Some Notes Regarding Hospice Care Bellevue WA Residents May Be Interested In

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.

Aggressive tumor infiltration is among the top indications for placing patients under hospice care. At this point, the cancer may not adequately be controlled to a point of restoring the health of the individual. The aim of treatment on is to ensure the tumor does not spread further. Being highly susceptible to pain, analgesic drugs should be available at all times to provide relief for the patient.

Among the commonly used pain medications are opioids particularly those that fall under the strong class. Examples include drugs such as fentanyl, pethidine and morphine. In as much as they provide effective pain relief, they should be used with caution because of the numerous side effects associated with them. One of the worrying side effects is depression of the respiratory system.

Apart from managing pain, there are other physical needs that need to be met depending on how advanced the disease. Some patients may require assisted feeding if they are not able to feed on their own, for one reason or another. A tube may have to be inserted all the way to the stomach, from the mouth or the nose to act as a conduit for food material. Difficulties in feeding could be because the muscles are paralyzed or there is a tumor that is blocking the flow of food material.

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.

Bed sores are a huge bother for individuals who stay in bed for most of their life. The health care team needs to be aggressive in changing bed sheets and diapers. The patient also needs to be turned as often as possible. Special mattresses are available for such individuals to keep the patient from exerting too much pressure on the bed and ending up with sores.

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 conclusion, it should be stated that hospices are a necessity for the terminally ill patients. Not only do they cater for their physical needs, they also keep them spiritually and emotionally nourished. Families should coordinate with healthcare givers to ensure all the needs of the patient are met.




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