Facts About Hospice Care Bellevue WA Residents May Wish To Know

By Anna Kennedy


Palliative services are usually better provided in a hospice setting because the environment in hospices is more conducive than a hospital where terminally ill patients get to see other people come in, get treated and walk home after having their health restored. This makes them spend more time questioning their illness and why they had to be victims as other people go about their lives. Hospices are ideal for such patients because they get to benefit spiritually, emotionally and physically. These are some of the important notes regarding hospice care Bellevue WA people may find worthwhile.

Among the commonest conditions that call for care in a nursing home is advanced cancer. This when the tumor has spread widely from the primary origin to involve multiple organs in the body. It is almost impossible to get rid of such tumors and still keep the patient in their right shape and function. Such individuals are usually started on palliative treatment.

Palliation involves keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. Pain is the most common bother among terminally ill patients. Analgesic medication should be available at all times to keep the individual pain free. They are usually in so much pain that only the very strong opioids can provide relief for their woes. The healthcare team needs to be cautious when using these opioids to minimize the risk of respiratory depression.

Apart from managing pain, there are other physical needs that need to be met depending on how advanced the disease. Some patients may require assisted feeding if they are not able to feed on their own, for one reason or another. A tube may have to be inserted all the way to the stomach, from the mouth or the nose to act as a conduit for food material. Difficulties in feeding could be because the muscles are paralyzed or there is a tumor that is blocking the flow of food material.

Massive cancers of the lower gastrointestinal system may result in inability to pass stool. In such cases, a colostomy may have to be fashioned to divert stool from going to the obstructed area. Patients with permanent stomas require proper care of the bag and the skin area. The bag needs to be changed regularly and the skin around the bag should be treated with special cream to minimize excoriation.

Individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are bound in bed for most of the day and night. They are therefore at very high risk of developing bed sores. Nurses should be sure to turn them over regularly to reduce the risk of pressures. Their skin also need to be kept dry by applying special skin powder. In addition, diapers should be changed frequently.

Clients in a hospice center also benefit from spiritual nourishment provided by spiritual leaders, depending on what religion they believe in. Frequent visits from friends and family provide the much needed emotional support. Close family members are also key in making important decisions on behalf of the patient.

In conclusion, hospice care aims at providing palliation to patients with long term illnesses. It is largely composed of doctors, nurses, clergy men as well as family to ensure wholesome treatment is given to the individual. The clinical team should be available twenty four hours every single day to keep the patient in the most comfortable position physically.




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