Published: December 1, 2021
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Hospice care does not just focus on patients who are ill and near end-of-life. These services also provide compassion and support to their families. When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminally ill disease, it can be difficult to talk about end-of-life choices. Hospice family care services are designed to make this process easier by providing family members with knowledge and guidance about end-of-life care. The support that these certified professionals lend can provide great peace of mind while also making the transition to hospice easier for both patients and their families.
Comprehensive Care for Patients and Families
When families receive a diagnosis of a terminal illness, everyone suffers. Hospice family care is made up of a dedicated team of hospice and palliative care providers who not only focus on the patient but also their loving families.
Hospice care differs significantly from standard care provided at hospitals and other medical facilities. Through hospice family care services, providers take on a comprehensive approach to ensure that both the patient’s and their family’s needs are met. This is often achieved with a coordinated approach, and sometimes with a biopsychosocial care method. Depending on the diagnosis, professionals may be introduced to the patient’s care team, such as social workers, CNAs, RNs, chaplains, and hospice volunteers. As a patient approaches the final season of life, having a supportive hospice and palliative care team is invaluable.
The Role of Family Members in Hospice Care
Family members play a vital role in the care and well-being of their loved ones. Family members can often tell if their loved one is in pain or uncomfortable just by the tone of their voice, their facial or body expressions, or by simple verbal cues. Hospice care providers can then step in to provide any necessary medical care to minimize the patient’s pain with great precision.
Hospice family care teams have vast experience dealing with all types of families experiencing the end-of-life process. Hospice providers understand the importance of providing terminally ill patients with a high standard of care and attentiveness. This is not only paramount for the happiness and comfort of the patient, but also for the peace of mind of family members. Families are able to enjoy the final days with their loved ones when they know the patient’s medical needs are being met. Patients can also feel good knowing that their families are being given extra support.
Professionals that Provide Hospice Family Care
There are many people involved in a hospice care team. Social workers can help families prepare for life changes that may occur following the death of their loved one. In addition to providing valuable knowledge and guidance, social workers can deliver community resources that help families repair damaged relationships. Hospice can also connect families with spiritual leaders. These professionals can facilitate conversations between patients and their families that help prepare them for death and memorial services. Spiritual leaders can also help families cope with any spiritual concerns or questions they may have about the dying process.
Other important members of the hospice care team include bereavement coordinators, therapists, and other support providers. These professionals can help families prepare for and deal with feelings of great loss before and after the death of their loved one. In some cases, hospice volunteers will play a part in family care. Volunteers are able to offer their time, compassion, companionship, and hospitality to grieving families. Hospice family care does not stop after the death occurs. Hospice teams often reach out to families with information and resources a year or more following the death.
Learn More About Hospice and Palliative Care
To help ensure that a person’s needs are met, end-of-life services are available. Hospice offers patients and their families the opportunity to spend their final days together in a compassionate environment that aims to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Hospice family care services also help family members become better equipped to deal with the dying process and aftermath. To learn more about hospice and palliative care services for patients and their families, contact Traditions Health today.
