DALLAS, TEXAS–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Odyssey and VistaCare Hospice in Texas can help you learn more about the type of care required in the final stages of life.
“People appreciate the care hospice provides,” said Dr. Luis Gonzales, M.D., a National Medical Director for Odyssey Hospice and VistaCare Hospice. “Over 98% of family members tell us they would recommend hospice in Texas to others, and oftentimes our patients and families tell us they wish they’d been told about hospice in Texas sooner. Despite this, there are a lot of misconceptions among people who have not experienced the support hospice in Texas provides.”
One of the major misconceptions is that hospice is a location where one goes to live out the very last days of their life.
But in fact, hospice in Texas is a philosophy of care, and not a specific location at which to receive it. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 69% of hospice patients receive care in what they consider their home. The remainder are cared for in a hospice inpatient facility or hospital. Odyssey Hospice and VistaCare Hospice in Texas provide care wherever the patient’s home may be – a house, assisted living community, nursing home, or even during a brief hospital stay.
“The reality is that most people – medical professionals or otherwise – often equate hospice with death, but the truth is that hospice in Texas is about life” said Dr. Gonzales. “This lack of understanding can lead to a large number of people who are served by hospice in Texas for only a few days. Unfortunately, in these cases the patient and their loved ones don’t receive all of the benefits hospice offers.” Hospice is designed by Medicare to be a 6 month benefit, with the ability to provide care beyond that time for persons who remain eligible. Hospice in Texas is about quality of life.
Hospice in Texas provides compassionate, patient-centered care that offers medical expertise, comfort and support for those nearing the end of life, while also offering assistance for their loved ones. Hospice in Texas is delivered by a team of professionals who are experienced and committed to providing specialized care to persons seeking comfort, relief from symptoms, and gentle guidance.
Odyssey Hospice and VistaCare Hospice provide personalized care based on the needs of each patient and family. As one of the most experienced providers of hospice in Texas and throughout the United States, Odyssey and VistaCare offers CareBeyond, clinical programs for persons coping with specific illnesses. Developed by multidisciplinary team members, Odyssey and VistaCare hospice in Texas recognizes that patients with lung disease, for example, are treated differently, and have very different needs from, dementia patients. Using evidence based clinical practices, CareBeyond offers additional, specialized care to meet unique needs.
Those who are approaching the end of life typically fear dying in pain, dying alone and are concerned about their loved ones. Hospice in Texas helps with each of these concerns. At Odyssey Hospice and VistaCare Hospice in Texas, our team of professionals is committed to serving patient and caregiver needs, whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual. Hospice is there when care and support are needed most.
With the early involvement of hospice, pain and symptoms are managed quickly so that people are comfortable. Only then can they work on other important aspects of their life. When chosen earlier, hospice in Texas provides greater benefits that are received for a longer period of time, including the opportunity for reflection and closure.
Hospice in Texas also provides bereavement care for up to 13-months for surviving family members. Care may include phone calls, newsletters, memorial services, connection to community resources and support.
If you would like to receive more detailed, local information about hospice in Texas, please click here for information pertaining to hospice in Houston, or here for more information regarding hospice in Dallas. Odyssey & VistaCare also have hospice locations, providing in-home and/or inpatient treatment, throughout Texas.
To learn more about hospice in Texas, please visit http://local.odsyhealth.com, or call (806) 553-6166.