RBC | November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month—a time to highlight the importance of comfort for those facing serious illness and to celebrate the compassionate care provided by HopeWest teams. Our dedicated professionals provide palliative care services to our Meeker community and ensure that patients and their families receive the highest standard of care. By informing families about the benefits of palliative care, we help them discover new strength, confidence, and reassurance during otherwise challenging times.
It’s important to recognize that palliative care offers months of support throughout the stages of illness, not just in the final days of life. Understanding the basics of this program will help you decide if palliative care might benefit you or a loved one.
Palliative care prioritizes managing pain and symptoms through care management and relieving the burden of serious illness. It also addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through the support of a dedicated care team to ultimately improve the quality of life for patients while supporting their families, too.
Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness at any stage, even while actively pursuing curative treatment. Care is provided for patients wherever they reside, including at home, assisted living facilities or nursing homes, and hospitals.
Sometimes, patients and families approach palliative care with hesitation, apprehensive of what’s to come, or worried they might be “giving up.” Guided by caregivers like Gabby Maldonado, a HopeWest nurse, families have open conversations to get a better picture of what to expect from palliative care.
“I want to provide education and support my patients and their families through this journey — a relationship built on a foundation of honesty and compassion,” said Gabby. “Seeing families change their views about palliative care and empowering them to care for their loved one confidently is so beautiful.”
While our caregivers and volunteers are specially trained in end-of-life care and know what to expect, they recognize this is often an unfamiliar experience for families. That’s why education, listening, and responding to concerns are so valued.
If you’re facing serious illness, contact HopeWest.If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, it’s never too early to consider a specialized plan of care. Contact HopeWest to let our care team guide you in your next steps and show you how our exceptional care sets us apart (970) 878-9383. To learn more about HopeWest and what distinguishes our care, visit HopeWestCO.org/survey-results-awards.