In hospice care, our goal is to make sure a patient is as comfortable as possible and able to spend their remaining time in the way that matters most to them. Medications are an important part of a patient’s care plan, helping them feel relief from pain and other symptoms that might arise during end-of-life care.
Medication management is just one part of the comprehensive, patient-centered care we provide at Envision Hospice. Emotional support, spiritual care, and other integrative therapy services work together with medication management for a comprehensive approach to comfort.
But let’s talk about the various aspects of medication use in hospice and how hospice medications can maximize patient comfort while maintaining their safety and dignity.
Hospice Medications: Part of a Customized Care Plan
A hospice care plan usually includes a variety of medications for comfort and relief. Each medication in a patient’s individualized care plan is chosen to address specific symptoms and concerns. Depending on individual needs, these could include opioids like morphine for pain relief, anti-nausea medications, or other meds. We discuss the benefits and possible downsides of each medication — to find a balance that works best for each patient.
These medications can be administered in different ways: orally, through patches on the skin, or other ways if a patient has trouble swallowing or other challenges.
Individualized Dosage and Timing
Finding the right dosage and timing for medications in hospice care is very personalized. We believe in taking time to listen to patients and their families, weighing the patient’s specific health situation, and then carefully fine-tuning their medications. At Envision, we prioritize our patients’ comfort. Our goal is to provide effective relief with as few side effects as possible.
Finding the Right Balance
Managing hospice medications can be a bit of a balancing act. We carefully monitor and adjust dosages and medications to minimize side effects (including nausea or constipation). To ensure that patients are comfortable at all times, regular check-ups and ongoing communication are vital.
Communication lines between our team, patients, and their loved ones are always open. It’s all about taking care of symptoms and keeping side effects to a minimum.
Ensuring Medication Safety
Handling medications safely is a priority (and non-negotiable!) in hospice care. Our team follows strict guidelines for storing, dispensing, and disposing of medications, especially controlled substances. Our top concern is the safety of our patients, including their environment and community.
Patients, Families, and Hospice Medications
Sometimes patients and families have concerns about hospice medications, like worries about dependency, side effects, or potential drug interactions.
Our team at Envision is here to listen and facilitate discussion. Pain and symptom management is very personal, and everyone experiences it in a different way.
We believe that patients, families, and hospice providers should all be involved in care decisions. We want everyone to have a clear understanding of the treatment plan and be comfortable with the chosen path. Our medical team helps patients and families understand how medications work, why they were prescribed as part of their care plan, and how the medications might interact with each other.
When there are questions or concerns, our team can offer evidence-based, empathetic answers about each medication in a patient’s care plan. We offer resources and information about the medicines so that families understand the nuances of the medications. Nurses and pharmacists are also available for consultations.
We recognize that patients, their loved ones, and our team all are part of a successful care plan. This is all part of our patient-centered approach to care (including hospice medications).
Monitoring and Adjusting
A patient’s symptoms and conditions can change during their time in hospice, and we’re always on the lookout for signs that a medication isn’t working as well as it should. We’re prepared to adjust dosages and medications as needed to make sure a patient is as comfortable as possible.
A Care Plan With Hospice Medications: Working Together for Patient Comfort
Medication management is both an art and a science. At Envision, we combine medical expertise with heartfelt care. We’re all about ensuring our patients feel comfortable, easing their pain, and upholding their dignity and choices. When it comes to hospice medications, our team is here to empower patients and families with information to make informed decisions that align with their values and goals for care.
Putting a patient first takes teamwork, and we’re committed to working together to support this chapter of each patient’s life journey with respect and care.
Are you looking for a hospice provider who provides personalized care plans to meet a patient’s needs? Contact Envision today to find out how we can help support you and your family through this chapter of life.