Transitioning Patients from Hospital to Hospice in Los Angeles, CA

Last Updated on October 27, 2024 by Frank Davis

Patients who are nearing the end of life often visit emergency departments (EDs) due to a variety of acute symptoms or crises that may arise, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or a sudden worsening of their condition. These visits can be physically and emotionally challenging for both patients and their families, often involving interventions that may not align with the patient’s end-of-life goals. For many, the emergency department serves as a critical point for considering or transitioning to hospice care, especially when patients and families recognize the limitations of curative treatments and the importance of focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Transitioning from the Emergency Department to Hospice Care

When a patient in the ED is deemed appropriate for hospice, this transition requires careful coordination. Hospice professionals may be involved in assessing the patient’s eligibility for hospice services, based on their prognosis and current health status, and in discussing the goals of care with the patient and their family. Transitioning to hospice from the ED allows the patient to leave the high-stress, clinical environment of the hospital and enter a care model that emphasizes comfort, dignity, and symptom management at home or in a hospice facility.

One of the major challenges in this transition is helping families understand the shift from curative to palliative care. Hospice professionals in the ED setting provide crucial support, offering education and guidance to help families make informed decisions in alignment with the patient’s wishes. This support can include discussions on what to expect in hospice, the type of care the patient will receive, and how hospice can better support their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs during this time.

Services Hospice Valley Provides

Hospice Valley is dedicated to supporting patients and their families during end-of-life care transitions, especially from the ED or hospital. Our services focus on providing comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Key services include:

1. 24/7 Nursing Support: We offer around-the-clock access to nursing care, allowing patients to manage symptoms effectively without frequent trips to the hospital. Nurses are skilled in palliative care techniques, including pain and symptom management, which are essential for comfort.
2. Pain and Symptom Management: Skilled nurses and healthcare professionals at Hospice Valley focus on managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, breathlessness, and anxiety to improve the patient’s quality of life.
3. Emotional and Spiritual Support: We recognizes the importance of holistic care. They provide emotional support to patients and families through counseling and spiritual care, allowing families to find comfort and meaning during difficult times.
4. Family Counseling and Education: Transitioning to hospice care can be challenging for families. Hospice Valley offers education on what to expect, how to care for their loved ones, and resources to help them cope with the emotional impact of end-of-life care.
5. Bereavement Support: We provide grief support services for families even after the loss of a loved one, helping them navigate the grieving process through counseling and support groups.

By facilitating a smooth transition from the ED to hospice, Hospice Valley empowers patients to focus on quality of life, free from the clinical interventions and disruptions often associated with hospital care. They offer peace, dignity, and support to patients and families at one of life’s most profound stages.

What local cities does Hospice Valley service?