February 3, 2011
Palliative Care and Hospice Care Explained
Hospice is a specific type of palliative care. Hospice care is always palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice care. Adventist St. Thomas provides both types of care. For more information or to make a referral, call 630-856-6990.
PALLIATIVE CARE
Palliative care is defined as “relieving or soothing the symptoms of a disease or disorder.” Many people mistakenly believe this means you receive palliative care only when you can’t be cured. Actually, palliative medicine can be provided by one doctor while other doctors work with you to try to cure your illness.
Palliative care is for people of any age, and at any stage in an illness, whether that illness is curable, chronic or life threatening. In fact, palliative care may actually help you recover from your illness by relieving symptoms such as pain, anxiety, difficulty breathing or loss of appetite, as you undergo sometimes difficult medical treatments or procedures, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Palliative care usually starts in the hospital, but can be provided at a nursing home, assisted living facility or in your home. The care team includes palliative physicians, advanced practice nurses, social workers and other health care professionals.
HOSPICE
Hospice is a way of caring for the terminally ill that helps them to live their final days to the fullest, as free as possible from disabling pain and mental anguish, usually in the setting of their own home. Hospice is concerned with the whole person, with emotional as well as physical problems, and also with the family’s needs.
Is hospice a place that takes care of the dying?
No. Hospice is primarily a concept of care, not a specific place. It is a special way of caring for patients, usually in their own homes, in their final days. But most important, hospice is about living, not about dying.
What does that mean?
Hospice is concerned about enhancing the quality of a dying patient’s life, no matter how short. It is a program that emphasizes the dignity of the individual and the strength of the family. Hospice personnel give care when it is no longer possible to cure. They also help patients find a sense of peace and dignity.
How does hospice do this?
Hospice follows a concept of care that has developed carefully over many years. It is a combination of medical and emotional care that involves not only the patient, but also the family or others concerned with caring for the patient. Medical attention is directed toward the patient’s physical comfort and mental alertness.
Who is a potential hospice patient?
A hospice patient is someone who has a limited life expectancy (less than 6 months) and is no longer receiving treatment toward a cure, but requires very close medical attention. The patient must choose hospice care with a clear understanding of its philosophy and services. There must be a family member or other appropriate person(s) willing to care for the patient at home, with help, if necessary, and to share in decision making.
Why does someone seek hospice care rather than other types of care?
Many patients who know they are dying want to stay at home in familiar surroundings. They do not want to be in an impersonal hospital or undergo many tests and procedures. They want to spend their last days in the normal routine of their lives, surrounded by family and friends.
Can hospice really do this?
Yes. A basic part of hospice philosophy is that patients should be able to choose how they will spend their final days. They should be kept as comfortable and as free from pain and other disabling symptoms as possible in order to enjoy those days. Hospice has had long experience in controlling pain and limiting distress of all kinds.
Can pain really be controlled?
Yes, it can.
Who takes care of the patient?
Family members or friends coordinate the care of the patient at home with the support and guidance of the hospice team. As required, a member of the team provides care directly.
What is a hospice team?
The team is a group of hospice staff members who coordinate their efforts on behalf of the patient and family. The team usually consists of a nurse, physician, social worker, trained volunteer, dietitian, and chaplain. Other trained personnel are called upon if and when the need arises; for example, health aides, practical nurses, and physical therapists.
How often does someone from hospice visit a patient’s home?
Members of the team make regular home visits, some on a weekly basis or more often. The schedule is adjusted to a patient’s needs. In addition, a nurse and physician are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for phone advice and for visits whenever necessary.
What does the hospice team do?
The nurse makes scheduled visits to the home and is the primary contact between the patient and family and all hospice resources. In addition to nursing duties, he or she is trained to recognize and respond to emotional and psychological problems. Home care team members can counsel on practical matters of concern and guide the family in caring for the patient. They will also arrange for necessary supplies or additional help when it is needed. In short, the home care nurse and his or her team become the family’s and the patient’s central support system.
What kind of “practical matters” come up?
Some concerns that would ordinarily be minor loom very large under stress conditions; for example, skin care or how to bathe someone in bed. On the other hand, a patient may need the services of a lawyer to make a will. From large problems to small, hospice can help. The hospice nurse knows how to listen and where to seek help.
