![]() ![]() A dog/handler team comes to a patient's place of residence or a hospice facility to spend time with hospice patients. Paws With A Purpose is the name of UnityPoint Hospice's animal-assisted therapy program. Animal-assisted therapy provides hospice patients with visits from a volunteer team of specially-trained dogs and their handlers.It is one of the most popular forms of alternative therapy, along with massage therapy. Music therapy is a growing service in hospice care as studies continue to show that listening to music can help alleviate pain, fatigue and anxiety.Massage therapy has been proven to not only have a positive effect on heart rate, blood pressure and respiration, but also the mental state-of-being by allowing the hospice patient to relax and reduce anxiety. Numerous studies have been done that show the power of touch. Massage therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy that is offered by UnityPoint Hospice.Our hospice patients benefit from a variety of different therapies that include: This is why UnityPoint Hospice also offers alternative forms of comfort therapy for hospice patients.Ĭomfort therapy can help improve the quality of life by alleviating symptoms of pain and providing relaxation and comfort. UnityPoint Hospice understands that response to treatment or therapy is individual and that what works for some might not be as effective for others. Please do not hesitate to contact our location nearest you with any questions or concerns. No one should ever have to consider hospice care alone. The hospice staff at UnityPoint Hospice is a knowledgeable and caring group of individuals who will do everything necessary to help you during this time. ![]() However, no one will be denied hospice care based on an inability to pay. Hospice fees are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans. They will do everything necessary to make this transition into hospice care as easy and comfortable as possible for you and your family. Your doctor will continue to be a part of your care, but in a coordinated care approach with your hospice team. Once the prognosis has been confirmed, a hospice nurse will contact you to schedule a home visit within the next 24 to 48 hours or sooner if the need for hospice care is immediate. It is better to know your options and make an informed decision before your condition becomes serious.Īnyone can make a referral for hospice care and initiate the discussion, but it must be your doctor who confirms your prognosis with the hospice medical director. Although hospice care is a difficult subject to bring up, it is an appropriate and healthy discussion to have and it is never too early. When life expectancy is six months or less or a patient has decided to no longer continue curative treatment, hospice care is the next step to consider. The sooner a patient receives hospice care, the sooner these comforting benefits begin. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of every patient while also providing support for the entire family. Hospice does not prolong life nor does it hasten death, but instead focuses on creating a life full of comfort, dignity and peace for people in the final stages of life. Hospice is suitable for patients who have elected to move from curative treatment to symptom treatment of their life limiting illness or those who are expected to be within the last six months of life. In fact, hospice care is most often provided in the comfort of the home. There are two common misconceptions about hospice – that it is a type of health care facility and that it is only for those very close to the end of life. That is why UnityPoint provides hospice services, so that you can have an experienced and knowledgeable professional help you as you face the reality of the situation. When a life-limiting illness no longer responds to treatment, the conversation about next steps is one that no one can ever be fully prepared to have, whether it is your own end-of-life care or that of a family member. Services provided in hospice care can include: Whether it’s your care or that of a family member, our team of experts will ensure you receive compassionate care focused on comfort. Our comprehensive hospice services include arranging for medical equipment, supplies and medications, managing pain and symptoms, and providing spiritual care, respite care and bereavement services. Our UnityPoint Hospice team serves under the belief that every person deserves extraordinary end-of-life care delivered by a team they can trust. ![]()
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