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The people that live in and around Killian are known for their civic pride, generous nature, and strong family values. Whenever challenging times happen, the citizens of Killian have a reputation for coming together and supporting one another, just as they did when Katrina brought destruction upon Louisiana’s towns and cities. Unfortunately, life is full of storms, and while the forces of nature brings most storms, others are simply part of living. Probably none more traumatizing than when a person we care about develops an incurable illness. Still, these storms happen to each of us. Inevitably, we will all need to suffer through the passing of our loved ones because all of our lives will ultimately come to an end.
When a loved one is reaching the end of their lives, many of us are not prepared and oftentimes at a loss as to where to go for the guidance we need to help us through this challenging and often unfamiliar aspect of life. In many instances, hospice care is the answer we are in need of to support us through the challenges of attending to our loved ones full-time.
Most Killian natives likely think that hospice is a facility that terminally ill people go to pass away. But, hospice is not a place, and it is not about dying. The truth is, hospice is a compassionate, holistic medical care that improves the quality of life for the people in our care and their families. It also makes it possible for people who have a life-limiting condition to experience the best life possible with the time they have remaining.
Hospice also makes it possible for people approaching the end of their lives to continue to live in Killian and live in their homes with their family members near to them. In fact, close to ninety percent of the folks who choose hospice as a treatment program continue to reside in their homes until their passing. It doesn’t matter if they reside in a house, a retirement community, or an apartment in Killian because hospice is almost always conducted in a patient’s home, regardless of where they call home. Hospice Associates’ specialized staff will come to your Killian home and deliver the compassionate care you or your loved one requires, and we will provide it whenever you or your loved one needs it, any time, 24-7. Hospice Associates is always just a phone call away.
How is it that a single word can instill so much fear?
Why could one particular word cause some people to cringe?
One word that most people never want to hear…
That word is HOSPICE, and it is not nearly as scary as some people might think it is. In truth, hospice is not something to fear… it is something to embrace.
Hospice was initially a home intended for those with a fatal disease– a place where the dying would go to live out the last days of their lives. Nowadays, hospice is no longer considered a destination. Instead, it is now thought of as more of a service that delivers comfort and care to terminally ill patients in their homes. Regardless of whether that home is in a nursing home, assisted living facility, relatives’ home, or their own personal home. Hospice can be administered to patients no matter the location they call home.
Among the most prevalent myths concerning hospice I have come across is that a lot people commonly presume it is only for patients that only have a short while left to live. The reality is hospice becomes accessible as soon as a physician tells their patient that their disease is incurable and a cure is no longer possible.
My personal experiences as a hospice nurse have given me the opportunity to experience the blessing of what hospice care offers to a family. Among the things I frequently learn from families is that many wish they would have known hospice was an option well before they did. I think this is because hospice reduces much of the burden placed on the family and provides them peace of mind. Once they understand the relief hospice offers, families can start to enjoy the short time they have left with the ones they love.
I think this is because the sooner hospice is offered to a family, the sooner they are able to let go of the stress and fear of being the only ones giving care to their family member. And once they understand the relief it offers, they have the capacity to start appreciating the time they have remaining with their loved one.
First, we take families through every phase of the disease process, so they see exactly how the illness will advance and what they can come to expect. Then, as issues develop, our team is available to answer all of their questions and address any worries they might have. With this knowledge and understanding, families shed the fear of the unfamiliar and are provided the resources they are in need of to help their loved ones through the process of dying.
This is not only for our patients but also for their families. Comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. Hospice gives patients as well as their families with spiritual, psychosocial, and physical comfort. Pain can be brought on by many different things, but it is not confined to just physical pain.
Hospice also helps to clear away the limits you might think your disease has put on you. Our objective is for you to be truly comfortable and live each moment you have left to the fullest with your loved ones.
Almost all hospice care is provided in-home, irrespective of the place the patient considers home. Hospice may be provided at your private residence, nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, or family homes.
Any person, whether a family member, patient, friend, personal doctor or healthcare professional, may make a recommendation to Hospice Associates. Referrals are completely confidential. If you know of somebody that is in need of our services, phone us at 504-457-2200 to discuss whether or not we may be a good fit for the individual you have concerns about.
The most suitable opportunity to learn more about hospice care is before you or somebody you love actually needs it. But itis never too late to learn more about hospice care or to explore hospice with your family. By talking about hospice care well in advance, you ensure that everybody affected possesses a good understanding of what is available to them.
No, individuals of any age with a terminal illness are able to undergo hospice treatment.
Yes. Your family physician becomes part of our team. Our team will keep in touch and work with your physician to better understand your personal requirements.
To receive hospice, individuals don’t have to be inactive. Our mission is to help our patients live their lives to the fullest. We encourage patients in our care to do whatever they feel up to and continue to keep on doing the things that bring them happiness.What helps make hospice so special is that it puts emphasis on patient care and not on a cure. Hospice allows people that have developed a terminal illness to decide precisely how they wish to spend the remainder of their life. Hospice treats the whole person, and their family is viewed as part of the care unit. It places emphasis on pain control and living life fully.
Hospice care, even in-home hospice care is usually 100% paid for by Medicare and Medicaid, so hospice care is something everybody that requires can afford. Individual insurance can sometimes help fund the expense of items Medicaid and Medicare may not cover.
Hospice Associates provides hospice and palliative services to all qualified* man or woman that resides within a 50-mile radius of New Orleans, that includes Killian.
Hospice volunteers are generally available to provide different types of support to patients and their loved ones, which can include:
Call Us: 504-457-2200
FAX: 504-457-2207
Physician managed hospice
and palliative care