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The families that live in and near Westwego are known for their sense of community, generous nature, and strong family bonds. When challenging times occur, the residents of Westwego have a history of coming together and helping each other, just as they did when Hurricane Katrina brought devastation upon Southern Louisiana’s parishes. Sadly, life itself is filled with storms, and while the weather cause most storms, others are simply a part of life. Probably none more distressing than when a person we care for develops an incurable illness. Even so, these storms happen to every one of us. Inevitably, we all will have to deal with the passing of our loved ones because all of our lives will ultimately come to its end.
When someone we love is coming to the end of their lives, most of us are not prepared and frequently at a loss as to where to go for the guidance we require to help us traverse this challenging and often unfamiliar part of life. In many instances, hospice is the solution we are seeking to support us with the difficulties of caring for our loved ones 24 hours a day.
Most Westwego locals probably think that hospice is a place which terminally ill people go to die. But, hospice is not a destination, and it isn’t about dying. The truth is, hospice is a compassionate, holistic medical care which improves the quality of life for our patients and their loved ones. It also lets individuals who have a terminal condition to live the best life possible with the time that they have been given.
Hospice also makes it possible for people approaching the end of their lives to continue to live in Westwego and reside in their homes with their families near to them. In fact, nearly ninety percent of the folks that elect hospice as a treatment continue to remain in their homes until they pass on. It doesn’t matter if they live in a house, a retirement community, or an apartment in Westwego because hospice is almost always conducted in a patient’s home, regardless of where they call home. Hospice Associates’ experienced staff will come to your Westwego home and provide the compassionate care you or your loved one needs, and we will provide it when you or your loved one requires it, anytime, 24-7. Hospice Associates is no more than a phone call away.
How is it that one word could instill so much dread?
How does one particular word often cause some people to cringe?
One word that many people never want to hear…
The word is HOSPICE, and it’s not as scary as some might think. Hospice isn’t a thing to fear, it is something to be embraced.
Hospice was initially a home intended for those with a terminal illness– a place where the dying would go to live out the final days of their lives. These days hospice is no longer considered a destination. Instead, it is now thought of as more of a service that provides comfort and care to terminally ill patients in their homes. Whether that home is inside a nursing home, assisted living facility, family members’ house, or their very own home. Hospice can be provided to patients no matter where they call home.
Among the leading myths about hospice I have encountered is that many people commonly think hospice care is reserved exclusively for patients that may only have a short while left to live. The fact is hospice becomes accessible when a physician tells their patient that their condition is incurable and a cure is no longer possible.
My experiences as a hospice nurse have offered me the opportunity to experience the wonderful aspects of what hospice care offers to a family. Among the things I often hear from family members is that many wish they would have known hospice was available long 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 remaining with the ones they love.
I believe this is because the sooner hospice is offered to a patient’s family, the sooner they can let go of the stress and fear of being the only ones providing care to their family member. And when they understand the relief hospice provides, they are able to start enjoying the short time they have left with their loved one.
First, we help walk friends and families through every aspect of the disease’s process, so that they comprehend exactly how the illness will progress and what they can come to expect. Then when things develop, we are readily available to answer all of their questions and address any worries they may have. With this knowledge and understanding, families shed the fear of the unknown and are given the resources they need to help their loved ones through the process of dying.
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 provides patients and family members spiritual, psychosocial, and physical comfort. Pain can be caused by several things, but it is not limited to just physical suffering. I have found that spiritual pain is often equally as challenging to ease as bodily suffering is. Our chaplain and social workers work collectively alongside our nurses to attend to each of the pains that may occur.
Hospice even helps to take off the restraints you may suspect your disease has put on you. For a few, gaining the awareness and understanding what you should expect can be freeing. We never put restrictions on what you can or can’t do. Our goal is to help you be as comfortable and live each and every moment you have left to the fullest with the ones you love.
Virtualy all hospice care is provided in-home, irrespective of the place the patient calls their home. Care can be given at your personal home, retirement community, assisted living, group homes, or family residences.
Anyone, whether a member of the family, patient, close friend, physician or healthcare professional, can make a recommendation to Hospice Associates. Referrals are fully confidential. If you know of an individual that is in need of our services, phone us at 504-457-2200 to discuss whether or not we might be a suitable fit for the individual you are concerned about.
The ideal time to learn about hospice care is before you or someone you care for really needs it. However, it’s never too late to learn more about hospice or to talk about hospice with your family. By discussing hospice in advance, you ensure that every family member affected possesses a good understanding of what is available to them.
Not at all, individuals of any age with a life-limiting illness are able to receive hospice care.
Yes. Your physician is part of our team. Our team will be in touch and partner with your physician to best understand your individual needs.
To qualify for hospice care, individuals do not need to be sedentary. Our objective is to help our patients live life to the fullest. We encourage patients in our care to do whatever they feel capable of doing and continue to keep on doing the activities that bring them happiness.What makes hospice special is that it puts emphasis on patient care and not on a cure. Hospice care makes it possible for people that have developed a terminal illness to choose precisely how they wish to spend the rest of their lives. Hospice care attends to the whole person, and their family members are viewed as part of the unit of care. It places emphasis on pain control 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. Private insurance can on occasion help fund the cost of items Medicaid and Medicare might not cover.
Hospice Associates offers hospice and palliative services to all qualified* man or woman that resides within a 50 mile radius of New Orleans, including Westwego.
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