Compassionate Caring and Planning with Shining Light
At Shining Light Hospice Care, we provide both hospice care and palliative care. While both services are related, they are not identical. We explore what patients and family members should know below, but our compassionate caregivers are also happy to answer your questions.
At Shining Light Hospice Care, we provide both hospice care and palliative care. While both services are related, they are not identical. We explore what patients and family members should know below, but our compassionate caregivers are also happy to answer your questions. Contact us to learn more.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specially designed for patients who are struggling with serious illnesses. We focus on providing relief from painful, debilitating symptoms and increasing quality of life, while also bridging the gap to work with your other doctors and ensure caring, compassionate support is available at all times.
Key facts to know about Shining Light Hospice palliative care:
- Focused on improving patient quality of life, addressing pain and discomfort, and recovery.
- Our nurse practitioners work with patients and family members to manage a broad range of chronic illnesses. A few examples include:
- Lung diseases (COPD, etc.)
- Dementia
- Cancer
- ALS
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Some of the more commonly required services delivered as part of palliative care may include:
- Pain management
- Symptom management
- Discussions about the goal of caregiving
- Advanced care planning
- Patient/family education
- Family support
- In some cases, patients may transition from palliative care to hospice care.
- A palliative care team may include the following medical professionals:
- Chaplains
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Nutritionists/dietitians
- Social workers
Contact us today to learn more about palliative care services.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is focused on improving a patient’s quality of life. In many ways, it is an affirmation of life, giving patients relief from fear, worry, and stress. This can be a difficult time for both patients and their families, and our goal is always to provide comfort for the mind, body, and spirit. Hospice care can be provided in a patient’s home, or the home of a family member or friend, or even in a long-term care facility. In all cases, our caring professionals comfort and dignity.
Key facts for patients and family members to know about hospice care include the following:
- Hospice care is focused on the quality of life and freedom from pain and discomfort.
- Hospice care can include palliative care, as well as other types of care depending on the situation.
- Hospice services may include care provided by many different caregivers, including:
- Chaplains
- Social workers
- Nurses and nurses’ aides
- Hospice volunteers
- Qualifying patients are often covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, offsetting any potential financial burden.
- Hospice care is often delivered in the comfort of a patient’s home, but can also occur in the home of a loved one, or even in an assisted living facility or hospital.
- In addition to providing care for the patient, hospice care can offer vital support and education for family members and other loved ones.
Get in touch for more information about hospice care services.
The Importance of Hospice Care
While palliative care can provide many patients with the comfort and support they require when dealing with serious health conditions and debilitating medical treatments, hospice care is more focused on freedom from pain, and peace. It is a fully integrative treatment option, which can include not only palliative care but also other services tailored to help your loved one enjoy less pain and discomfort during their remaining time. Shining Light Hospice Care also offers care for a patient’s medical needs, their spiritual requirements, and their emotional requirements.
Hospice care is primarily designed for patients who are nearing the end of their life, usually with six months or less expected. This can be a very difficult time, and our goal is to enable each patient to enjoy their remaining time with dignity and comfort, free of pain. Also, hospice care provides help and support for family members and friends.
- 24/7 intensive home care for patients
- Support teams trained to offer emotional and spiritual guidance
- A full suite of day-to-day care and activities
- Hospice respite care helps caregivers take a step back while delivering critical care for patients
The Four Levels of Hospice Care Available
Hospice Home Care
Designed to provide care and comfort in a patient’s own home, this service can also be tailored for a family member’s home, hospital, or long-term care facility. Hospice home care offers relief from pain and discomfort, companionship, and more.
Intensive Home Hospice Care
For patients with more intensive care needs, 24/hour hospice care is a possibility. Knowledgeable caregivers work to treat symptoms, alleviate pain, and ensure that patients enjoy a high quality of life with dignity.
Inpatient Hospice Care
For patients who must be within a medical facility for some or all of their hospice treatment, this service provides constant care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients can transition to home hospice care easily.
Respite Hospice Care
Designed to benefit both patients and caregivers, respite hospice care can be arranged for up to five days and five nights. Experienced caregivers provide compassionate treatment and pain relief, as well as companionship.