Patient & Family Services

Integrative Therapies – Expanding Patient Choices

Music, healing touch, reflexology, massage and pet therapy create an atmosphere of serenity and comfort for the soul.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which a trained music therapist uses music and all of its facets—physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual—to help clients to improve or maintain their health.

Healing Touch

Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy which assists in balancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Healing Touch works with an individual’s energy field to help eliminate stress, calm anxiety and reduce pain. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care.

Reflexology

Reflexology, also know as zone therapy, is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, can reduce pain, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

Massage Therapy

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation, (muscles and connective tissue). Massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint stiffness, reduce edema and to promote relaxation and well-being.

Reiki

Reiki teachings claim that there is an inexhaustible, universal “life force” or spiritual energy that can be used to induce a healing effect. Reiki is described as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner’s hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a recipient.

Pet Therapy

Pet therapy offers psychological benefits in terms of emotional connection, stress reduction and reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation for our patients and families. Pets are certified as pet therapy animals and owners must complete all criteria for patient care volunteers.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds. It can be useful in reducing stressful symptoms of pain, anxiety, agitation, depression, grief, nausea and insomnia. It can be a complement to massage therapy.

Bereavement Information

Hope Bereavement Center
Counseling and support services can be a guide through some of the challenges of grieving as a person adjusts to his/her loss. Bereavement support groups, facilitated by professional grief counselors, meet weekly. For registration and general information, call our Bereavement Department at 760.431.4100.

Bereavement Resources:

• When to Use Our Services
• How Children and Adolescents Grieve
• Teens and Grief
• The Six Reconciliation Needs of Mourning Children
• Helping Children and Teens Cope with Death
• Similarities/Differences Between Child and Adult Grief Process
• Parenting During Times of Stress and Loss
• A Message to Survivors

Spiritual Support and Memorial Services

Hospice of the North Coast cares for the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Some nurture their spirit by belonging to a particular religion or faith. Others find comfort and healing through the beauty of nature, music, the arts, and the love of family, friends and pets. Our chaplains respect individual beliefs and are available for support and guidance.

Chaplains are vital members of the hospice collaborative healthcare team. They provide interfaith spiritual support to patients, families and staff and can be called upon to provide services that include but are not limited to:

• Companionship
• Spiritual, emotional, grief support and counseling
• Assistance with prayer, scripture, hymns, calming music
• Contacting the patient’s clergy
• Exploring unresolved end of life concerns
• Teaching guided imagery and simple forms of meditation
• Recommendations for related educational materials
• Encouragement and support for understanding relationships and resolving conflict
• Maintaining one’s sense of humor
• Creating a peaceful environment at the time of death
• Assistance with planning and/or facilitating a funeral, memorial services and celebrations of life