by admin | Jul 25, 2024 | Uncategorized
Enrolling in hospice services early can significantly benefit patients and their families, regardless of location. Here’s why early enrollment in hospice services, such as those in Lancaster, CA, can make a profound difference:
1. Better Symptom Management: Hospice care teams are trained to manage a wide range of symptoms associated with terminal illnesses. Early enrollment ensures that symptom control measures are implemented promptly, preventing unnecessary discomfort and enhancing overall comfort for patients.
2. Emotional and Psychological Support: Both patients and their families benefit from early access to hospice services in Lancaster or any other location. Emotional support is crucial during this challenging time, and hospice teams offer counseling, therapy, and spiritual guidance to help individuals cope with their feelings and fears.
3. Care Coordination: Hospice services involve a multidisciplinary team that coordinates care across different domains. From medical professionals to social workers and volunteers, early enrollment allows for a comprehensive care plan to be developed and implemented, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s well-being are addressed.
4. Time to Build Relationships: When patients enroll in hospice services early, they have more time to build trusting relationships with their care team. This trust is invaluable in ensuring that patients feel comfortable expressing their needs and preferences, leading to more personalized and effective care.
5. Support for Caregivers: Family members and caregivers also benefit from early enrollment in hospice services. Caregiver burden can be significant, both emotionally and physically. Hospice teams provide education, respite care options, and practical support to caregivers, helping them navigate their roles more effectively.
6. Access to Resources and Information: Hospice services offer valuable resources and information about end-of-life care options, advance directives, and other important matters. Early enrollment gives patients and their families more time to understand their choices and make informed decisions that align with their preferences and values.
7. Reduced Hospitalizations: Research shows that early hospice enrollment is associated with fewer hospitalizations in the final months of life. By managing symptoms and providing proactive care, hospice services aim to minimize unnecessary hospital visits, allowing patients to spend more time in the comfort of their homes or preferred care settings.
8. Dignity and Comfort: One of hospice care’s primary goals is to ensure that patients experience a dignified and comfortable end-of-life journey. Early enrollment supports this goal by allowing time to establish comfort measures, pain management strategies, and respectful end-of-life rituals according to cultural or personal preferences.
9. Financial Considerations: While not always the primary concern, early enrollment in hospice services can also have financial benefits. By avoiding intensive medical interventions that may not align with the patient’s wishes, families can potentially reduce medical costs associated with end-of-life care.
Wrapping up:
Early enrollment in the best hospice services, such as those offered by Oasis Hospice in Lancaster, CA, is pivotal for enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families during terminal illnesses. Our specialized care ensures prompt and comprehensive support, effectively managing symptoms and promoting emotional well-being and comfort. By starting hospice care early, patients benefit from building trusting relationships with our dedicated teams, accessing valuable resources for informed decision-making, and experiencing fewer hospitalizations. At Oasis Hospice, we prioritize dignity and respect for personal preferences, empowering individuals to navigate their end-of-life journey with utmost comfort and peace of mind.
by admin | Jul 25, 2024 | Uncategorized
Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services stands out as a beacon of compassionate and specialized care for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Amidst a landscape of hospice care options, both in the San Fernando Valley and beyond, what distinguishes Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services as a provider of exceptional care?
Expertise in Pain and Symptom Management
One key aspect that sets Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services apart is its expertise in pain and symptom management. They employ skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in palliative care, ensuring that patients receive optimal relief from pain and discomfort associated with terminal illnesses. This focus on symptom control enhances the patient’s quality of life and provides comfort during their final stages.
Personalized Care Plans
Recognizing that each patient has unique needs and preferences, Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services develops personalized care plans. These plans are tailored in collaboration with the patient, their family, and a multidisciplinary team of caregivers. By customizing care to address individual medical, emotional, and spiritual needs, they ensure that every patient receives compassionate and effective care aligned with their wishes.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
A hallmark of Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services is its commitment to continuous improvement. They regularly evaluate and update their care practices based on feedback from patients, families, and staff. This dedication to quality improvement ensures that they remain at the forefront of hospice care, incorporating the latest advancements and best practices to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect for Diversity
In a diverse community like Antelope Valley, cultural sensitivity is paramount in providing effective hospice care. Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services respects and honors the cultural beliefs, traditions, and values of their patients and families. They strive to deliver care that is sensitive to cultural practices and preferences, fostering trust and ensuring that care plans are respectful and inclusive.
