Free Custom «Hospice Care» Essay Paper

Hospice Care is a special kind of healthcare, which main aim is to keep the patient comfortable after the diagnosis that the underpaying disease cannot be cured nor be treated. Therefore, hospice care focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient in psychological, emotional and physical care. Thus, it helps the patients, their families and other caregivers in a variety of ways. Hospice care does not postpone death, but is focused on the belief that quality life should be enjoyed throughout. Staff members are usually focused on providing emotional and spiritual support to patients such that they can make most of each day (Hope Hospice).

Roles of family members and health care providers in Hospice Care

Role of a family caregiver

The following are some of the family-care roles;

• Participate in setting goals and planning care;
• Touch, hold hands, massage, and hug the patient;
• Engage in activities that the patient used to enjoy, like singing, praying, etc;
• Inform caregivers of any change in symptoms;
• Provide direct care as taught by the nurse and …
• Ask questions regarding the patient’s health.

Health Professionals’ Roles

The physician is to inform the family about the patient’s medical condition and explain treatment recommendations and any side effects.

 

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The nurse will carry out physician orders, like monitoring the patient and reporting of any changes to the physician, providing direct care and supervise nursing assistants.

The social worker will help the patient to cope with illness and provide some counseling for emotional distress and help with practical arraignments (Arenella, n,p.). 

Medical Marijuana

If approved by the FDA, medical marijuana can be used for treatment, especially for nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have greatly benefited from medical marijuana and as long as it is within the law, marijuana can be used for treating terminally ill patients.

Medication

Palliative medicines are used to help patients manage pain and usually OTC drugs can be used unless they are no longer of help, when prescriptions of stronger medications can be used. It is however important that patients receive the appropriate medication (Woolston, n.p).

Role of Bereavement Care for the Terminally Ill

The role of Bereavement Care is to provide a comprehensive and accessible counseling, and to support services for the terminally ill patients, their families and to those who were recently bereaved. Bereavement care services include educational courses, counseling, DVDs with information on bereavement (Bereavement Care Centre, n.p.).