Hospice care is a type of healthcare that is provided only to those who have been given a terminal diagnosis. This care, provided to them in a unique manner, is created to absorb or control pain and suffering, to support and dignify those terminally ill. This care also helps them and their family members make the most of their transient time together, and often to prolong the period of life for the patient.
The first, and perhaps the most important benefit, is the very close attention to pain and symptom relief. Hospice teams learn to deal with the symptoms of many terminal illnesses – such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and so on. This gives patients a chance at a significant, symptom-managed life, and thus provides them with comfort and peace for the remainder of their time.
Hospice care is also designed to be given in the home so that the patient remains as autonomous as possible and can remain in a familiar setting and surrounded by his/her family. This remains often the best solution for everyone concerned and provides great comfort during the end-of-life process, bringing peace of mind for those who are left behind.
Aside from physical care, hospice teams provide patients and families with emotional and spiritual support, including counselling, spiritual counselling, and support groups to help patients and families contend with the emotional stresses of a terminal illness.
Another advantage of hospice is that it frequently reduces hospitalization and other forms of medical intervention. Hospice teams can manage symptoms in a less invasive way and in a manner more focused on comfort and quality of life. This can reduce stress and discomfort of hospitalization, leaving patients feeling more relaxed and at peace.
Hospice care can sometimes prolong life, too, by improving a patient’s condition enough to avoid hospitalization or intensive care, which can be burdensome and traumatic. By providing attentive, compassionate care, a hospice team might be able to help patients better manage their symptoms and live longer than they otherwise would.
Hospice care can potentially benefit the patient’s family, particularly, since most caregiving is performed by family members. For the family, hospice personnel offer the best means of assured support, including practical help such as grooming and mobility, plus the best advice and assistance with the legal and fiscal aspects relating to care during this hard time.
Overall, hospice care around Los Angeles offers many valuable benefits to be of help to both the patients and their family members. Hospice care provides pain and symptom management according to one’s wishes to improve their overall quality of life. Hospice care also provides emotional and spiritual support and help with daily tasks and activities that they used to manage during their prior healthy living. Thus, hospice care can help improve their quality of life, lead a more relaxed and psychologically sound day-to-day, and bring peace of mind to both the patients and their family members. In conclusion, hospice care can be an irreplaceable resource that patients and family members can turn to during a very difficult time of their life, especially at their end-of-life journey, with comfort care and support, as well as providing with the dignity they need most when they are most vulnerable to pain.