Integrated Care Coordination
Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services excels in coordinating care among various healthcare providers and community resources. They ensure seamless transitions between different levels of care and collaborate closely with primary care physicians, specialists, and volunteers. This integrated approach optimizes the patient’s care plan, enhances communication, and maximizes the support available to patients and their families.
Focus on End-of-Life Planning and Support
Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services supports patients and families in making informed decisions about end-of-life care and planning. They offer guidance on advance directives, hospice eligibility, and options for palliative care. This proactive approach empowers patients to express their wishes regarding medical interventions, ensuring that their preferences are honored and respected.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Antelope Valley Hospice Care Services actively engages with the local community to raise awareness about hospice care and advocate for compassionate end-of-life support. They participate in community events, educational workshops, and outreach programs to promote understanding and acceptance of hospice services. By advocating for the needs of terminally ill patients and their families, they contribute to a more supportive and compassionate community environment.
In summary:
The best Hospice Care Services in San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley stand out for their commitment to compassionate, holistic, and personalized care for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Through expertise in pain management, family support, continuous improvement, and cultural sensitivity, they ensure that each patient receives dignified and comforting care that honors their unique journey.
by admin | Aug 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hospice services play a vital role in Lancaster, providing compassionate end-of-life care to individuals with a wide variety of terminal illnesses. To ensure the highest level of comfort and support, the hospice care team specializes in services tailored to the unique needs of patients with terminal illnesses. This is comfort focused care to thoughtfully manage specific bothersome symptoms and emotional needs based on the patient’s and family’s values and goals of care. In this article, we will explore how hospice services customize care for each individual patient, providing the best possible support for patients and their families with the overarching goal of making every day the best day possible.
1. Cancer-Specific Hospice Care
Cancer is a complex illness that can manifest in various forms, each presenting distinct challenges for patients. Hospice services specializing in cancer care focus on managing pain and other bothersome symptoms associated with the disease. Emotional support is paramount in addressing the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. The care team collaborates with oncologists and palliative care specialists to optimize pain and symptom management and ensure the patient’s comfort throughout their journey.
2. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias require specialized care that addresses memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior and functional ability. Hospice services caring for patients with these conditions prioritize creating a calming and familiar environment for patients. The care team is knowledgeable in communicating effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive decline, and providing comfort and reassurance during moments of confusion or agitation. Emotional support is extended to family members, offering guidance on coping strategies and providing respite care when needed.
3. Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Conditions
Hospice services specializing in heart disease and cardiovascular conditions focus on managing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, edema, palpitations and chest pain. The care team collaborates with cardiologists, if necessary, to ensure that medication and symptom management are optimized. Emotional support and counseling are offered to patients and their families, helping them navigate the emotional and physical complexities of living with a chronic cardiovascular condition.
4. Respiratory Disorders and Lung Diseases
Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis, require specialized care to address breathing difficulties, poor exercise tolerance and oxygen support. Hospice services tailor care plans to manage respiratory symptoms effectively ensuring patients are as comfortable as possible. The care team educates family members on assisting with oxygen therapy and other respiratory and energy conservation techniques, fostering a comfortable, safe and supportive environment for patients.
5. Neurological Disorders
Hospice services for neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and multiple sclerosis (MS), focus on maintaining patients’ mobility and independence as long as possible. The care team addresses pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms associated with these conditions, and how to care for them as their independence wanes. Specialized therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, if indicated, are incorporated to promote patient comfort and enhance their quality of life.
