Hospice Care in Portland, OR

When you or your loved one is suffering from an incurable illness, and all treatment methods have been exercised without success, hospice care may be the next step in your journey. Hospice care affirms life; it does not provide a resource for combating the inevitable. Instead, hospice care provides support and guidance, so you or your loved one care get the most out of your time left, promoting a better quality of life.

Compassionate Care for Your Family

Hospice care is designed to accommodate people who are facing a terminal illness, providing them with the care and dignity they need to experience fulfillment during their final stage of life. However, the care extends beyond just the person with the illness, as it also helps the family and loved ones during this challenging time.

Beginning Hospice Care

Hospice care begins when a disease or illness can no longer be controlled or cured. Once a person has tried all avenues of treatment without improvement, the focus shifts to embracing the time they have left so they can leave this world peacefully.

Typically, hospice care begins when a person is predicted to live six months or less due to their illness, or when they have run out of treatment options. In most situations, an individual will discuss beginning hospice care with their doctor and family to determine whether it’s the right course of action.

It’s the Person’s Choice

Not all doctors will bring up hospice care, and some families may be reluctant to touch on the idea as it’s often associated with giving up the battle. However, the true meaning of hospice care is not about admitting defeat; it’s about reclaiming control of your life, accepting your time, and finding ways to experience a better quality of life during the last stretch of your journey.

Ultimately, hospice care is the person’s choice. They can choose to bring it up whenever they feel ready. If during their hospice care, they decide to pursue a new treatment path, that’s welcome too. There are no rule books or contracts when it comes to hospice care. It’s a resource to find comfort while navigating terminal illness.

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care may look different for everyone depending on their specific needs and the hospice provider they work with. However, there are several services that are included by all providers, regardless of their approach to hospice care, including palliative care and symptom management, medical care, emotional and spiritual support, practical assistance, and family support.

Palliative Care and Symptom Management

Palliative care and symptom management are a vital part of hospice care, as many patients in hospice care are no longer following a treatment plan for their illness, leaving them with any pain, discomfort, and emotional strain that may be associated with their illness.

Palliative care aims to treat or prevent the symptoms of illness, such as nausea, anxiety, or other discomforts. This type of care considers how the person may be feeling physically and emotionally, and addresses mental, emotional, and physical side effects with the person’s comfort as the main priority.

Medical Care

Another important aspect of hospice care is medical care. Hospice care teams are made up of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, who provide regular check-ups and medical treatments to manage symptoms.

These professionals work closely with the patient’s primary care physician and other healthcare providers to develop a care plan that is tailored to the patient’s individual needs. This care plan is regularly reviewed and updated throughout hospice care to ensure their comfort and quality of life are being prioritized.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Hospice care teams understand that dealing with a terminal illness is a difficult and emotional experience for both the patient and their loved ones. Therefore, they provide emotional and spiritual support to help them cope. Emotional support may come in the form of counseling, therapy, and support groups, and the hospice care team members are also trained to provide a listening ear, comfort, and guidance.

Many patients also seek spiritual support during this time. Since religious and spiritual beliefs vary, a patient’s spiritual care is uniquely designed to fit their beliefs. This support helps a patient navigate death in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

Bereavement Care

Hospice care teams provide bereavement support to help loved ones cope with their loss. This service is geared toward helping the family navigate the grieving process following the death of their loved one. Bereavement support may be handled by a trained volunteer, counselor, or clergy member who extends bereavement support through follow-up visits, phone calls, support groups, or other types of contact. In addition to bereavement support, a hospice team member can refer the patient’s loved ones to other medical or professional care resources if they feel they need it during their time of grieving.

Coordinating Care

When a person chooses to pursue hospice care, the hospice team is responsible for coordinating and supervising all the care the person receives during this time. The hospice team is also responsible for sharing information with the other hospice care members and family. If a patient or family member has an issue during hospice care, no matter the time of day, they may call one of their hospice care team members for support or help.

Agape Hospice NW Is Here for You

At Agape Hospice NW, we understand that dealing with a terminal illness can be an overwhelming and emotionally taxing experience. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support to both the patient and the family during this challenging time.

Our hospice care provides you with the guidance, compassion, and dignity you and your loved ones need to have the best quality of life during this time. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about hospice care with Agape Hospice NW.