Hospice for End-Stage Heart Failure
The diagnosis of late-stage congestive heart failure carries a high symptom burden. Patients suffer with shortness of breath, pain, insomnia, fatigue, and nausea to name a few.
Compassus is an expert in managing symptoms of CHF to allow for better daily living. Hospice provides education about what to expect so patients and families know how to respond as symptoms arise. We focus on each person as an individual and manage their symptoms accordingly.
Recently, we had a patient with severe congestive heart failure and valvular disease. He had a cough that did not respond to any treatments he and his cardiologist had tried. He was unable to rest at night and was frustrated by the cough during the day.
We listened to his problem and were able to offer a unique treatment that resolved his cough in days. He went on to live without the bothersome cough and no side effects from our medications. Careful review of each person and their needs as an individual is what is needed to keep patients comfortable when they have serious illness.
The final stages of heart failure can be a roller coaster of good days and bad days. Many people are living longer with congestive heart failure. New therapies are often able to slow the progression of the disease.
At Compassus, we support your efforts to continue medical therapies. If you've exhausted your options and have started the hospice conversation, we're here to help you maintain your best quality of life, all the way to the very end.
How we help
- Coordinating care with you and your doctor
- Continuation of treatments to reduce symptoms including shortness of breath, pain, fatigue, fluid retention and hypertension
- Reducing ER visits and hospital readmissions
- Medicines, oxygen and medical equipment related to the life-limiting illness
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Educations and respite care for family caregivers
- A hospice care team in tune with your physical and spiritual needs.
Support for people and their families
Hospice is not about giving up, it’s about managing symptoms and stresses so families can embrace every moment they have together. Call one of our locations for referrals, information or simply to talk about options.
Hospice is a fully covered Medicare/Medicaid benefit. Care includes caregivers, medications, supplies and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis, with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Reviewed by Dr. Alyson Emmons, D.O., February, 2022