Hospice Emotional & Spiritual Care In Linden City, California
Hospice care at the end of life is typically associated with physical care, such as checking vital signs, administering medication, and bathing the patients. This is not entirely inaccurate. In hospice care, on the other hand, while those actions are critical, the entire patient’s well-being is considered. The emotional and spiritual well-being of the patient must be given the same consideration as their physical health.
Because of the increase in the mortality rate of chronic diseases, healthcare services are facing significant challenges, which necessitates the development of innovative service solutions, such as palliative and end-of-life care, for a diverse range of patient populations. It is a delicate and demanding practice to provide high-quality care to patients with incurable illnesses and at the end of their lives. It is necessary to strike a balance between the opposing goals of extending life and alleviating suffering. Patients who do not meet the legal definition of “dying patients” are provided with pre-hospice care until they are admitted to a hospice facility. An oncology nurse follows up with these patients, and they have consultations with a palliative care specialist about their treatment options, which can take place in either a hospital or at their place of residence depending on their specific situation.
Patients and their families who meet the legal definition of “dying patients” are eligible for hospice care, as are those who do not meet the definition (i.e., incurable medical condition with life expectancy of not more than 6 months). Depending on the patient’s preference, hospice care can be provided in a hospital or at their home. Patients in home hospice receive visits from a multi-disciplinary team (physician, nurse, and social worker) at least once a week, who assist them with symptom management and pain relief, according to their preferences and desires.
Emotional Support In A Hospice Setting
As a result of their illness, it is understandable that terminally ill patients may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. As patients reflect on their lives, they may discover that they have regrets about things they have said or done – or regrets about things they never got to say or do – as a result of their experiences. Every one of these factors has the potential to significantly lower a patient’s overall quality of life. Those working in hospice social services have received special training in providing emotional support to patients in their final days of life. This includes working with them one-on-one, listening to their stories, and addressing their concerns.
Families of patients can also benefit from the hospital’s offer of emotional assistance. Caregiver’s own feelings of sadness and anxiety are being experienced as a result of the impending death of a family member or close friend. Furthermore, they may be filled with resentment and anger toward the situation or toward other members of their family. When there is tension within the family, it is possible that those who are close to the patient will experience a great deal of stress. From disappointments and disagreements to substance abuse issues, there is a wide range of emotions that can be expressed. Melodia care social workers are well-versed in the dynamics of families, and they can devise a strategy to deal with any issues that may arise within the family unit.
Spiritual Support In A Hospice Setting
Spiritual concerns are common among patients nearing the end of their lives, in addition to their emotional concerns, and they should be addressed. Their religious beliefs may be called into question, and they may be concerned about the consequences of decisions they have made in their lives, among other things. During a hospice stay, chaplaincy services provided by Melodia care’s chaplains can help to provide comfort and address spiritual concerns of the patient.
Especially with regard to veterans, many have expressed regret for some of the decisions they made while on active duty in combat situations. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that some veterans suffer from after witnessing the horrors of war. Melodia Care’s staff receives specialized training to assist Veterans who are experiencing emotional, psychological, and spiritual concerns as they near the end of their lives.
Hospice Care Is Provided For The Entire Patient
In hospice care, it is a fundamental tenet that patients with terminal illnesses have their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs met as well as their physical needs met. Providing support for the patient’s mind, body, and soul is a priority for the Melodia care team, allowing them to make the most of each and every day that they are given.
Spiritual Practices
This category also includes other spiritual interventions such as reading from scripture, singing sacred songs, or participating in religious rituals, among others. Incorrect spiritual care has the potential to cause spiritual harm if it is carried out in the wrong manner.
Professional chaplains undergo extensive training and background checks as a precautionary measure to ensure that proper spiritual care is provided to all people, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack of religious affiliation.
If you tell other hospice team members — many of whom are “called” to this work — that they are not permitted to pray or sing hymns with a patient, or if you suggest they should pray with a patient who requests it, you can be sure they will lose their team’s trust, respect, and acceptance as a result.
Supporting The Spiritual Needs Of Others
If they are religious or spiritual, encourage them to rely on their religious or spiritual beliefs. The present is an excellent opportunity for them to examine their own values and beliefs, and they can take heart in the knowledge that better days are ahead of them. Some patients may also be conflicted about their religious beliefs, which can be difficult to manage. Encourage them to speak with their spiritual advisor or clergy in order to work through any negative feelings they may be experiencing, or to participate in a religious tradition that they find meaningful and deserving of their time and attention. The importance of their relationships with others, as well as how they will be remembered by those around them, may also be important to your patient. Encourage family members and friends to express their feelings on your behalf, or consider expressing your own thoughts. It is possible to help your patient feel more uplifted and optimistic about the end of their life by attending to their spiritual needs.
Supporting The Emotional Needs Of Others
When your patient is in hospice, it is a difficult time for him or her emotionally. They may be enraged, depressed, resigned, or even at peace with the prospect of what lies ahead of them depending on their emotional state. Simply being present with them and listening to what they have to say can be enough to provide emotional support. Relaxation can be induced simply by being present in a room with someone. When a person is given the opportunity to express themselves, their anxiety, sadness, and anger can be released, resulting in more positive feelings about this stage of their life cycle. Offer gentle encouragement but do not press them to speak if you can tell they are upset or depressed, or inquire whether they would like to speak with a social worker or counsellor.
In a person’s final days on this planet, saying goodbye is an important part of the process of bringing them to a state of peace. Determine if your patient would like assistance in making arrangements for family and friends to visit or call-in order to assist them in saying their final goodbyes before they pass away. Some patients may prefer something more tangible, such as a video or a letter, which they can keep in their possession for the rest of their lives. Another option for those who enter hospice with sufficient energy is to organize a memorial service for them. Understanding and supporting your patient’s needs and desires, regardless of how they choose to say goodbye, is critical to their recovery. Having a positive attitude toward their farewell can help them feel more optimistic and at ease as they approach the end of their lives, according to research.
Identify the individual with whom your patient believes they need to make amends and inquire as to whether they would like you to schedule a meeting or phone call with them so they can express their feelings in person. With the knowledge that they have only a limited amount of time left, patients, their family members, and friends may find it easier to express their regrets. Making amends can assist a patient in clearing their conscience, allowing them to feel more optimistic about their situation as a result.
Providing Assistance To The Patient's Family
A patient’s emotional state can be influenced by the emotions of the patient’s family members. You must as a result help family members address their emotional and spiritual needs as well, whether through counselling or the guidance of a spiritual advisor. You should keep in mind that everyone grieves in their own way, and you may even need to remind your patient of this fact if there is a family member whose negative feelings are still unresolved and are having an adverse effect on your patient’s well-being.
When an individual’s life comes to an end, it can be a difficult time, but it can also be a time of reflection and memorable moments. It is possible to assist your patient in feeling more positive about this stage of their life cycle by addressing their spiritual and emotional needs during the course of the treatment. Furthermore, by assisting the family, you can contribute to ensuring that the patient has the most positive hospice experience possible.
We invite you to call us at 1-888 635-6347 (MELODI-7), if you know of someone who would benefit from hospice care or if you would like to learn more about the hospice care programs offered by Melodia Care.
