November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, aimed at raising awareness about hospice and palliative care.
The terms hospice and palliative care often are used together since many of the services are common between the two. Both provide compassionate comfort care with the purpose of preventing or relieving suffering as much as possible through symptom control, pain relief and improving quality of life.
Hospice care is for people facing a terminal illness and who are expected to live six months or less. Hospice care can be administered in a home or living facility. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), about 1.55 million Medicare beneficiaries received hospice care in 2018.
Palliative care services can be for patients without a terminal diagnosis and include life-prolonging medications.
Hillcrest Healthcare offers a dedicated hospice wing at its West Hills community called The Gardens on Lake Brook. Our signature compassionate care extends to dignified care for families and their loved ones.
With a family lounge, kitchen and dining area, dedicated rooms for reflection, prayer and gathering, and around-the-clock acute symptom management and visitation, we work diligently to make this difficult time of transition peaceful and comfortable. All of our hospice rooms are private to serve families better.
The Gardens on Lake Brook contracts with all local hospice providers and accepts GIP, long-term and respite referrals. Since opening in July 2019, we have served 331 hospice patients and their families and are available to answer questions on how we may serve your family as well. Learn more at hillcresthc.com/hospice.