Wrapping up:
At Oasis Hospice, as a leading provider of hospice services in Lancaster, CA, our specialized approach ensures that people with a wide variety of life limiting illnesses receive the highest level of comfort, support, and compassion during their end-of-life journey. Our dedicated interdisciplinary care team works collaboratively to address unique symptoms and emotional challenges, providing personalized care plans that enhance the quality of life for patients and offer guidance and respite to their families. At Oasis Hospice, we take pride in being recognized as one of the best hospice services in Lancaster, CA, committed to honoring the dignity and well-being of our patients, making their final chapter as comfortable and meaningful as possible. Reach out to us today!
by admin | Aug 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
In the golden years of life, our seniors deserve the utmost care, compassion, and support. In San Fernando Valley, senior citizen hospice services play a pivotal role in ensuring that elderly individuals receive the dignity and comfort they deserve during their end-of-life journey.
We will explore the core values that underpin Senior Citizen Hospice Services through this blog post, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care and the profound impact it has on the lives of our beloved seniors.
Respect and Dignity:
At the heart of Senior Citizen Hospice Services lies the unwavering commitment to treating every senior with the utmost respect and preserving their dignity. Recognizing the wisdom and life experiences of our elders, our care teams work tirelessly to create an environment that fosters self-worth and honors their unique stories. By embracing a person-centered approach, we ensure that each senior’s choices and preferences are respected throughout their hospice journey, empowering them to maintain a sense of control and autonomy.
Compassionate Support:
Compassion forms the bedrock of our hospice services for senior citizens. Our empathetic and skilled caregivers are dedicated to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to both seniors and their families. We understand that this phase of life can be challenging for all involved, and our compassionate care teams stand ready to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. By cultivating genuine connections and fostering a supportive environment, we aim to alleviate pain and anxiety while promoting emotional healing and acceptance.
Pain and Symptom Management:
Senior Citizen Hospice Services prioritize pain and symptom management to ensure the highest quality of life during the end-of-life journey. Our interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals collaborates to address pain, discomfort, and other distressing symptoms that seniors may experience. By tailoring care plans to individual needs, we strive to enhance comfort and maintain a peaceful and dignified existence.
Emotional and Spiritual Well-being:
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the human experience, our hospice services extend beyond physical care. We prioritize the emotional and spiritual well-being of seniors, offering counseling, companionship, and access to spiritual support if desired. By providing a nurturing space for emotional expression and spiritual contemplation, we aim to bring solace and peace during this significant stage of life.
Family Involvement and Education:
At Senior Citizen Hospice Services, we acknowledge the profound impact of end-of-life care on families. We actively involve family members in the care planning process, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate this journey with their loved ones. By offering educational opportunities and emotional support, we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for both seniors and their families based on their specific values and goals of care.
Conclusion:
At Oasis Hospice, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing reliable and effective Senior Citizen Hospice Services in CA. With an empathetic and skilled care team, we ensure that seniors and their loved ones receive the utmost care, comfort, and support during their end-of-life journey. As trusted hospice care providers, we embrace the privilege of offering solace and dignity to our cherished seniors. With Oasis Hospice, you can rest assured that your loved ones are in caring and capable hands. Reach out to us today!
by admin | Feb 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a philosophy of care for people with a progressive, serious or life-limiting illness when a cure is no longer possible or the burden of the curative treatment is more than the benefit. Treatment goals are directed toward relief of symptoms with an overall objective of enhancing a person’s comfort, sense of dignity and well being. Hospice is end of life care, but at Oasis Hospice we concentrate on helping the patient live well with the time left. The interdisciplinary team of professionals at Oasis Hospice are trained to address physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. We focus on what matters most to the patient and their family, to help them make every day the best day possible given the current circumstances. Our interdisciplinary team can help people clarify their goals, priorities, fears and worries so they can focus on living each day to the fullest. The focus is on caring, not curing.
How do you know it is time for Hospice?
1. When your healthcare provider believes your life expectancy is 6 months or less if the illness runs its usual course.
2. When you can no longer care for yourself and spend most of your time in bed or a chair.
3. When there is a significant decline in physical and/or cognitive function despite medical treatment.
4. When there is increased pain or other symptoms, substantial weight loss, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and/or weakness.
