Hospice Care
Hospice care combines physical care with emotional, spiritual and, social services for the patient and family members. It does not aim to speed up death or delay it unnaturally. Instead, it seeks to improve comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients in several ways.
- Interdisciplinary hospice staff gives medical care and pain medications. They also provide emotional support to help improve a terminally ill patient’s quality of life.
- With good teamwork, hospice staff can provide care in different areas. They help with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. This support is for both the patient and their family and friends.
- At the end of life, hospice care provides bereavement services to family members and friends of the patient.
Hospice Services
- Skilled nursing
- Medical doctors
- Counseling
- Hospital and nursing home inpatient care
- In-home care
- Social services
- Chaplaincy
Easily Accessible Services
Almost anyone can refer a patient to hospice for end-of-life care. This could include the patient’s doctor or social worker. The patient, family members, or friends can also give a referral.
Understanding Palliative Care
Palliative care is different from hospice. Hospice care is for people at the end of their lives. Palliative care can help patients who might still be cured of serious illnesses. Patients may then go on to recover or may be transferred into hospice care if necessary. Palliative care has improved quality of life and comfort measures as main components of its services.
Whole-Body Focus
St. Bernardine’s provides holistic hospice and palliative care. This means that every part of a person’s body and mind is cared for. Family members and other caregivers are included in the care plan.
When Hospice Is Needed
Hospice may be needed when the hope for a cure disappears, and patients are at the end of their lives. Regular medical care aims to cure diseases. In contrast, hospice focuses on providing comfort for the patient’s symptoms.
Personal Priorities
At St. Bernardine’s, the needs of the patient and his or her family members are the focus. We know that each patient has unique needs and care goals, and we strive to create care plans that match them. Our care team will help patients take part in their care plan. This is true whether they want to extend life or reduce pain.