As families navigate the intricate path of a loved one’s end-of-life journey, an emphasis on personalization helps to maximize support and quality of life. Each individual has unique needs to be met and personal wishes for activities, care, and comfort. As a preferred provider of hospice care, we understand the significance of tailoring end-of-life care to each individual. The following are some of the ways hospice care can be personally crafted for each patient:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment. No assumptions should be made when a patient is admitted for care. Rather, a thorough assessment with the patient and their family or caregivers is conducted to understand fully the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of the patient.
- Create a customized care plan. A tailored care plan should be created based on the findings of the comprehensive assessment. This plan should address the unique needs and preferences of the patient and his or her loved ones. This robust plan outlines the medical condition, medications, pain and symptom management requirements, dietary restrictions and desires, therapies, personal comfort preferences, spiritual or cultural wishes, emotional support, and personal goals of the patient. This plan holds a lot of information that directs the patient’s care, and no two care plans are the same.
- Hold regular team meetings. The hospice care team is typically an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, and volunteers. By holding consistent team meetings at regular intervals, a hospice provider can ensure that all aspects of care and comfort are addressed and all team members are fully informed.
- Understand and celebrate culture and religion. Understanding each patient’s cultural and religious background is integral. Particularly at the end-of-life stage, individuals often feel a strong sense of cultural and spiritual identity. Understanding and honoring this may help patients find meaning and purpose in life: offering time to reflect on the relationships, trials, triumphs, and lessons along the life journey. Many cultural practices offer a sense of belonging, community, and connection. Many spiritual traditions also provide comfort and continuity for individuals as they navigate the uncertainty of their final chapter.
- Focus on quality of life. Enhancing the patient’s comfort and quality of life is the ultimate goal of hospice care. Understanding each patient and how to deliver comfort, peace, and joy in a unique way is key. This may involve non-traditional therapies like pet therapy, massage therapy, or music therapy. It could include pursuing activities like scrapbooking, meditation, being read to, video-chatting with loved ones. This looks different for each patient. Taking time to understand what is comforting and memorable for the patient, and prioritizing those activities is what elevates quality of life.
By personalizing hospice care to your loves one’s needs and wishes, you can offer a more supportive, comfortable, and meaningful experience during this final stage of life. While hospice care is a form of health care, it is more than medical treatment – it is compassionate, holistic care that honors the unique individuality of each patient.
As a preferred hospice provider in Ohio, we extend or care beyond conventional approaches. We care on a personal level to make sure every patient and family member is in an environment where dignity, respect, and individuality flourish. At Remembrance Hospice, we proudly offer personalized palliative care and hospice care in Medina, Ohio and surrounding communities. Call us to learn more.
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