Can patients continue under the care of their personal doctors?
Yes, indeed. In fact, Hinsdale Hematology Oncology physicians will continue caring for their patients in conjunction with hospice.
Must a patient’s physician recommend the patient to hospice?
No. Anyone can. Usually the patient’s family or friends make the first call to their local hospice. However, a patient’s attending physician must be consulted before actual admission.
Can a patient withdraw from hospice after starting in the program?
Yes, anytime.
What if a patient’s care requires skills that the family cannot provide?
Many hospices have an inpatient unit to provide short term, around the clock care when needed for the control of symptoms. Many are licensed as special hospitals that provide acute level care in a home like setting. Visiting hours are unrestricted, and every effort is made to adjust to the individual’s needs and wishes. Usually the aim of an inpatient stay is to prepare the patient and family for a return to home care. Hinsdale Hospital provides this kind of unit.
When should someone seek hospice care?
The earlier, the better. The greatest service can be rendered when there is time to fully understand the patient’s and family’s needs and to develop a suitable plan of care. Perhaps most important of all, if a relationship of trust between patient and hospice can develop over several months, the patient enjoys the full benefit of hospice care.
But how does one know it is time?
Experience has shown that certain events often trigger the first contact with hospice; for example, when a patient realizes that cure is not possible or that treatment is aimed only at maintaining comfort. In addition, there may be significant signs of family stress and a sense of helplessness. This may be the time to call hospice.
Should one call hospice even though uncertain?
Yes. If hospice care is not suitable, you will be told. It is not the right choice for everyone. But the earlier hospice can work with patient and family, the more effective it can be.
What are the actual steps toward entering the hospice program?
With the permission of the patient, the hospice admissions team and the patient’s physician discuss the patient’s medical condition to determine if he or she is appropriate for hospice care. After that, a hospice nurse visits the patient to answer questions, discuss and obtain consent forms, and begin to plan for the patient’s care.
How is payment for care made?
All or part of hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, and most insurance companies. Medicare has a special hospice benefit; ask the admissions office for more information.
What if one doesn’t know if insurance covers hospice?
Call your insurance company or call your local hospice.
What if one doesn’t have adequate resources for payment?
Patients who request hospice care and who qualify are not denied services based on inability to pay. Financial assistance may be available. A representative from the hospice finance office will help in assessing financial need.
Aside from medical care, how can the patient be helped?
The emotional stress and practical problems faced by a patient and family often can be as great a concern as the disease. How is the fact of death going to be faced by them? How will they cope? Hospice nurses, social workers, and other team members are specially trained to counsel, assist, and aid. All hospice resources and experience are geared toward helping families facing terminal illness. In addition, a trained volunteer will be available to lend a helping hand to the family by doing errands or even staying with the patient when the family needs a break. Hospice calls forth a wide circle of care.
Can a patient really be cared for at home?
Yes. Thousands of patients have, with the help of hospice. And the benefit is not only to the patient but also to the family members and others involved who know they have given the truest measure of their love. Hospice has follow up care for survivors who seem to recover from their loss with added strength because they actively have helped to take care of their loved ones.
What kind of follow up care does a family receive?
Hospice can offer the support of meeting others who have recently lost a loved one. Bereavement counselors can provide guidance on personal problems that may arise or the friendship of a trained volunteer who understands what has happened. Special activities are available for children who have experienced a loss. For a year and a month after the death of the patient, hospice will be in touch. Best of all, perhaps, the family knows during these months of adjustment that “hospice is there.”
January 27, 2011
Bolingbrook Cancer Services
Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital has many great resources for women undergoing cancer treatment. Here are a few that are located in the hospital (500 Remington Blvd) and the medical office building attached to the hospital (396 Remington Blvd).
Wig Boutique
The hospital’s new Wig Boutique is located in the medical office building in Suite 231. A licensed cosmetologist is present to properly fit and style the perfect wig for you. This service is provided by the American Cancer Society by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 630-312-5463.
