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The families that live in and near Lockport are known for their civic pride, caring nature, and strong family bonds. Whenever difficult times come, the residents of Lockport have a history of pulling together and helping each other, just as they did when Hurricane Katrina rained devastation upon Louisiana’s communities. Regrettably, life itself is filled with storms, and while the weather brings most storms, others are simply a part of living. Probably none more devastating than when somebody we care for develops an incurable illness. Even so, these storms happen to all of us. Eventually, we will all need to suffer through the loss of a loved one because all of our lives will ultimately come to its end.
When a loved one is coming to the end of their earthly life, many of us are ill prepared and oftentimes at a loss as to where to go for the guidance we require to help us through this challenging and often unfamiliar part of life. In most instances, hospice is the answer we seek to support us through the difficulties of nursing our loved ones 24-7.
Most Lockport natives probably believe that hospice is a place that people go to pass away. But, hospice isn’t a destination, and it isn’t about dying. In reality, hospice is a compassionate, holistic medical treatment that improves the quality of life for our patients and their families. It also makes it possible for individuals who have a life-limiting condition to lead the best life possible in the time they have been given.
Hospice also makes it possible for people nearing the end of their lives to continue to live in Lockport and remain in their homes with their family members nearby them. As a matter of fact, close to 90% of the folks who embrace hospice as a treatment continue to reside in their homes until they pass on. It doesn’t matter if they reside in a house, a retirement community, or an apartment in Lockport because hospice is almost always conducted in a patient’s home, irrespective of the place they call home. Hospice Associates’ specialized staff will come to your Lockport home and deliver the compassionate care you or your loved one needs, and we will do it when 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 bring so much anxiety?
Why does one particular word cause people to cringe?
One word that a lot of people never hope to hear…
The word is HOSPICE, and it’s not nearly as scary as some might think. Hospice shouldn’t be something to be feared, it is something to be welcomed.
Hospice was originally a home for those with an incurable disease– a place where the dying would go to live out the final days of their lives. Nowadays, hospice is no longer viewed as a place. Instead, it is now thought of as more of a service that delivers comfort and care to patients in their homes. Whether that home is inside a nursing home, assisted living facility, relatives’ house, or their own personal home. Hospice can be offered to patients regardless of the location they consider home.
Among the leading misconceptions concerning hospice I’ve come across is that many people quite often presume hospice is exclusively for individuals that only have a short while left to live. The reality is hospice becomes accessible when a physician informs their patient that their disease is incurable and a cure is no longer a possibility.
My experiences as a hospice nurse have offered me the chance to experience the blessing of what hospice care provides to a family. One of the many things I learn from families is that wish they would have known hospice was an option well 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 offers, families can begin to enjoy the short time they have left with the people they love.
I think this is because the sooner hospice is made available to a patient’s 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 discover the freedom it can provide, they have the chance to begin appreciating the short time they have left with their loved one.
Initially, we walk family members through every phase of the disease’s process, so they comprehend just how the illness will progress and what they can come to expect. Then when things arise, we are readily available to respond to all of their questions and tend to any concerns they may have. Because of this knowledge and understanding, families shed the fear of the unknown and are given the tools they require to help their loved ones throughout the dying process.
This is not only for our patients but also for their family members. Comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. Hospice offers hospice patients as well as family members with spiritual, psychosocial, and physical comfort. Pain can be caused by many different things, but it is not restricted to just physical pain.
Hospice also helps to clear away the restraints you might believe your illness has put on you. Our goal is for you to be comfortable and live each moment you have left to the fullest with your loved ones.
Virtualy all hospice care is provided in-home, irrespective of the place the patient considers home. Care can be offered at your private residence, retirement community, assisted living, group homes, or family residences.
Any person, whether a member of the family, patient, close friend, medical professional or healthcare professional, may make a referral to Hospice Associates. Recommendations are fully confidential. If you know of somebody that is in need of our services, contact us at 504-457-2200 to discuss whether or not we may be a good fit for the individual you are concerned for.
The best occasion to learn about hospice care is well before you or somebody you care for really needs hospice care. It is never too late to learn more about hospice care or to discuss hospice with your family. By talking about hospice care well in advance, you ensure that everyone affected has a thorough understanding of what is available to them.
Not at all, individuals of all ages with a terminal illness are able to undergo hospice treatment.
Yes. Your physician is part of our team. We will be in touch and partner with your physician to best understand your personal requirements.
To receive hospice care, individuals don’t need to be inactive. Our mission is to help our patients live life to the fullest. We encourage patients in our care to do whatever they feel up to and continue to do the activities that bring them joy.What makes hospice so special is that it focuses on patient care and not on a cure. Hospice makes it possible for people that have developed a life-limiting illness to decide the way they wish to spend the rest of their life. Hospice care ministers to the whole person, and their family is considered as part of the care unit. It emphasizes pain management and enjoying life fully.
Hospice care, even in-home hospice care is usually completely paid for by Medicare and Medicaid, so hospice care is something everyone that needs it can afford. Individual insurance can on occasion help fund the expense of items Medicare and Medicaid may not cover.
Hospice Associates provides hospice and palliative services to any qualified* man or woman that resides within a 50-mile radius of New Orleans, that includes Lockport.
Hospice volunteers are generally available to provide different types of support to patients and their loved ones, including:
Call Us: 504-457-2200
FAX: 504-457-2207
Physician managed hospice
and palliative care