Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. According to the World Health Organization, it is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019.
COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable chronic lung disease. However, as you or your loved one approach mid-life and your COPD progresses, breathing and activities of daily living may become increasingly difficult. In cases of end-stage COPD, it may be best to consider hospice care.
Choosing hospice for your loved one living with end-stage COPD is an important decision. While it may be a difficult call to make, hospice care for COPD patients can help preserve their quality of life, dignity, and comfort. This extra layer of support becomes even more essential as their illness progresses and their needs intensify.
Hospice care for COPD patients includes a team of trained professionals. The team members include a board-certified physician, hospice-certified nurse, social worker, spiritual support counselor, certified home health aide, and a volunteer.
heartbeat.Most importantly, when you call hospice for your loved one with end-stage COPD, you will experience peace of mind thanks to 24/7 phone access to COPD and hospice experts. If you have a question or need additional help, call Samaritan 24/7 at (800) 229-8183.
Samaritan is the premier provider of hospice care for COPD patients in South Jersey. Plus, the organization has all the qualities that you should choose in a hospice according to a recent Consumer Reports article:
Samaritan has inpatient centers for managing symptoms and severe pain, located in Voorhees and Virtua Memorial in Mount Holly. The Centers are designed for short-term stays for COPD patients who are experiencing severe muscle or joint pain, contractures, difficulty breathing or agitation.
Samaritan goes above and beyond for COPD hospice patients, as we also offer several complementary therapies. These services include music, massage, and pet therapies. Music therapy can help COPD patients with disease-related symptoms, as well as anxiety. Massage therapy also helps with anxiety, and can relieve muscle tension. Finally, patients can receive visits from specially certified therapy dogs.
Another benefit to choosing Samaritan are on-staff, professionally trained grief counselors. Grief support counseling is available for 13 months after the loss of your loved one. Samaritan can stand with you during your grief journey so you do not have to go through it alone. Individual counseling and support groups are available.
COPD Hospice Eligibility CriteriaSomeone typically meets the COPD hospice criteria when their physician or specialist certifies that they have six months or less to live if their disease follows its natural course. However, do not wait for your physician to bring up hospice care. Be a persistent healthcare advocate and inquire about hospice care sooner than later. Earlier access to hospice care ensures that you can experience the many benefits of this extra layer of support. Families always tell Samaritan they wished they called us sooner.