Menu
The Louisianians that reside in and around Labadieville are known for their civic pride, generous nature, and strong family values. When difficult times come, the citizens of Labadieville have a history of pulling together and supporting each other, just as they did when Hurricane Katrina rained devastation upon Louisiana’s towns and cities. Unfortunately, life itself is filled with storms, and while the forces of nature cause most storms, others are simply a part of living. Probably none more devastating than when somebody we care for develops a terminal illness. Even so, these storms happen to every family. Eventually, we all will have to cope with the loss of our loved ones because each of our lives will ultimately come to its end.
When a loved one is reaching the end of their life’s journey, many of us are poorly prepared and frequently at a loss as to where to turn for the guidance we need to help us traverse this challenging and often unfamiliar aspect of life. In many instances, hospice is the solution we are in need of to help us with the challenges of nursing our loved ones 24-7.
The majority of Labadieville natives most likely think that hospice is a place which people go to die. However, hospice isn’t a destination, and it isn’t about dying. The truth is, hospice is a compassionate, holistic medical treatment which improves the quality of life for our patients and their family caregivers. It also makes it possible for people with a terminal illness to live the best quality of life possible with the time they have remaining.
Hospice also allows people nearing the end of their lives to continue to live in Labadieville and reside in their homes with their family members near to them. In fact, around 90% of the people that embrace hospice as a treatment option 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 Labadieville because hospice is almost always conducted in a patient’s home, irrespective of the place they call home. Hospice Associates’ caring staff will come to your Labadieville home and provide the compassionate care you or your loved one needs, and we will provide it whenever you or your loved one requires it, any time, day or night. Hospice Associates is only a phone call away.
How is it that a single word could create so much fear?
How can one word cause people to cringe?
One word that most people never want to hear…
The word is HOSPICE, and it is not nearly as frightening as some might think. Actually, hospice is not something we should fear… it is something to embrace.
Hospice was initially a home intended for those with a life-limiting 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 a service that delivers comfort and care to patients in their homes. Whether that home is within a nursing home, assisted living facility, a member of the families’ residence, or their own individual home. Hospice can be administered to patients no matter just where they call home.
Among the most prevalent mistaken beliefs about hospice I’ve encountered is that a lot people frequently think it is only for individuals that only have a few days left to live. The truth is hospice becomes available when a physician tells their patient that their condition is incurable and a cure is no longer possible.
My experience as a hospice nurse have offered me the chance to witness the blessing of what hospice care offers to a family. One of the many things I frequently learn from families is that many wish they would have known hospice was available long before they did. I believe this is because hospice reduces much of the burden placed on family members and gives them peace of mind. Once they understand the relief hospice provides, families can start to appreciate the short time they have left with the people they love.
I think this is because the more quickly hospice is offered to a family, the sooner they can let go of the anxiety and fear of being the only ones providing care to their loved one. And when they understand the freedom it offers, they have the capacity to begin appreciating the short time they have remaining with their loved one.
First, we take families through every phase of the disease’s process, so they comprehend exactly how the illness will progress and what they can come to expect. Then when things occur, we are available to answer all of their questions and tend to any worries they may have. Because of this knowledge and understanding, families lose the fear of the unfamiliar and are provided the resources they are in need of to help their loved ones through the dying process.
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 provides patients and family members spiritual, psychosocial, and physical comfort. Pain can be caused by many different things, but it is not limited to just physical distress. I have found that spiritual pain is often equally as challenging to relieve as bodily suffering . Our chaplain and social workers strive collectively alongside our nurses to attend to each of the pains that can exist.
Hospice even aids to remove the barriers you may suspect your illness has put on you. For some, possessing the awareness and knowing what to expect may be liberating. We do not put restrictions on what you can or can’t do. Our aim is to help you be as comfortable and enjoy each moment you have remaining to the fullest with the ones you love.
Virtualy all hospice care is provided in-home, regardless of the place the patient calls home. Hospice Care can be given at your personal home, nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, or family homes.
Any individual, whether a family member, patient, friend, personal doctor or healthcare professional, may make a referral to Hospice Associates. Referrals are totally confidential. If you know of an individual that is in need of our services, phone us at 504-457-2200 to discuss whether we might be a good fit for the person you are concerned for.
The most suitable opportunity to learn about hospice care is before you or somebody you love actually needs it. It’s never too late to learn more about hospice or to talk about hospice with family members. By talking about hospice well in advance, you ensure that everyone affected possesses a thorough understanding of what is available to them.
Not at all, people of any age with a terminal illness can receive hospice treatment.
Yes. Your family doctor becomes part of our team. We will communicate and work with your physician to best understand your personal requirements.
To qualify for hospice, you do not need to be sedentary. Our objective is to help our patients live their lives to the fullest. We encourage people in our care to do whatever they feel up to and continue to keep on doing the things that bring them joy.What makes hospice special is that it puts emphasis on patient care and not on a cure. Hospice care allows people that have developed a terminal illness to specify the way they wish to spend the rest of their lives. Hospice care treats the entire person, and their family is considered as part of the unit of care. It places emphasis on pain management and enjoying life fully.
Hospice services, even in-home hospice is usually 100% paid for by Medicare and Medicaid, so hospice care is something every peson that requires can afford. Private insurance can sometimes help subsidize the cost of items Medicare and Medicaid may not cover.
Hospice Associates provides hospice and palliative services to any qualified* person that resides within a 50 mile radius of New Orleans, which includes Labadieville.
Hospice volunteers are generally available to provide different types of support to patients and their loved ones, which may include:
Call Us: 504-457-2200
FAX: 504-457-2207
Physician managed hospice
and palliative care