UnityPoint Hospice Care
When a life-limiting illness no longer responds to treatment, the conversation about next steps is one that no one can ever be fully prepared to have, whether it is your own end-of-life care or that of a family member. That is why UnityPoint provides hospice services, so that you can have an experienced and knowledgeable professional help you as you face the reality of the situation.
There are two common misconceptions about hospice – that it is a type of health care facility and that it is only for those very close to the end of life. In fact, hospice care is most often provided in the comfort of the home. Hospice is suitable for patients who have elected to move from curative treatment to symptom treatment of their life limiting illness or those who are expected to be within the last six months of life.
Hospice does not prolong life nor does it hasten death, but instead focuses on creating a life full of comfort, dignity and peace for people in the final stages of life. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of every patient while also providing support for the entire family. The sooner a patient receives hospice care, the sooner these comforting benefits begin.
Services provided in hospice care include:
- Pain and symptom control
- Spiritual care
- Home care and inpatient care
- Respite care
- Family conferences
- Bereavement support
- We Honor Veterans program
Hospice care at UnityPoint is a coordinated care approach between a medical director, physician, nurse and others who all work together to provide the right plan of care to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for the patient. The hospice team will be supportive in every way necessary to honor the wishes of the patient. Hospice is not about giving up hope; it is about doing everything possible to live life to its full capacity.