Friday, February 26, 2016

Carrolltown Hospice Care Services One May Benefit From

By Gannon G. Hollick


Terminal illnesses present a major challenge to the patient, their relatives and even the healthcare team that is involved in the treatment. For the patient, such a diagnosis is often shocking and there is every likelihood of going into despair. For the relatives, the challenges revolve around the harsh reality of losing a loved one and providing the much needed care at the end of their journey in the world. There are a number of benefits Carrolltown hospice care services provide as we shall see in this article.

One of things that the facility does is to continue with palliative treatment that includes the control of pain and other related symptoms. Any side effects that may result from the administration of medication are managed as well. This ensures that your loved one remains comfortable and in control of their life. They need to be in a position to make important decisions regarding their family and property as is often required.

There are a number of different arrangements that you can consider. These include home-based care, inpatient care in a healthcare facility or a mixture of both. The choice is determined by a number of factors that include, the stage and type of the illness, distance from a hospital (in case of an emergency) and availability of care givers at home. Advanced and complicated cases should ideally be monitored closely in hospital.

Spiritual nourishment is another benefit that one may get. As death draws nearer by the day, many people begin to worry and ask questions about what happens after they are gone. Science also cannot satisfactorily provide answers to questions about the afterlife; religion does offer some hope. Most hospices have a spiritual leader and literature to help patients with their religious well-being.

The family should be involved actively in the treatment process to realize optimal results. Hospices often organize meetings that are usually led by the hospice nurse or doctor. The healthcare provider informs of the family of the progress being made or whether there are any challenges that should be addressed. In addition both the patient and the family members get an opportunity to express themselves about various aspects of the illness which in the long run helps to improve management.

Hospices make it possible for treatment to be coordinated well. Remember that cancer has many complications that require the help of many varied specialists. This team typically consists of the doctor, the nurse, the pharmacist, the clergy and physiotherapists among others. It may be a daunting task to get these specialists together in an ordinary facility. Within the facility they can see the patient on a daily basis and consult among themselves easily.

Respite care may be arranged for families that need a bit of time off. In such circumstances, the patient is accommodated in a hospice outside the home so that the other family members get a chance to go for a vacation, attend an event or simply rest. This duration varies from a few days to about two weeks as per the agreement.

We have to accept that we will lose our loved ones at some point and we should prepare for the same. Hospices ensure that both the patient and the family are well prepared for this eventuality and stand by the bereaved during their time of mourning. Support may come in the form of phone calls, professional counseling or enrollment into support groups.




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