A diagnosis of a terminal illness or the progression of life-limiting health condition is difficult for everyone—the patient, their caregivers, and their family and friends. In addition to pursuing curative treatments and mitigating painful symptoms and side effects, there are other conversations to be had about maintaining quality of life and protecting one’s independence and dignity until the end.
At Hospice of Southwest Ohio, we understand that when a loved one is nearing the end of life, preserving their comfort and dignity must become a top priority; it is this guiding principle that empowers us to provide compassionate, professional care for those with incurable illnesses. We also recognize that choosing hospice care for your loved one can be a difficult, overwhelming, and emotionally fraught decision to make—and while we can’t lessen the pain of losing a loved one, we can help you explore all possible options for end-of-life care.
If your loved one is dealing with a terminal illness, it might be time to explore different options for hospice care to ensure they are comfortable in their final months. Depending on the diagnosis, the level of care needed, and the wishes of your loved one, hospice care can be provided in different settings: In your home, in a hospice care center, or in a healthcare facility. Let’s explore the different options.
In Your Home
If your loved one wishes to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home during their final months, Hospice of Southwest Ohio can work with you to arrange routine in-home hospice care.
With routine care, a member of the hospice team will come by the house per an individualized plan of care to check in and make sure the patient is comfortable and experiencing relief from pain and other symptoms. Home care will typically include:
- Help with daily activities
- Oversight of medications
- Pain and symptom management
- Personal care
- Emotional and spiritual support for your loved one and family members
- Resource coordination
- Wound care
Receiving hospice care in a familiar environment can keep patients relaxed and mitigate issues associated with anxiety and depression; however, this sort of care will often require coordination with family members or other caregivers to provide support, as well as special equipment and preparation.
To learn more, visit our page about routine in-home care.
In a Hospice Care Center
For new patients transitioning from a hospital or those needing additional support for their symptoms 24 hours a day, receiving care through a designated hospice care center (like our facility in Madeira, OH) can be an excellent option.
In our facility, our team of licensed nurses, social workers, chaplains and hospice aides, overseen by board-certified hospice physicians, will:
- Help manage acute symptoms, including pain and shortness of breath
- Adjust medication and treatment plans
- Offer respite care when family caregivers require a break
- Provide residential care for those needing additional support for their disease symptoms 24 hours a day
Our care center also boasts private suites with ample space for overnight guests. For a virtual tour of our facility and more information of the services and care you can expect, visit our Care Center page.
In a Healthcare Facility
At Hospice of Southwest Ohio, our priority is to provide compassionate care in a relaxed and safe environment—and sometimes this means arranging for hospice care in a nursing home, hospital or assisted living care facility. If your loved one is too sick to be transported from a hospital or wishes to stay in the community of their assisted living center or nursing home, we will work with you to provide our services where the patient will be most comfortable.
No matter where they are receiving our services, your loved one can expect the same quality, professional care from our qualified team, including:
- A personalized care plan based on specific needs
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Access to professional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Additional personal care
In addition, the patient can continue receiving care from their primary physician. Primary physicians and hospice caregivers work together, and typically the hospice team will visit on a regular basis to check on the patient’s status and ensure they continue experiencing relief from symptoms.
No matter where your loved one is in their end-of-life journey, Hospice of Southwest Ohio is here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have about hospice care at home, at a care facility or in a healthcare center. If you’re ready to explore hospice care options for yourself or a loved one, contact us today.
