One of the primary goals of hospice care is to ensure that patients remain as comfortable as possible during the final stage of life. Families often worry about pain and distressing symptoms, but hospice care teams are trained to manage these effectively.
Common Symptoms and Care Approaches
- Pain: Controlled with medications such as opioids, non-opioid pain relievers, and adjuvant therapies. Dosing is adjusted to keep the patient comfortable.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea): Managed with oxygen, medications, and positioning to ease breathing.
- Anxiety or restlessness: Treated with supportive medications, calming environments, and reassurance.
- Loss of appetite: A natural part of the body’s decline; focus shifts to comfort rather than nutrition.
- Fatigue/weakness: Energy conservation strategies and assistance with daily needs are prioritized.
The hospice team focuses on comfort, not cure. This means:
- Medications are carefully chosen to control pain and symptoms to ease discomfort without unnecessary side effects.
- Nurses visit regularly to monitor symptoms and adjust care quickly.
- Families are taught simple ways to keep their loved ones comfortable at home and avoid hospitalization.
- Emotional and spiritual support is available for both patients and families, helping everyone feel more at peace.
End-of-life care is centered on comfort and dignity. By managing pain and symptoms proactively, hospice allows patients to spend their final days in peace at home while offering families guidance and support.
Sacred Mission Hospice is here to answer your questions and ensure your loved one receives compassionate, expert care.
