HFA recently profiled initiatives in end-of-life care during a continuing education course Improving Dying, which demonstrate exceptional care programs throughout the U.S. See videos of these special programs below.
Virtual Reality
Hospice Savannah in Georgia is using this exciting new technology to help patients receiving end-of-life care and individuals receiving bereavement care. Virtual reality can allow a patient to go on a much-wanted trip or provide meditative comfort to the bereaved.
Quality Hospice Bereavement Programs
Part of Hospice of the Chesapeake, which serves four Maryland counties, the Chesapeake Life Center (CLC) is a grief and wellness center for everyone in the community, whether they used hospice or not. For loved ones of those who died in the care of CLC, up to 10 individual grief counseling sessions are offered.
Hospice Care in Comfort Care Homes
“The best bed and breakfast in Louisville,” was how one family member described her mother’s stay at Hildegarde House. This charity-supported comfort care home accepts patients who are hospice eligible but have no other residential options at life’s end.
Pet Peace of Mind and Pet Therapy
Whether it is taking a hospice patient’s pet to the vet or providing pet food when finances are tight, Williamette Vital Health (WVH) in Salem, Oregon is there to help. In addition, WVH has a team of volunteers who provide pet therapy to those receiving hospice care and the bereaved.
Physical Modality Interventions
Although occupational, physical, speech, dieticians, and respiratory therapists can help improve the quality of life for hospice patients, they are often the exception and not the rule in hospice care. Hudson Valley Hospice in New York State has made these therapies widely available for its patients.
Art and Music Therapy (Expressive Therapies)
The Connecticut Hospice, the first hospice program in the U.S., employs board certified art and music therapy professionals who use a variety of techniques to bring comfort to patients and the bereaved, which support reminiscence and meaning making.
