What is hospice?
Hospice brings compassionate care and support to those diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses. The hospice team is specially trained to provide patients and families with support and services through and beyond the end of life. The hospice team treats the whole person, with a focus on improving the quality of life that remains, rather than trying to cure a disease.
The hospice concept affirms life. With the emphasis on comfort, families can spend time simply being together. Hospice provides specialized care and services throughout your time of need with the goal of managing a patient’s pain and symptoms so that they may live each day as fully and comfortably as possible while protecting your dignity where you feel most at home, whether in a private residence, nursing facility, assisted living residence, memory care or group home.
When is the right time for hospice?
Hospice has long been considered the premier choice for compassionate care at the end of life. Your hospice team works to empower patients to carry on with their lives, alert and pain-free, promote dignity, and help maximize the patient’s quality of life. While all patients with limited life expectancy will benefit from the high-quality, specialized care as soon as hospice starts, the sooner a patient elects hospice care, the more they will benefit from the support of the team surrounding them.
Many patients and families find that when in hospice care, their hope is not lost but redirected. Often, they hope that their longstanding pain or debilitating symptoms can be reduced or eliminated, that they can resolve strained relationships, or that they can spend more quality time with their family or attend a family wedding. With their pain finally well managed, many find new hope for the things their illness has taken from them.
Our experienced team will assist you with the following:
Pain & Symptom Management
Our expert hospice care team will frequently assess your needs and pain level. Your nurses and aides will work collaboratively with your physician to manage your pain and relieve symptoms, allowing you to live each day as fully and comfortably as possible.
Patient & Caregiver Education
Your care team will discuss your needs and provide access to resources for the patient and caregiver. Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Patients may feel overwhelmed, alone, or anxious. We are here to support and educate each of you 24/7.
Emotional Support
In addition to your medical team, your hospice care team includes Chaplains, Spiritual counselors, and Social Workers who are experienced in hospice care and available to support you and your family. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, have questions, or need to speak openly with someone about your feelings, our team is here to support you.
Obtaining Medication, Medical Equipment & Medical Supplies
At Illuminate Hospice, we don’t wait until you’re in crisis to order medication, equipment, or supplies. Your hospice care team will assess your needs before the start of services and order whatever is necessary to keep you comfortable. In addition, we will continually reassess as your needs change.
Family Bereavement Support
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things you can ever face. While feelings of grief are normal, handling them can be difficult and painful. Many people don’t realize that grief and bereavement care is included in the hospice services. We provide up to 13 months of bereavement support after the loss of a loved one, including access to support groups, referrals, and community resources.
