The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of health care exponentially and has greatly contributed to the trend of medical services being provided in-home throughout the Las Vegas community and beyond. Honoring patient preferences and expressed needs is just one area where innovation and greater flexibility can help ensure that the patient’s humanity stays at the heart of their hospice journey.
The Southwest Medical Hospice care team provides the right care at the right time – when and where patients and their families need it the most. Hospice is a vital component of end-of-life care especially for patients who wish to be at home and close to loved ones during their final days.
“Southwest Medical Hospice utilizes a human-centered approach that has created a transformative shift in the way the Las Vegas community thinks about terminal illness and caregiving,” said Kelly Beard, executive director of Southwest Medical Hospice. “Health care is trending more toward home-based care, which can lead to a reduction in costly hospital readmissions. But the real value can be found in knowing our patients and their families are likely to experience a more fulfilling end-of-life experience at home, on their own terms. This has become especially apparent during this pandemic, where family members have not been able to visit their loved ones in a hospital setting.”
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a compassionate approach which focuses on quality of life for people with advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice is essentially a philosophy of care, where the whole person is being treated, rather than the illness. It is the next step in a care plan when treatment can no longer cure or control an illness.
The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life during a patient’s last months by focusing on pain management, maximizing comfort and managing symptoms. Psychological, social and spiritual needs are also addressed.
“We believe patients should be able to choose how they wish to live during their final days, and their care should reflect those wishes. Our team strives to fully empower patients and families by normalizing conversations about death as patients approach the end of life,” said Lisa Rosenberg, M.D., medical director of Southwest Medical Hospice.
Who provides hospice care?
The hospice care team consists of a physician and clinical manager, as well as nursing assistants, social workers, faith professionals and volunteers. The care team also orders and delivers necessary medical equipment, supplies, and medications.
It can be very challenging for loved ones to witness the symptoms of a terminal disease, such as dementia, or to interpret the body language of someone who is no longer able to communicate. A hospice nurse is a vital supportive figure in these types of situations. They can provide valuable insight and help caregivers recognize and cope with the signs of imminent death.
Volunteers also share their time and talents by offering a variety of services, including companionship, emotional support, and assistance with other practical needs designed to reduce anxiety and alleviate the burden of managing ongoing daily tasks.
What are the levels of hospice care?
Home care – The standard care that takes place in a private residence with visits from the patient’s Southwest Medical Hospice team. Home care is provided as long as it’s needed, and the patient continues to experience clinical benefits.
Respite care – Caregivers can often experience emotional and physical stress in their role, and respite care may be available to alleviate that stress. A patient may be moved to an inpatient facility for a short amount of time (such as five days at a time), which is beneficial for caregivers who need a break.
Continuous care – This care is not meant to be an ongoing solution, but instead to be used during times of crisis. Continuous care provides round-the-clock services to ensure patient comfort and is usually offered for a limited time at the patient’s home on an occasional basis.
Inpatient care – This clinical setting provides 24-hour nursing care and is utilized in cases of acute emergency. This type of care usually goes along with circumstances that require a higher level of care.
Bereavement care – The hospice care team works with surviving family members to help them cope with loss and navigate the grieving process. Counseling sessions, grief support groups and ongoing bereavement resources and community referrals are available to the bereaved following the loss.
Hospice care is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance plans, and a member of the care team is always available to speak to a patient or family member 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can get the answers you’re seeking if you or a loved one is in need of hospice care. Contact Southwest Medical Hospice at 1-702-671-1111.
For more information, visit www.smalv.com/en/hospice
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.