Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that must be treated with medication. Two of the most common types of COPD are bronchitis and emphysema, which make breathing difficult. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD; treatment can help improve your symptoms and maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.
The late-stage symptoms of chronic lung diseases, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty swallowing, can compromise the patient’s health. However, following a strategic plan can manage and minimize them.
Many doctors specializing in lung disease recommend hospice care for patients with terminal illnesses, working to help the patient and their families through the last weeks or months of life. Hospice care is customized according to a patient’s specific needs. The primary goal of hospice care is to reduce symptoms, allowing the patient to have comfort and quality of life.
5 Treatments Patients Receive in Hospice Care
Here is some of the tailored care patients receive in hospice:
- Oxygen Therapy. Oxygen therapy is commonly used for patients with lung disease and COPD. As a lung disease treatment, oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the body through inhalation. This is recommended for patients with COPD because it can lessen the symptoms of labored breathing caused by the disease. One of the most common types of oxygen therapy is an oxygen mask worn on the face by patients when they experience labored breathing. The mask allows for more oxygen to be inhaled into the lungs. Hospice caregivers know how to provide oxygen to patients to improve their breathing and reduce the severity of their symptoms.
- Medication Management. Patients with advanced lung disease usually have to take medications prescribed by their primary doctor. Hospice nurses ensure that these patients remain consistent with their medication schedules. Still, nurses can also monitor the efficacy of the medications and work with the doctor if additional treatment is needed. This can help alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
- Breathing Techniques. Breathing exercises can help a patient deal with shortness of breath and improve her long-term breathing. The hospice care team can teach patients how to breathe healthily and use breathing exercises when they suffer from breathing difficulties. In addition, the hospice care team can discuss what to do if breathing becomes difficult because of anxiety or other factors.
- Better Sleep. People with end-stage respiratory disease may have trouble breathing at night. Hospice caregivers teach patients the best sleep positions for a good night of rest, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms at night and during the day.
- Energy Level. Of course, making a point to get a full night’s rest increases your energy level during the day. Additionally, hospice care teams can help you with physical tasks such as cooking and cleaning so that you don’t have to exert yourself physically to the same degree throughout the day. You’ll be able to get more done, whether it’s housework, yard work, or something else. Additionally, this can lead to increased energy and assist with alleviating your symptoms.
Final Note
Hospice care is designed to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of a patient’s life. Additionally, hospice care teams can help patients with spiritual and emotional needs throughout their treatment. Patients with advanced lung disease benefit tremendously from hospice care, whether it’s for a few weeks or months.
Contact Golden Rule Hospice Today!
Golden Rule Hospice provides home hospice care focusing on respecting the dignity and choices of our patients and their caregivers while providing compassionate support. Our approach is holistic, incorporating physical, emotional, and spiritual support. We respect the choices and dignity of patients and caregivers and are dedicated to fulfilling those choices through compassion. If you’re looking for home hospice services in Atlanta, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today at (470) 395-6567 and let us know how we can help.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.