In hospice, symptoms tend to be treated with drugs or clinical treatments. A little known fact is that holistic treatments are frequently utilized to bring a greater quality of life to individuals. This makes patient-centered care better. With a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, this trying time can be more tolerable for a patient undergoing their final days.
Meditation
Meditation is great for everybody. It promotes:
- Comfort
- Direction of Anxiety
- Release of stress, anxiety and despair
- Favorable emotional closure with loved ones
It’s particularly valuable to terminally ill patients and their health professionals. You can practice meditation sitting, standing, or even lying down. For individuals whose skin might be too sensitive or fragile to touch, meditation is a mild treatment. Caregivers overwhelmed with the load of care and people afflicted by anticipatory grief can utilize guided meditation to undergo a profound calming of their body, mind and soul.
Aromatherapy
The nerve endings in your nose have a direct connection to your brain. Odors bring back memories, and stimulate different feelings based on the natural response that our bodies have to different scents. Aromatherapy for therapeutic usage by seriously ill patients helped enhance their physical, psychological and religious well-being. When inhaled, these vital oils are proven to possess anti inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic effects. At a hospice setting, rosemary could:
- Assist control nausea and pain
- Reduce stress, anxiety and burnout
- Produce a feeling of calm, relaxation and calmness
Vital Oils
Essential oils may be mixed in lotions and creams and used to massage the entire body, feet and hands. Unlike traditional massage, palliative massage employs gentle, soft strokes to relax the muscles and calm your mind. It’s a recognized method of patting our psychological connection to reach therapeutic objectives. This is where vital oils come into play. Palliative massage may affect the autonomic nervous system. For hospice patients, it may diminish and replace feelings of anxiety and nervousness with a feeling of calmness and favorable well-being. Caregivers may benefit from palliative massage treatment also. For both the patients and their health professionals, advantages include:
- Reducing swelling and the distress related to it
- helps alleviate soreness
- Easing rigid muscles to make movement more comfy
Acupuncture
Restoring good flow of energy can decrease pain and enhance wellbeing. Thin needles are inserted into strategic points and energy pathways. Studies have discovered that the practice arouses the release of endorphins–the body’s natural opiates–also promotes the adrenal glands to release compounds that change the perception of pain. The very small needles cause very little distress, and the treatment is relaxing and secure, and no medicines or substances are involved. The advantages of acupuncture for hospice patients comprise:
- Reducing pain
- Reducing fatigue, nausea and vomiting
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Relieving depression
- Relieving shortness of breath
Bottom Line
Care during a person’s final days is never perfect. But with some natural healing, palliative care can be made better. The most important thing is to understand a patient’s wants and needs. Listen to them, and help them find peace.