The Focus Of End Of Life Care

End-of-life care is a difficult and emotional topic to discuss. It can be hard to think about our own mortality or the mortality of our loved ones. However, it is important to have a plan in place for the inevitable so you and your family can have peace of mind. One type of plan is getting hospice care, also known as end-of-life care. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, hospice care can help make the final stages of life more comfortable. And our team at Crown Hospice is here to help you navigate this difficult and confusing time.

What does end-of-life care focus on? The focus of end-of-life care is on comfort, not cure. The goal is to help the patient manage pain and other symptoms so they can enjoy their remaining time. Our Crown Hospice care teams are made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and trained volunteers. We work together to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient and their family.

If you are considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand what services are available and what to expect. In this blog article, we will discuss the 4 main focus areas of our end-of-life care services and if it is the right choice for you. End-of-life care generally focuses on four main areas: medical care, pain management, emotional support, and spiritual guidance.

Medical Care

Our hospice care team will work with the patient’s regular doctor to develop a plan of care. The focus is on managing symptoms and keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. Hospice care teams can also provide equipment, medications, and supplies. When receiving medical care, our focus is on comfort, not to cure.

Types of medical care provided through end of life care may be:

• assistance with eating or drinking
• monitoring vital signs
• performing tests
• pain management
• assistance with bathing or using the restroom
• supplying medical equipment such as oxygen tanks or special beds

Your hospice team at Crown Hospice will work with you and your doctor to develop a plan of care that meets your needs and preferences. We will consider your diagnosis, your insurance coverage, and what you want for your end-of-life goals and wishes.

Pain Management

One of the most important focuses of end-of-life care is pain management. Your hospice care team will work with the patient to develop a plan to manage pain and other symptoms. There are many different ways to manage pain, and the approach will be tailored to the individual.

Some methods of pain management that may be used include:

• medications
• massage
• relaxation techniques
• aromatherapy
• acupuncture
• hypnosis
• water therapy

It is important to manage pain so the patient can enjoy their remaining time and have a good quality of life. The hospice care team at Crown Hospice will work with you to find the best approach for managing your pain. The patient has complete control over their pain management plan and can change it at any time.

Emotional Support

End-of-life care also focuses on providing emotional support for the patient and their family. This can be a difficult time, and it is normal to feel a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, denial, or anxiety. Your hospice care team is there to provide support and resources. We can connect you with counseling services or support groups.

Some emotional support services that may be available include:

• individual counseling
• family counseling
• support groups
• grief counseling
• psychological services
• art therapy
• music therapy
• pet therapy
• massage therapy
• yoga

It is important to have someone to talk to during this difficult time. The hospice care team can provide emotional support and resources to help you through this process. This is one of the main reasons you want to choose a great hospice care provider. A compassionate and caring hospice care team can make all the difference when providing emotional support to the patient and their family.

Spiritual Guidance

For many people, end-of-life care is also a time to reflect on their spirituality. The hospice care team at Crown Hospice can provide spiritual guidance and support if desired. We believe that everyone has their own spiritual needs and we will tailor our services to meet yours.

Some spiritual services that may be available include:

• prayer
• meditation
• spiritual counseling
• sacred readings
• religious rituals
• end-of-life planning
• eulogy assistance
• grief support resources
• pre-planning funeral services

We can provide support and resources regardless of your spiritual beliefs. We have a chaplain on staff who is available to provide spiritual guidance if desired. The hospice care team at Crown Hospice will work with you to ensure that your spiritual needs are met. We will also work with you and your family on what you would like to happen after you pass. Individuals have various beliefs on what should happen after death and we will make sure your wishes are honored.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what end-of-life care focuses on, you can start to plan for your own needs or the needs of a loved one. It is important to have a good understanding of all the different available services. End of life care can significantly improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. For those facing a terminal illness or nearing the end of their life, hospice care provides relief and peace. With the main focus of Crown Hospice end of life care being on medical care, pain management, emotional support, and spiritual support, you and your family can be at ease knowing that you will be taken care of. To determine if end of life care is right for you or a loved one, please consult with your doctor. They can help you make the best decision based on your individual needs.

If you are looking for the best end of life care services, we encourage you to consider Crown Hospice. We have been the leading provider of hospice and end of life care for Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We are here to provide support and resources throughout the end-of-life journey. We will work with you to ensure that all your needs are met. If you would like more information about hospice care services from Crown Hospice, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for reading our article. We hope you found it helpful and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Related Questions

What are some of the benefits of end of life care?

A few benefits of end of life care are that it can help with pain management, and provide emotional support, and spiritual guidance. End of life care can also provide resources for pre-planning funeral services.

How do I choose a hospice provider?

When choosing a hospice provider, you want to ensure that they are accredited. You also want to make sure that they have a good reputation and provide the services that you are looking for. Additionally, you want to choose a provider who has a compassionate and caring staff.

Is end of life care expensive?

Generally, Medicare will cover the cost of end of life care. There may be some out-of-pocket costs depending on the services that are provided. You can talk to your hospice care team about what costs you may be responsible for.

Who qualifies for end of life care?

Patients who have a life-limiting illness and have a prognosis of six months or less may qualify for end of life care. End of life care is provided to patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment. To see whether you or a loved one is qualified to receive end of life care, please consult your doctor.