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.
Among the commonest conditions that call for care in a nursing home is advanced cancer. This when the tumor has spread widely from the primary origin to involve multiple organs in the body. It is almost impossible to get rid of such tumors and still keep the patient in their right shape and function. Such individuals are usually started on palliative treatment.
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.
Massive cancers of the lower gastrointestinal system may result in inability to pass stool. In such cases, a colostomy may have to be fashioned to divert stool from going to the obstructed area. Patients with permanent stomas require proper care of the bag and the skin area. The bag needs to be changed regularly and the skin around the bag should be treated with special cream to minimize excoriation.
Another common physical problem experienced by patients on palliative treatment is skin sores sustained as a result of prolonged pressure. In this regard, nurses are required to be vigilant in turning over the individual every so often. In addition, patient diapers should be changed as soon as they are soiled. The skin is kept dry and supple by applying special powder, especially on pressure areas such as the back, buttocks, face and the sides of the body.
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, hospice care aims at providing palliation to patients with long term illnesses. It is largely composed of doctors, nurses, clergy men as well as family to ensure wholesome treatment is given to the individual. The clinical team should be available twenty four hours every single day to keep the patient in the most comfortable position physically.
Among the commonest conditions that call for care in a nursing home is advanced cancer. This when the tumor has spread widely from the primary origin to involve multiple organs in the body. It is almost impossible to get rid of such tumors and still keep the patient in their right shape and function. Such individuals are usually started on palliative treatment.
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.
Massive cancers of the lower gastrointestinal system may result in inability to pass stool. In such cases, a colostomy may have to be fashioned to divert stool from going to the obstructed area. Patients with permanent stomas require proper care of the bag and the skin area. The bag needs to be changed regularly and the skin around the bag should be treated with special cream to minimize excoriation.
Another common physical problem experienced by patients on palliative treatment is skin sores sustained as a result of prolonged pressure. In this regard, nurses are required to be vigilant in turning over the individual every so often. In addition, patient diapers should be changed as soon as they are soiled. The skin is kept dry and supple by applying special powder, especially on pressure areas such as the back, buttocks, face and the sides of the body.
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, hospice care aims at providing palliation to patients with long term illnesses. It is largely composed of doctors, nurses, clergy men as well as family to ensure wholesome treatment is given to the individual. The clinical team should be available twenty four hours every single day to keep the patient in the most comfortable position physically.
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You can find an overview of the advantages you get when you use hospice care Bellevue WA services at http://www.pacmedinhomecare.com/elderly-care-service-in-bellevue-wa right now.
