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By: Marisol Ramirez, RN
Every stage of life is important. Abode’s hospice care clinicians understand how to care for late-stage heart failure patients. Every minute of life is valued and deeply treasured. That is why it is our utmost commitment to provide the best expert care and comfort in the last moments of life that matter most. It is a great honor to be a part of your most vulnerable moments, provide expert care, and provide emotional support and guidance when deciding what options are best for your loved one. Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with advanced heart disease? Perhaps you vaguely remember your physician using the words “hospice care.” But because of fear or feelings of overwhelm, you’re just not sure where to even begin searching for answers? In this guide, we will bring you clear answers that will allow you to make the best-informed decisions for you or your loved one.
Hospice care is specifically designed with the patient and family in mind. Ensuring that the patients are safe in their homes, comfortable, and pain-free are essential. Comprehensive hospice services serve the patients and their families most pressing needs:
You may find yourself needing expert clinicians and skilled nurses to help you manage your heart failure, help with pain control, and help maintain the best possible comfort during the last months of life. Or you may need help with obtaining medical equipment. Knowing that your hospice team is available to you 24/7 brings peace and comfort.
Although only your physician can make the diagnosis, referral, and explain your disease’s prognosis, generally, patients on hospice services have less than six months of life. This may be the most difficult decision you will ever need to make. But you don’t have to go through the process alone. Invite your family and the special people in your life to provide support and be present when discussing options with your physician.
Also, educate yourself and your family on the signs and symptoms to look for in heart disease. Knowing this can help recognize that it may be that time to start inquiring about hospice care. Your hospice team can support you in educating your loved ones on the disease process and can provide support during this time.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of end-stage heart failure is critical. Recognizing signs can help you:
According to American Heart Association, end-stage heart failure is when most treatments may no longer work, and symptoms will be more frequent. Below are some of the most common signs of advanced heart failure.
There are many medical interventions available for heart failure. At this point, however, you and your doctor may have decided that medical interventions are not in your best interest. However, if you choose, make sure to explore all of the medical interventions available with your doctor, such as:
Frequent and recurring angina, or chest pain, is common at end-stage heart failure. It may become more difficult to breathe. Perhaps feeling short of breath with minimal exertion or even while at rest. Your doctor may recommend:
According to this study, medical records of patients with end-stage heart failure tend to have symptoms very similar to patients with cancer:
Other common symptoms to note that may affect patients daily functions:
In addition to the cardiac insufficiency, these symptoms may cause patients to feel overly fatigued and with less energy to complete their normal functions of daily living. Patients may require more hands-on care at this time from their caregivers or family to perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming care.
There may come a point even before the “last six months of life” prognosis that patients may come to terms with their end-stage heart failure diagnosis. They may have already decided that they will not consent to further medical interventions if it causes them more pain or poor quality of life. The patient’s loved ones must be present with love, support, and respect for the patient’s decisions. The patient’s decision to refuse further medical treatment can often bring discord from family members.
The nature of end-stage heart failure is complex. It involves providing support both for the patient and their families during their most vulnerable moments. According to the American Heart Association, there are benefits to receiving skilled nursing interventions in the home. Skilled interventions reduce the risk of getting admitted to the hospital and reduces the risk of mortality for up to six months after discharge from a hospital setting.
Hospice services provide an array of benefits for patients with advanced heart disease:
If you think you may benefit from the following services below, then hospice care may be for you:
Every patient is unique and will present with different needs towards their end-of-life care. Your case manager will craft your hospice plan of care to suit your needs, preferences, and health goals.
Competent healthcare professionals and physicians are on staff to specifically address your concerns, signs and symptoms, physical discomforts, or other medical questions you may have. They are on-call around the clock to support you to ensure you receive the best possible medical care in the comfort of your home.
Our hospice care team is committed to providing patients and families with the emotional and spiritual support needed.
Our hospice team’s goal is to relieve the patient’s pain and suffering, prevent complications, ensure safety in the patient’s surroundings, and provide education in regards to end-of-life best practices. Abode’s hospice services ensure that you or your loved one receives the following services.
Your team may offer continuous care for up to 24 hours if the patient requires very close monitoring or interventions due to a severe problem or health crisis.
A team of expert and compassionate professionals conduct regular home care visits. The goal is to help in alleviating symptoms, pain control, and educating patients and their families.
Providing the best possible experience at this stage of life is important. Therefore, Abode Healthcare understands that patients obtaining the proper medical equipment and medical supplies can signify that you have more:
Inpatient care is critical during those moments when extra help is needed to control pain or other symptoms. A short-term inpatient stay will be available in such cases.
The absence of proper end-of-life planning for families can cause them to feel that their loved one parted “suddenly,” according to a study conducted in Australia. Ultimately, having a hospice team for family members means:
Abode Hospice understands that death is a life-changing moment for the survivors. That is why we provide bereavement services for the family to provide care and support for up to 13 months after a loved one’s death.
Caring for a loved one with end-stage disease can be very difficult. Care at home requires a team effort and collaboration from the various parties involved. However, everyone knows that the patient’s family at the bedside is generally the one most involved physically and emotionally in the care of their ill loved one. Therefore, Abode Hospice provides families with respite services. Our services provide up to five days of inpatient respite services. The family can take a much-needed break to walk away for a while and relax.
Abode Healthcare accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and other forms of reimbursement. You may contact your local branch to find out more about hospice services and insurance questions.
Our mission is to provide the best care for our patients as they near the dying experience. Our goals are to provide competent, skilled care, alleviate symptoms, prevent a crisis, provide guidance, comfort, and support for patients and families. We are here with you every step of the way. Contact Abode Hospice Care for more information
Abode Hospice & Home Health supports that our patients have the right to determine their own goals of care during the final stages of their illness. We focus on comfort, support, quality of life, and education.