THE ROLE OF HOSPICE HAS CHANGED

The role that hospice plays within a family has changed over the years.  It was once thought that hospice was only called in when the last few remaining days of a patient’s life had been reached.  Now, however, many are surprised to learn all the ways that hospice services can provide value to the patient and family members for longer than just a few days.  It is an extremely important role, to be sure.  Making a decision to call for hospice services is, in fact, one of the most important choices one can make in life … and for a life when death is on the horizon.

A WELCOME RELIEF

Caring hospice staff enable family caregivers to breathe a sigh of relief.  Providing 24/7 critical care to a loved one can be a daunting task because there’s so much at stake and the emotional toll can be tremendous.  Family members with loved ones who are at the end stages of life can easily get overwhelmed.  The goal, of course, is to provide the loved one with the absolute best care possible, ensuring the patient gets relief from pain, as well as every other ounce of complete care possible.  No one wants to see a loved one suffer.  When there’s nothing else that can be done, hospice can be there to offer help, support, advice, and comfort, not only to the patient, but to the patient’s family members.

COMPASSIONATE CARE

All nurses of Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) are hospice-certified, which means they have been trained and accredited with the particularly needed skills that hospice staff must have.  Personalized and individualized care that is customized to each patient is the goal to ensure the absolute best quality care.  Hospice staff members assume their role for a reason: they care.  They care about people’s needs and the needs of those family members who are also dealing with grief.  They have many resources at their disposal to assist patients and family members during the most difficult times.

Acting as a loved one’s caregiver during the final days of life can take a tremendous toll on family members. HNC can be there to provide much-needed assistance to all involved.  If you or your family find yourself in such a situation, there is help.  Please call us.