One of the ways that hospice care is different from the types of care a patient receives in clinics and hospitals prior to entering hospice is that hospice care is holistic.
What does that mean? “Holistic” care refers to care that is focused on treating the whole person, and not just a part of the person.
So, holistic care in hospice doesn’t just treat the body. It treats the whole individual, body, mind and spirit. Below, we go over each of these components and how we address it as part of our holistic care services at Homage Hospice.
- Care for the Body. Treatment for the body in hospice includes nursing and palliative care to alleviate pain and symptoms, as well as other types of support such as physical therapy that helps to maximize patient autonomy. The medications and treatments administered are tailored to the conditions and preferences of the individual patient.
- Care for the Mind. The end of life is challenging to face psychologically and emotionally. A patient’s state of mind can have a significant impact on how they feel and function physically, just as the state of their body can impact their mind. That is why hospice includes counseling services, as well as social and volunteer services. We ensure that patients have caring people they can talk to, receiving the social and emotional support and coping tools they need as they go through this difficult time.
- Care for the Spirit. During the end of life, patients tend to spend time reflecting on their beliefs, and potentially making spiritual preparations. For many patients, this may be one of the most pressing areas of focus as their time draws to a close. In support of the spirit, Homage Hospice offers chaplain services. Our services are non-denominational. The chaplain adapts to meet the religious beliefs and needs of each patient, and can even work with patients who are not religious at all. Whether a patient wants someone to join them in prayer, wishes to listen to music, or just wants a non-judgmental, kind listener while they share their thoughts and feelings, the chaplain’s job is to comfort and uplift.
- Care for Loved Ones. Finally, one more form of care that is included with the holistic services of a hospice is support for a patient’s loved ones. We provide respite care and counseling to the patient’s caregivers. By providing this support, we make it easier for the patient’s loved ones to continue giving the best possible care to the patient.
We Provide Compassionate Holistic Care in Texas
If you or your loved one needs care for the body, mind and spirit, Homage Hospice can support you and your family during the end of life. We are based in McKinney, TX, and provide hospice services throughout Dallas County, Collin County and Tarrant County. To find out how we can help you and your loved ones, please give us a call at (469) 625- 0705 to schedule your consultation.