Benefits of Hospice

                The benefits of Grace Hospice care at end of life can be more beneficial than not having Hospice Services. Family members end stage of life can be very stressful and sad. Having access to knowledge and expertise from professionals in end of life care can make the quality of life outweigh the quantity of days.

          Hospice can be a scary idea for someone who is unfamiliar with the topic. There is a common misconception that those on Hospice Services are on their deathbeds. For family members it signifies a death is "around the corner." Hospice is a choice for someone who is terminally ill that no longer wants to seek curative or aggressive treatments for their disease. They are letting the natural progression of the disease take its course. Not only is Hospice for the patients, but it is there to support family members and caregivers during their time of need.  Hospice helps support families with their spiritual and emotional crises, as well as psychosocial needs. One of the most important goals for Grace Hospice care is keeping the patients comfortable, and allowing them to pass away with ease and dignity as they approach the end of their lives.

            Our company motto is:

"For each employee to treat every patient as their own treasured loved one, providing care that affords a quality of life that outweighs quantity of days, and supports caregivers as their hearts find healing."

                             Skilled Nurses are there to monitor the patient's decline, pain level, and skin integrity. Nurses are there to provide care during terminal restlessness or difficulty breathing, keeping them comfortable along the way. Their knowledge and compassion provides a confident environment. Certified Hospice Aides are one of the most important services that can be provided to a patient at end of life. Aides help with the daily living tasks that someone who is terminally ill can no longer do for herself or himself such as bathing, shaving, dressing, incontinence checks, and emotional support. Social Workers help to guide patients and families through the unknown. They help find resources for housing, legal documentation, and insurance questions. Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional guidance and offer bereavement support to the family after death. Volunteers also offer important Hospice Services as they can sit with patients to help relieve caregivers of burnout and breakdown.

                     People without Hospice Services may have a difficult death. They do not get the comforting support and medical care that they deserve. Families could fall into emotional turmoil which could lead to distress for the dying person. Confusion could arise at time of death as to what to do with the body, who to call, and whether or not to call an ambulance. It can be very difficult for someone to care for a loved one alone at the end of their life. Having all of the services provided in Hospice Care will make caring for a terminally ill person easier on the family members and caregivers.

           In my opinion, having the support from a team of professionals during a loved one’s end stage of life would be the most beneficial to all involved. The goal of hospice is for someone to have a comfortable, peaceful passing. People shouldn't have to be alone, and Hospice can help. Having a team available around the clock brings amazing peace of mind.