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Carrolltown Hospice Care Services That One May Consider


By Gannon G. Hollick


The diagnosis of terminal illnesses should never be taken as a death sentence. Indeed persons with such illnesses should be treated like any other patients and should receive the best medical care available. This ensures that they increase both the quality and the quantity of what is left of their lives in the world. There are a number of Carrolltown hospice care services patients should know about if they have been diagnosed with such an illness.

One of things that the facility does is to continue with palliative treatment that includes the control of pain and other related symptoms. Any side effects that may result from the administration of medication are managed as well. This ensures that your loved one remains comfortable and in control of their life. They need to be in a position to make important decisions regarding their family and property as is often required.

There are a number of different arrangements that you can consider. These include home-based care, inpatient care in a healthcare facility or a mixture of both. The choice is determined by a number of factors that include, the stage and type of the illness, distance from a hospital (in case of an emergency) and availability of care givers at home. Advanced and complicated cases should ideally be monitored closely in hospital.

Many of these facilities have a program that manages of spiritual health for their patients. This is important because persons whose time in the world is coming to an end have many questions related to life and whether or not there is an afterlife. With science providing very little in credible solutions, religion remains the only source of hope at this point. Regular visits by religious leaders, use of literature and engagement in fellowships are some of the ways of engaging patients.

Family meetings are usually scheduled regularly by the hospice. The meetings are typically led by the primary care giver (either the nurse or the doctor). The caregiver updates the family members on the progress that has been made and informs them on ways in which treatment can be optimized. Family members also get an opportunity to engage with the patient and to provide encouragement.

The treatment of cancer requires multidisciplinary input due to its complexity. The multidisciplinary team usually includes, among others, the nurse, the doctor, pharmacists and the clergy. Ordinarily, it is quite difficult to have all the required specialists available for the patient. The hospice makes it easier for them to make coordinated visits and to consult with each other on the best way on how to manage a particular patient.

Respite care may be provided for those that chose the home-based arrangement. What this means is that relatives are relieved of the duties of taking care of the patient for some time so that they can have an opportunity to engage in other activities. Such may include vacations, weddings, traveling and so on. During this period, the patient is accommodated in an in-patient facility.

We have to accept that we will lose our loved ones at some point and we should prepare for the same. Hospices ensure that both the patient and the family are well prepared for this eventuality and stand by the bereaved during their time of mourning. Support may come in the form of phone calls, professional counseling or enrollment into support groups.