Talking about end of life is never easy and usually occurs when everything else has been tried. When making the shift from cure to comfort you want people who know how to make this part of life’s journey as supportive as possible. The compassionate care team at Swedish Hospice can help make the remaining time of a loved one’s life rich with dignity and compassion.
There can be a misperception that being on hospice means giving up. However, hospice care can actually improve the quality of life and perhaps even prolong the lives of some people receiving hospice care.
The care team works with doctors and hospitals, assesses care needs and coordinates insurance coverage – all in addition to addressing patient and family needs. They help the patient understand their illness and what care options might be available. The care team also makes the patient’s wishes a priority and assures they get the care they want and deserve.
Swedish provides services in pain management, symptom control, psycho-social support, home health aides for personal care, comfort therapies such as music and massage, volunteer support for caregivers and spiritual care to patients and families. All the necessary medicines and equipment needed to keep a patient comfortable can be brought right to the home, adult family home or skilled nursing facility.
What people should know about hospice at Swedish:
- Service is provided in King County
- Care is coordinated with the patient’s physician as part of our team
- Access to a hospice nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Patients who have a physician referral and have elected comfort-focused care are eligible for hospice services
- Medicare Part A, Medicaid and most private insurers cover hospice care
What families say about hospice at Swedish:
“I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to witness your personal relationship with and interest in both of us.”
“I cannot thank you enough for the care and compassion you provided to my wife. Your staff brought her comfort and peace in the final days of her life.”
(If you would like more information about Swedish Hospice, please call 206-386-6602.)