We’re pleased to provide Understanding Hospice, an educational series we plan to post over the next few months that will outline different aspects of hospice care such as: What is Hospice? Key Questions and Concerns About Hospice Truths About Hospice Importance of Self Care for Caregivers and more! Be sure to Like our FaceBook page where we’ll let you know we’ve posted a … [Read more...]
The History of Hospice
The term hospice is derived for the word "hospitality." Dating back to medieval times, it was know as a place where ill travelers could stay during their journey. It was until 1948 was the term "hospice" used in medicine. Dame Cicely Saunders created the first modern hospice in London, St. Christopher's Hospice. Here is a timeline of the history of hospice. 1965: Florence Wald, then Dean of … [Read more...]
Hospice and Cultural Consideration
Houston is known for being the top city for cultural diversity, passing New York City and Los Angeles. Understanding how different cultures approach death is very important. Through hospice, we provide grief services for everyone involved, but cultural practices are often overlooked. There are many transitions that happen at the end of life and through these transitions there things you should … [Read more...]
7 Hospice Myths and Misconceptions
Hospice care isn’t always the easiest thing to talk about and many people don’t have a clear idea what hospice actually is. Even after 25 years, most Americans aren’t aware of the advantages hospice brings. This mostly comes from our country’s resistance to talk about death. However, hospice is undoubtedly this best choice for end of life care. Not only for the patient, but the family as well. … [Read more...]
Family’s feelings about cancer
Contact: Maria Patino houstonhospices.com May 23, 2016 People usually need time to sort out feelings before they can be expressed and shared in the way they want. During this time, friends and family members may be the targets of their loved one’s strong, overwhelming feelings that need to be vented. If you are the target of anger and frustration, remember you’re not the cause of … [Read more...]
Hospice
Contact: Maria Patino 832.410.3192 houstonhospices.com When medical care cannot offer a cure, hospice provides expert care, comfort and support. Houston Hospice provides a holistic approach, with the goal of ensuring quality end of life care. This specialized medicine addresses all symptoms of a disease, with special emphasis on controlling discomfort and pain. Hospice also … [Read more...]
Feelings and Cancer
Contact: Maria Patino 832.410.3132 houstonhospices.com Dealing with the different side effects and life changes of cancer treatment can be hard on you emotionally as well as physically. Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you’re not used to dealing with. It can also make many feelings seem more intense. They may change daily, hourly, or even … [Read more...]
Caring for a Loved One who is in the process of passing
Caring for a dying loved one isn't easy. Even when you know the end of life is approaching, you might not feel prepared. Understanding what to expect — and what you can do to increase your loved one's comfort — can help. Choosing where to die Your loved one might have choices for end-of-life care. Options might include: Home care. Many people choose to die at home or in the home of a … [Read more...]
Hospice Care
Considered tho be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life- limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team- oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient's loved ones as well. At the center of hospice and palliative care is … [Read more...]
Houston Hospice explains what is grief and bereavement
Grief may be experienced in response to physical losses, such as death, or in response to symbolic or social losses such as divorce of loss of a job. The grief experience can be affected by one's history and support system. Taking care of yourself and accessing the support of friends and family can help you cope with your grief experience. There is no right way to grieve. It is an individual … [Read more...]