How does hospice “manage pain”?
Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical, speech and occupational therapists assist patients to be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible. They are often joined by specialists schooled in music therapy, art therapy, massage and diet counseling. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so it addresses each. Finally, counselors of all kinds, including clergy, are available to assist family members as well as patients.
Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief.. Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can be kept pain free and comfortable. It is the goal of hospice to allow the patient to be pain free but alert. By constantly consulting with the patient, hospices have been very successful in reaching this goal.
For the dying, pain is often on many levels. There is the physical pain, and hospice staffs are well briefed on the latest medications, therapies and devices to alleviate pain and disease symptoms. Their success rate in reducing pain is very high: nearly 95%. It is important for patients to understand that these treatments do not turn them into ‘drug addicts’ or make them unconscious. The goal is to get the balance right between making a patient pain-free and comfortable, yet keeping them alert. Hospice staffs are also conscious of the emotional, spiritual and social aspects of pain, and address those as well. Their goal is to make patients as mobile and self-sufficient as possible for as long as possible. When that is no longer feasible, then they strive to help the patient reach a level of personal peace and comfort. Various other therapies may be offered, such as pet or music therapies, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, and learning to write in a journal. Patients are cared f
Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so the team seeks to address each type of pain. The hospice nurses and Medical Directors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. Treatment for our patients is based on the latest research and best-practice guidelines. Social workers are also available to help the family plan for the end of life and to assist with any unresolved family issues. They also offer assistance with DNR orders, Advance Directives and funeral planning. The chaplain is available upon request to meet with the patient and family to help sort through the powerful questions that sometimes arise when one is facing the end of life. The chaplain provides support in accordance with the patient’s and family’s beliefs and can bring a special spiritual comfort.
Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so we can address each. Hospice nurses and doctors are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. Hospice has a very high success rate in battling pain. Families often worry about medications preventing the patient from being able to talk, know what’s happening, or from being ‘themselves.’ Some families even worry about addiction. It is the goal of hospice to have the patient as pain free and alert as possible for as long as possible. By constantly consulting with the patient, their families and their physician, hospice has been very successful in reaching this goal.
