible.

Now there is long-term care available, not just for the dying. Next week we will look into palliative care. I believe this will be an encouragement and help to you and your loved ones.

Please leave a comment below if you’ve found this helpful to you in your journey.

Hugs,

Thanks for referring this site to others; I am thankful for my new friends. Haven’t signed up yet? Check the pretty box at the top right of the page.

Vital Information Not Just for Caregivers

Posted on by

Are you familiar with these terms: Durable Power of Attorney? Health Care Directive? Advanced Directives? What is the difference between a Living Will and a Health Care Directive? Have you made end of life decisions for yourself as well as your family (all ages)? Are they up-to-date? Does the physician and hospital have copies?

We are often careful to make sure these things are in place for the elderly; for those in our care. However, every day we hear of accidents, crimes, and illnesses with no respect to age or infirmity. Suppose you or a loved one faces a major crises; have decisions been made before hand concerning the wishes of the individual?

Recently I attended an End of Life Seminar presented by a Hospital Hospice Group. Every individual should attend such a conference. In our state of Missouri, hospice groups not only provide for the individual nearing death, they provide needed resources for the client and family. They are equipped to answer concerns about financial needs and grief counseling. Hospice is also suited for dealing with pain; it is what they do on a regular basis and they are very good at it.

Only when you are no longer able to make or communicate your decisions does your advance directive go into effect. Generally it is effective until the time of your death and is valid in another state, especially if it is both notarized and witnessed. The right to make an advance directive has been constitutionally affirmed. Healthcare providers have both legal and ethical duties to respect the patient’s wishes.

I know from personal experience, even knowing Mother’s wishes, it is often difficult to let them go when that time comes. We want to hold on to our loved ones as long as possible. Let me give you a sentence to hold on to that will help you immensely in that situation: It is not about you or me, it is about them. Remember their desires and honor what the patient wanted as much as possible.

In this short article, it is impossible to address these issues in depth. I am hoping I will have perked your interest enough to seek out some help and make sure these things are in place for yourself, your client, and your family. Contact your local hospice groups for direction and help. Many of these issues can be handled safely and legally through local agencies without the cost of attorneys. Be sure you know your state’s requirements.

I believe the most important end of life issue was settled on the cross. For myself, I know where I am going and Jesus paid the price. I’m thankful for the peace that promise brings. I would like to simply close my eyes some night and open them in the arms of the Lord but that is not mine to determine. However, I want to do all I can to make my leaving easier for those who will care for me in the end. I hope this article will be of help to you.

Hugs and Blessings,

Click on the box in the upper right hand corner for my newsletter and free gifts. Be sure to leave a comment, I want to hear from you.