Hospice care is often something that many of us don’t think about until we have to. The final season of life for those we love can be difficult, many times characterized by sadness, stress, and anxiety. Because of this, knowing that your loved one is receiving quality end-of-life care can be the missing puzzle piece during this often difficult and stressful season of life.
For my family, this was most definitely the case. Within a short period of time, we were faced with making important hospice decisions for three close family members. Because of varying life situations, our family was able to experience hospice in a different way for each loved one. During our hospice journey, we were exposed to what end-of-life care looks like in the hospital, inpatient, and outpatient facility settings. Hospice Ministries became the final piece to the puzzle, as we sought to make our loved ones as comfortable as possible in their final days. Here is a little information about each of our experiences.
Hospital Hospice Care
Our first loved one who fought a 5-year battle with lung cancer spent her final days within hospital hospice care. Because of the rapid descent of her physical health, we knew that her last days were significantly limited. Because of this, staying within the care of the hospital worked best for our specific needs within the situation. The hospice care team lovingly cared for our loved one within the hospital walls during her final hours. They were able to focus and coordinate her care within the context of her family, friends, and physicians. By receiving care within the hospital setting, we were able to have the convenience of not moving to a new setting, as well as being supported by our amazing physicians and nurses that we had come to know and love.
Inpatient Hospice Care
Our second hospice experience took place within the inpatient hospice setting. My family experienced phenomenal inpatient care for another family member when we placed them within the Hospice Ministries inpatient facility. The inpatient facility was set up to create a calming and peaceful atmosphre for our entire family. Because our loved one needed care that could not be done from home, we were able to receive specialized care by the Hospice Ministries team. By chooosing this setting, our family received around the clock support and care from the nurses and staff. Our room was set up in a comfortable bedroom type style, with continual access to kitchen, community areas, and outdoor gardens. The Hospice Ministries inpatient experience allowed us to spend the last days with our loved one in a beautiful and caring environment.
Outpatient/Home Hospice Care
Our third experience with hospice was in the outpatient/home setting. By allowing the Hospice Ministries staff to come to our home to take care of our love one, we were able to keep her comfortable within a setting in which she felt at home. With the outpatient hospice assistance, our family member was surrounded by the things that brought her comfort during her final days. Her last few weeks on earth were filled with peace as she was able to experience them within her home with her loved ones around her. This experience allowed us to have wonderful care from the hospice workers, while staying in a comfortable setting.
Hospice Ministries Inc., offers end-of-life care in each of the settings that are mentioned above! Their primary goal is to care for you or your loved one where you are the most comfortable. They provide care at home, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. The hospice ministries mission is to bridge the gap between life and death by being present, offering hope, and expanding knowledge through compassionate service to the community. For my family, finding excellent end-of-life care was the final puzzle piece in our loved ones life journey. The same will be true for you. To find out more information about the various ways in which Hospice Ministries can care for you or a family member, visit their website!