5. When you have frequent Emergency Room or hospital visits with no lasting improvement in condition.
6. When your goal is comfort, dignity and quality of life rather than aggressive, but often non-beneficial treatments, that have been unsuccessful in curing or halting a progressive or life-threatening illness.
In-home hospice care is provided wherever the person calls home.
Hospice care is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life in the person’s familiar environment – wherever they call home. This can be in their private home, nursing home, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and in hospitals (under certain circumstances). Often, due to the added support provided by Oasis Hospice’s interdisciplinary team, a person is able to remain at home. Care is delivered by a team of professionals who address the patient’s needs on medical, physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The team consists of the attending physician, hospice nurses, home health aides, social workers, and spiritual counselors/chaplains. They routinely make scheduled visits to the patient’s location, but care is available 24/7 to meet the patient’s needs.
In-home hospice care gives patients a sense of dignity and control.
Hospice aims to restore meaning and dignity by managing pain and other bothersome symptoms with compassionate care tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. The interdisciplinary hospice team treats the person rather than the disease. Our patients and families deserve to be treated with respect and to be honored as unique individuals. The hospice team helps clarify what matters most to patients and families by helping them define and discuss their goals of care and priorities. Hospice puts the patient and family in control. They make the decisions with guidance from the interdisciplinary team.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medi-cal and most major insurance companies. All services, including visits by nurses, physicians, home health aides, equipment, medications and supplies related to the terminal illness are typically covered 100%. This will be explained carefully prior to signing up for hospice services.
Who is eligible for hospice care?
To be eligible for hospice care, a hospice physician and a second physician (often the patient’s primary care provider or specialist) must certify that the patient meets specific medical eligibility criteria indicating that an individual’s life expectancy is 6 months or less if the illness runs its usual course. The patient and family must also desire treatment that focuses on comfort rather than cure and no longer wish to receive aggressive care in a hospital setting. Common diagnoses of those who receive hospice care include, but are not limited to: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, end stage kidney disease, liver disease and neurological diseases. If you are not sure if you meet eligibility criteria, call Oasis Hospice for an information meeting.
by admin | May 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Hospice Myths and Misconceptions
MYTH: Hospice means “giving up” or “giving up hope.”
FACT: Hospice focuses on maximizing quality of life when a cure is no longer possible or the burden of the cure is more than the benefit. Hospice can help people revise what they hope for and focus on living each day to the fullest.
MYTH: Hospice is a place people go when there is nothing more that can be done.
FACT: Hospice is not a place but a philosophy of care that focuses on what matters most, wherever the person calls home. Hospice professionals can do so many things to control pain, reduce anxiety, offer spiritual and emotional support to help a person live well with the time they have.
MYTH: Hospice care is only for people who are going to die soon.
FACT: Receiving hospice care does not mean death is imminent. Hospice is for people with a presumed 6 month life expectancy, but many people wait too long or are referred late. The earlier a person receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize the medical condition and address other needs.
MYTH: Choosing hospice means giving up all medical treatment.
FACT: The reality is that hospice places the person and their family at the center of the care-planning process and provides high quality care that is comfort focused and includes careful pain and symptom management.
MYTH: Hospice care is expensive.
FACT: Hospice care, including professional visits, medications, medical supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis is a Medicare benefit. Medi-Cal and most private insurers also cover hospice.
MYTH: Hospice provides 24 hour care.
FACT: Hospice care is based on intermittent visits but is available 24/7 for support and care. Hospice can help the family arrange 24 hour care by private duty caregivers if necessary.
MYTH: Hospice uses Morphine and other strong medications that cause the patient to die sooner.
FACT: Hospice uses Morphine and other medications carefully to keep the patient comfortable and as alert as possible. These medications do not cause death.
MYTH: Once you choose hospice there is no turning back.
FACT: You are free to leave a hospice program any time and for any reason you want without penalty. You can re-enroll in hospice again as long as you meet the medical criteria.
Contact Details
Oasis Hospice 43845 10th St W. Suite 2C, Lancaster, CA 93534
Ph: 661.206.7741
Fax: 661.802.7714 WWW.OASISHOSPICE.ORG
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