Patients suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses are usually taken to a hospice where services are tailored to the needs of the patient. Suffering from a condition that takes has no definite cure may be very depressing to both the patient and their families. Keeping them in a general hospital only breaks their spirit even further as they get to see other patients walk in and walk out healed while they remain there. A hospice provides wholesome care to the patient in terms of physical, spiritual and emotional needs. These are some of the basic principles regarding hospice care Bellevue WA residents may wish to know.
Aggressive tumor infiltration is among the top indications for placing patients under hospice care. At this point, the cancer may not adequately be controlled to a point of restoring the health of the individual. The aim of treatment on is to ensure the tumor does not spread further. Being highly susceptible to pain, analgesic drugs should be available at all times to provide relief for the patient.
Among the commonly used pain medications are opioids particularly those that fall under the strong class. Examples include drugs such as fentanyl, pethidine and morphine. In as much as they provide effective pain relief, they should be used with caution because of the numerous side effects associated with them. One of the worrying side effects is depression of the respiratory system.
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.
Having taken care of the physical, the soul and the spirit also need nourishment. Members of the clergy are employed in hospices to provide the much needed spiritual nourishment. Emotional support from close family and friends goes a long way in keeping the patient at peace.
In conclusion, it should be stated that hospices are a necessity for the terminally ill patients. Not only do they cater for their physical needs, they also keep them spiritually and emotionally nourished. Families should coordinate with healthcare givers to ensure all the needs of the patient are met.
Aggressive tumor infiltration is among the top indications for placing patients under hospice care. At this point, the cancer may not adequately be controlled to a point of restoring the health of the individual. The aim of treatment on is to ensure the tumor does not spread further. Being highly susceptible to pain, analgesic drugs should be available at all times to provide relief for the patient.
Among the commonly used pain medications are opioids particularly those that fall under the strong class. Examples include drugs such as fentanyl, pethidine and morphine. In as much as they provide effective pain relief, they should be used with caution because of the numerous side effects associated with them. One of the worrying side effects is depression of the respiratory system.
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.
Having taken care of the physical, the soul and the spirit also need nourishment. Members of the clergy are employed in hospices to provide the much needed spiritual nourishment. Emotional support from close family and friends goes a long way in keeping the patient at peace.
In conclusion, it should be stated that hospices are a necessity for the terminally ill patients. Not only do they cater for their physical needs, they also keep them spiritually and emotionally nourished. Families should coordinate with healthcare givers to ensure all the needs of the patient are met.
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You can find an overview of the advantages you get when you use hospice care Bellevue WA services at http://www.pacmedinhomecare.com/elderly-care-service-in-bellevue-wa right now.
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