lundi 9 juillet 2018

Facts About Hospice Care Bellevue WA Residents May Wish To Know

By Anna Kennedy


Patients suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses are usually taken to a hospice where services are tailored to the needs of the patient. Suffering from a condition that takes has no definite cure may be very depressing to both the patient and their families. Keeping them in a general hospital only breaks their spirit even further as they get to see other patients walk in and walk out healed while they remain there. A hospice provides wholesome care to the patient in terms of physical, spiritual and emotional needs. These are some of the basic principles regarding hospice care Bellevue WA residents may wish to know.

Cancer in one of the typical reasons that one seeks care in a hospice. In its most advanced stages, it is very difficult to eradicate. Patients are put on chemotherapeutic drugs to shrink the tumor and to keep it from multiplying further. Pain is a recurring factor among most individuals undergoing palliative care. In principle, patients live on opioid medication in order to stay sane.

Unfortunately, if given at a very high dose, they may end up causing depression of the respiratory system. It is important to ensure that analgesic drugs are readily available as pain is usually a traumatic experience for them. High strength opioids such as morphine, pethidine and fentanyl are the most preferred because of how effective they are.

For terminal ill patients with disease in the alimentary canal, nutrition needs should be a priority. Such individuals may not be able to retain foods due to obstruction. In other situations, they may take in the food but fail to absorb it because of inflammation in the gut lining. In the former, a special tube referred to as nasogastric tube needs to be inserted all the way to the stomach.

Stomas are indicated for cancers affecting the stomach. They serve to ensure that waste material is eliminated regardless of the presence an obstruction within the alimentary canal. Stoma bags need to be discarded in a timely manner to prevent the skin from getting irritated. Special ointment can also be applied on the skin to ensure the skin remains healthy.

Individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are bound in bed for most of the day and night. They are therefore at very high risk of developing bed sores. Nurses should be sure to turn them over regularly to reduce the risk of pressures. Their skin also need to be kept dry by applying special skin powder. In addition, diapers should be changed frequently.

Having taken care of the physical, the soul and the spirit also need nourishment. Members of the clergy are employed in hospices to provide the much needed spiritual nourishment. Emotional support from close family and friends goes a long way in keeping the patient at peace.

In a nut shell, hospice care is indicated for patients suffering from terminal illness such as cancer, advanced disease of the respiratory system and immunological conditions among others. The goal is to keep the patients in the most comfortable state emotionally, physically and spiritually. Healthcare providers need to work closely with the clergy and family to ensure wholesome care.




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