Hospice is a special model of care for patients who are in the late phase of an incurable illness and wish to receive end-of-life care at home or in a specialized care setting. Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on palliative care of a terminally ill patient’s pain and symptoms. Palliative care is care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease, such as cancer.
The goal is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease, including aggressive pain management. Ascend also addresses any related psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients who are facing end-of-life care.
Hospice care is a health care solution that is aimed at making patients as comfortable as possible while they live out their final months or days.
There is no one-size-fits-all type of hospice care. Ascend focuses on letting patients fulfill their last months and days in whatever manner they choose, be it wanting to squeeze every moment out of their remaining time or just seek comfort and stillness.
Ascend understands the demands, complexities, and challenges of end-of-life care. We are dedicated to helping you manage this difficult time with dignity and love through attentive, customized services. A hospice team member is always available on short notice.
Ascend takes a holistic view of our patients, embracing a personalized approach, while caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
- Increased infections
- When patient is experiencing increased doctor, hospital, or emergency room visits
- Weight loss
- Increased time in bed or chair, and limited mobility
- Worsening of symptoms that are poorly managed and do not seem to get better despite interventions
- Decrease in ability to perform Active Daily Living (ADL) tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, etc.
Patients who want to experience a more peaceful, comfortable end of life. Although it is estimated that nearly half of people the United States would benefit from hospice services, they have been sorely underutilized.
Many individuals in hospice die within 24-48 hours of admission – although Medicare provides coverage for 6 months and can be extended in special circumstances.
Most people who do use these services indicate that they wish they had known about hospice sooner. The number one complaint about hospice is, “Why weren’t we told sooner about hospice care?”
Ascend includes your family into the matrix of support by providing grief counseling, spiritual care, and assisting with bereavement for your loved ones.
At home, hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term facilities. We come to you – wherever you are or need to be – to make your last days easier and more peaceful.
Aggressively managing pain and treating symptoms.
- Assisting with the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying
- Medication management
- Medical equipment
When necessary, respite care is an option for a short-term stay at a skilled nursing facility.
- Guidance for the family caring for the patient
- Grief support and counseling for surviving family and friends.
Skilled nurses; Home Health Aides; Spiritual Advisors (Chaplain on staff); Physicians; Social Workers; Bereavement Counselors; and Trained Volunteers to help with everyday tasks and errands.
Request hospice care
Your hospice partner
We understand that the decision to transition towards end-of-life therapy needs to be taken with utmost care, that’s why we created this helpful blog.
