A recent study by the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) reported that heart failure kills approximately one in eight people living in the United States. The study focused on Medicare information from 2000 through 2007 and found that 80 percent of patients who suffered heart failure spent much of their last six months in the hospital.
The high rate of hospitalization may be due to the fact that it is notoriously hard to predict the course of heart failure. Many times a patient’s health can plateau and some normal activities can resume, making it difficult for physicians to determine the life expectancy of a patient. Heart failure also differs from other terminal illnesses in that treatments are typically not discontinued even at end of life. Aggressive treatments can often be used to prolong life, but these measures are not always successful and many times lead to additional stress and discomfort.
When symptoms such as chest pains, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and significant decrease in activity persist, patients should discuss the appropriateness of palliative end of life care with their physicians. Hospice is a care plan that will neither limit nor prolong life; instead it is an option that focuses on providing comfort through pain and symptom management.
“My patients with cardiac disease become exhausted going to physician visits and often to the hospital repeatedly, once my patient is placed on hospice, the nurses visit at least weekly and help me to adjust their medications, manage their symptoms and keep them comfortably at home,” explains Dr. Joseph Roosth, Silverado Hospice Medical Director for the South Houston area.
Hospice is a philosophy of care that assists patients, families, and friends during the final stages of life’s journey. The transition to a service like Silverado Hospice can help families focus on spending time with their loved ones by educating and dispelling myths associated with end of life care.
Silverado Hospice offers compassionate care with the help of a specialized medical team, which includes registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and spiritual advisors. They are devoted to maintaining quality of life by emphasizing dignity and comfort. Silverado hospice is dedicated to the belief that no one who has a life-limiting illness should die alone, afraid, or in pain.
Seniors who have Medicare Part (A) coverage can receive treatment from approved hospice services under their existing coverage. Generally, this will include a reassessment of prescription medications to transition from curative medicine to pain relief and symptom control. Medicare will, however still cover benefits for any health problems unrelated to the terminal illness. Hospice benefits can last up to six months and bereavement services are typically available to families for up to 13 months.
For more information on hospice services visit: http://www.hospicefoundation.org/
