Published: February 20, 2023
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Hospice care is a type of care based on the philosophy that comprehensive care for seriously ill patients should attend to more than just their physical symptoms, and instead, focus on all their holistic needs. This can mean attending to their psychological and emotional needs as much as to their spiritual and social needs. Hospice care at home is thus a type of specialized in-home medical care that focuses on offering patients relief from the stress and symptoms of their condition, as well as improving the quality of life in a variety of ways. Holding ourselves to the utmost standards of medical professionalism, our goal at Traditions Health is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care while promoting the absolute best quality of life for our patients and their families.
Hospice care can be especially helpful for cancer patients and their families, as cancer often causes severe physical, psychological, and emotional issues, even after treatment has ended. Moreover, when treatment options fail, or when remission is no longer possible, patients will inevitably have complex medical needs as well as a desire to fulfill alternative goals and aspirations throughout the end-of-life process. In these circumstances, hospice care can be an invaluable resource that provides the full support necessary to meet the needs of both the cancer patient and their family.
At-Home Hospice Services for Cancer Patients
The primary focus of hospice care is to provide holistic care for patients suffering from a life-threatening illness. This can mean attending to their physical needs (providing relief from pain and discomfort) as well as providing psychological and emotional support (relief from stress and anxiety). Read more about the variety of services that may be utilized through hospice care at home for cancer patients:
- Symptom Management – The primary goal of hospice care is to alleviate the symptoms and regulate the discomfort. Common physical symptoms of cancer include pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and insomnia. Hospice care services will take active steps to manage a patient’s symptoms allowing the patient to remain comfortable at home throughout the end of their life.
- Comprehensive Care – Hospice care teams are comprised of a diverse staff of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, caregivers, spiritual aides, and other specialists who are uniquely trained to provide care for cancer patients. These specialists will use their respective experiences to attend to the varied needs of the patient and their families. By focusing holistically on a patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs, hospice care aims to improve the well-being of cancer patients in as many ways as possible.
- Respite Care for Caregivers – Being a caregiver for a chronically ill cancer patient comes with many challenges. In addition to managing finances and providing transportation to appointments, cancer patients often require around-the-clock support. The demands of caring for themselves and the patient can take a toll, which can lead to “burnout”. In these circumstances, hospice care can provide respite care services in the home which gives caregivers time to recuperate, recharge, and refocus.
- Caregiver Education & Emotional Support – In addition to providing respite care for caregivers, hospice care services also provide caregiver education and emotional support. As the cancer patient grows weaker and experiences more complicated needs, caregivers will be relied on more for support. To help, hospice care services train primary caregivers on appropriate ways that they can attend to the specific needs of the patient in the home. Furthermore, by providing comprehensive emotional support, hospice care ensures that both patients and their caregiver’s emotional needs are addressed.
When To Get Hospice Care
Hospice can make a profound difference and help maximize quality of life. Hospice is ideally suited to care for patients in the last six months of life. The earlier a person begins hospice, the more it can help. If you’re interested in getting hospice care services for your loved one, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for more information.
Contact Traditions Health to Learn More
To learn more about hospice care services for cancer patients or to see if it is a viable option for your loved one, contact Traditions Health today. Our hospice care program provides comprehensive care for all types of patients coping with a life-limiting illness. Find out how our compassionate, supportive hospice care service teams and extensive network of volunteers can significantly improve the quality of life for your loved one and family.
