When a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the focus of their care often shifts from curative treatment to comfort care. It has been shown that hospice care improves quality of life. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that provides comfort and support to patients with a terminal illness. While hospice care is not intended to cure the patient’s illness, it can often help them live longer than if they continued to receive aggressive treatment.
Less Stressful Environment
One reason why some patients live longer on hospice is that it provides a less stressful environment. Aggressive treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing on the patient, causing stress and anxiety. Hospice care, on the other hand, focuses on providing comfort and support to the patient. The hospice team works to manage the patient’s symptoms and provide emotional support to the patient and their family. By reducing stress and anxiety, hospice care can help the patient live longer.
Fewer Side Effects
Aggressive treatment often comes with a range of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These side effects can be debilitating and can reduce the patient’s quality of life. Hospice care, on the other hand, focuses on managing the patient’s symptoms and reducing their discomfort. By reducing the side effects of treatment, hospice care can help the patient feel better and live longer.
More Personalized Care
Hospice care is highly personalized, and functions with a team of professionals working together to provide care that is tailored to the patient’s needs. This team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. The hospice team works together to provide comprehensive care that addresses all of the patient’s needs. This is a personalized approach to care that can help the patient live longer by ensuring they receive the care needed to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
Conclusion
Hospice care improves quality of life! Hospice care is not intended to cure the patient’s illness, but it can help them live longer than if they continued to receive aggressive treatment. By providing a less stressful environment, reducing side effects, and offering personalized care, hospice care can help the patient feel better and live longer. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options, including hospice care, when you or a loved one is facing a terminal illness.
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