Honoring Lives: Celebrating the Impact of Hospice on Families and Communities
Hospice centers and palliative care providers play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families. We will all reach the end of our lives at some point, and sometimes, the final days, weeks, and months can be especially arduous. Fortunately, hospice care can improve someone’s quality of life and help ease the burden on loved ones.
Here’s How Palliative Care Improves Lives
Modern medicine has come a long way over the years. We can now treat more diseases than ever before, and people are living much longer now, on average, than 50 years ago. Yet despite all the advances in medical care, not every disease is treatable, and aging still wears the body down.
If a disease or condition can’t be cured and will ultimately prove fatal, the focus may shift to relieving the individual’s symptoms and pain. With hospice care, it’s often possible to provide people with months, if not years, of comfort and respite. In some cases, the prognosis may change, and a patient’s underlying conditions will improve. Occasionally, people even exit hospice care.
Without palliative care, patients may focus too much on fighting their illness and may suffer as a result. Their condition could deplete their energy, and they may struggle to meet basic requirements like eating a healthy diet or enjoying a restful night’s sleep.
Further, families may not have the necessary skills they need to properly care for their loved ones. This can be distressing for family members and friends as they won’t want to see a loved one suffering.
Honoring Patients and Caregivers
Ultimately, hospice care honors the patients being cared for and helps ensure a comfortable, dignified life. You’re not throwing in the towel when you turn to hospice care but instead are taking the necessary steps to ensure your comfort and well-being.
Hospice care can help with medical equity, ensuring that patients from every background can enjoy comfort and relief. What’s more, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the diversity of hospice patients has progressed over the last 20 years, with more hospice-eligible Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans opting for hospice care. Are you considering palliative care for yourself or your loved ones? If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Savior Hospice & Palliative Care today.
Posted 10/20/23