At Hospice of Redmond, our commitment goes beyond conventional medical care. During a recent conversation with Patient Care Manager Kelly, we delved into how hospice services extend holistic support to patients and their families. Here’s a glimpse into the multifaceted assistance provided by our dedicated team:
Nursing Care:
Our nursing staff excels at managing symptoms and pain, ensuring patients receive round-the-clock access to care and attention as their needs evolve. Nursing staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you always have someone available if and when help is needed.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME):
At Hospice of Redmond, we recognize that obtaining medical equipment can be challenging for people who need it to function on a daily basis or just to be comfortable. Our nurses can alleviate the stress of obtaining these essential supplies and order what one needs, such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, and nebulizers. Our nurses can also supply personal items.
According to Kelly, “From shampoo, conditioner, foam cleansers, and briefs, if providing these supplies relieves a family from the stress of needing to go out and purchase them, we are happy to help.”
Mobility Assistance:
Specialized equipment, such as Hoyer lifts, which assist in safely transferring patients between a bed and a chair, wheelchair or toilet, and sit-to-stand devices are provided to patients. These critical tools aid in safely maneuvering patients to mitigate the risk of injuries, both for the patient and their caregivers. They accommodate patients with limited mobility or those who cannot bear their own weight.
Medication Management:
Patients can contact Hospice of Redmond to have their medications refilled or changed if a medication is no longer effective. Our nurses notify our physician, order an alternative medication, or change the dosage. Our team can pick up and deliver medications to wherever the patient resides. In addition, our nurses educate patients and their loved ones about the medications and what they can expect regarding possible benefits the medication will provide, as well as potential side effects or allergic reactions.
Comprehensive and Tailored Support:
Recognizing that each patient has unique requirements, we adapt our services to accommodate changing needs as their conditions evolve. According to Kelly, many people are surprised to learn that a nurse aide comes in once or twice a week to assist with bathing and personal care and that volunteers can provide a reprieve so caregivers can go to the store, get a haircut, or just take a break.
Emotional and Mental Well-being Support:
We acknowledge the challenges of loneliness patients face, and our team is dedicated to alleviating this burden through emotional support, engaging activities, and spiritual care.
Volunteer Support:
Our volunteers are crucial in providing companionship and respite care for caregivers, ensuring that patients and their families receive the holistic support they need.
“We have volunteers who are licensed massage therapists and offer massage to patients, others who play instruments like the harp and piano and play for patients, and even one who loves to puzzle, so she visits patients and does puzzles with them,” said Kelly. “For our veteran patients, we partner with local veteran organizations to provide veteran-to-veteran support.”
Respite Care:
Caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can be pretty heavy – emotionally and physically. That’s why respite care services are available. With this service, our social work team assists patients in finding a care facility to provide care for up to five days, receiving the critical care they need while their caregiver has a much-needed break. Having this support recharges the caregiver’s battery and comes with the peace of mind that their loved one is receiving high-quality care while they’re away.
Pet Peace of Mind:
Understanding the pivotal role pets play in our patients’ lives, we extend our support to ensure their pets are cared for, providing peace of mind during challenging times. Kelly shared that their program ensures our patients’ pets receive veterinary care, food, walks, and support in finding a new home after their human family passes. This program provides patients with much-needed relief, knowing their furry friend can stay with them beyond when they can no longer care for them properly due to health limitations.
In addition to these core services, we offer an array of holistic experiences, including music therapy, pet therapy, and specialized support for veterans. Our dedicated bereavement counseling and children’s support services ensure that families receive comprehensive support throughout their hospice journey and at least a year later.
Our support network extends far and wide, and our team members, including physicians, nurses, aides, volunteers, social workers, and chaplains, visit regularly throughout the week or as often as requested to provide continuous support tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Hospice of Redmond is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized support to our patients and their families. We believe every individual deserves to live life fully, surrounded by attentive care and genuine compassion. If you have questions, we’d love to talk to you. Give us a call at 541-548-7483.