National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November 19, 2024
November is known as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Hospice is a type of health care that focuses on those who are terminally ill and approaching the end of their lives. The focus is on comfort and quality of life during the final stages. Palliative care can be given to an individual at any stage of a serious illness. Huntington Woods is proud to partner with Bella Care Hospice to help provide hospice services for our residents in need.
The mission of Bella Care Hospice is to
“affirm and celebrate the significance of human life and recognize dying as a natural process. We carry out this mission by providing superior health, social, emotional and spiritual services to enhance the quality of life with peace and dignity for patients and support for families.” Bella Care consists of a team of doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, bereavement and spiritual coordinators, volunteers and therapists. They provide an individualized plan for each patient under their care to meet the needs of both patients and family.
The Stepping Stones Program was developed by Bella Care to give strength and comfort to families as they navigate this time. This program provides music, listening, comfort, support and presence. The benefits of this plan are many. Benefits include individualized care and support, celebrating life memories, ongoing support and education, communication and sharing, as well as coaching. Examples within this program include comfort care, spiritual support, therapeutic touch, family connection and many more.
Bella Care also offers a Dementia Care Program, which is utilized in our secured dementia unit. They employ Certified Dementia Practitioners and all clinicians receive on-going and disease-specific training to better understand the needs of dementia patients. Staff also undergo extensive empathy training to increase understanding and compassion of those suffering from dementia. Various partnerships with community dementia resources who specialize in geriatric medicine are present. The Music and Memory Program is beneficial to help shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, create positive interactions, promote cognitive function, stimulate motor movements, and reduce the use of medicine.
Huntington Woods is happy to work side by side with the Bella Care Hospice team to ensure that our residents and their families receive proper care and assurance during the end stages of life. The dedication and compassion of each Bella Care employee help to provide a smooth transition and peace of mind during these hard times. During the month of November, we celebrate Bella Care and all of their hard work and commitment to those under their services. Happy Hospice and Palliative Care Month!