Look Good…Feel Better
The hospital hosts Look Good…Feel Better programs every other month. Women currently undergoing cancer treatment can attend to learn how to apply makeup, how to manage hair/wigs and how to deal with other changes in appearance. Each participant will receive her own sample bag of free makeup. The next program will be on Monday, February 7th at 5:00pm in the Inspire Room at the hospital. To register, call 630-856-7525.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Bolingbrook hospital partners with the Wellness House to provide this complimentary program. The group meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the Inspire Room at the hospital. The program is hosted by Azizi Marshall, Wellness House Program Associate. For more information or to register, call the Wellness House at 630-323-5150 or visit www.wellnesshouse.org.
November 16, 2010
Look Good Feel Better
Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital will be holding a Look Good Feel Better program on December 6. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and brought to you by the Adventist Women’s Imaging Center, this program is designed for newly diagnosed cancer patients dealing with changes in appearance brought on by cancer treatment.
Look Good Feel Better is a 2 hour hands-on workshop that teaches skin care, nail care techniques, makeup application and different ways to deal with hair loss. Each participant will go home with an instruction booklet and a complimentary cosmetic kit.
Location: Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital Inspire Room- 500 Remington Blvd Bolingbrook, IL 60440 – Get Directions
Date and Time: Monday, December 6 @ 5:00pm
RSVP: To register, call 630-856-7525
Additional Information: http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/
September 22, 2010
Flu Season is Fast Approaching
Influenza (flu) caused by the influenza virus is a very contagious disease spread from infected persons to the nose and throat of others. It is manifested by fever, sore throat, chills, cough, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. It can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or lung problems or with weakened immune systems from cancer.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, given as a shot, has been used in the United States for many years. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. Protection from the virus takes two weeks to develop after the shot and can last up to a year.
Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Recommends that all our patients receive the Flu vaccine in October or November. Chemotherapy patients should ask their HHOA physician or nurse about setting up an appointment at one of our offices. If you are not on chemotherapy, you should call your internist/family doctor about making an appointment to receive one.
Patient’s spouses and family members are encouraged to have their Flu shots at their internist/family doctor in October.
Prevent the Flu spread by washing your hands frequently. If you are not feeling well and suspect you may have the Flu – call the office first before coming in.
If you have any questions, please call 630-654-1790 to speak with a nurse.
Visit our website for more information on flu season.
May 25, 2010
Breast Care Center Patient Navigation
You know from the previous article that Patient Navigators at DIC (DuPage Imaging Center) are part of the Breast Care Center team. Rexine Hamill, one of the Patient Navigators, gives us some more information on the Navigator’s role…
We have 2 navigators and 1 administrative assistant. I am a certified breast patient navigator in breast imaging. Linda Wild is our nurse navigator, and she is certified in breast imaging and nursing. Janet Fontana is our administrative assistant.
Our navigation process here at DIC starts when a patient who came in as a screening mammogram needs to return for additional films as a diagnostic mammogram. Janet takes care of this part. She faxes reports to attending physicians and calls to schedule patients.
Otherwise, patients enter our navigation after their diagnostic mammogram, when they need to have a biopsy. At this point we talk with the patient, give them information about the type of biopsy being recommended, fax reports to physician, schedule the biopsy, get the order, send the patient to the surgeon if that is what their physician wants, and just be there for the patients to answer questions.
After the biopsy, we give the results (if their physician wants us to). We give the patients with positive results another packet of information, and follow the patients care. We are available to give any support needed throughout their entire journey. We were once patients, and now are survivors, so we understand.
Navigation Team- Janet, Linda, Rexine
May 19, 2010
Breast Care Center
Accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist La Grange Memorial hospitals offer women a comprehensive network of services for complete breast health. The Breast Care Center is committed to the early and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. The breast care team includes radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, genetic counselors, rehabilitation experts, and patient navigators.
The team works together to formulate an individualized plan for each patient and meets routinely to discuss the patient’s progress. Dr. Patricia Madej is the Medical Director of the Breast Care Center, and Dr. Elyse Schneiderman is one of the medical oncologists involved in the program.
Breast Care Center benefits include:
- Personalized assistance in managing a speedy diagnosis
- Development of an individualized treatment plan
- Advanced radiography and diagnostic capabilities
- Second opinion and breast consultation services
- Access to National Cancer Institute clinical trials
- One fee for the initial consultation with the multidisciplinary physician team
More women than ever survive breast cancer today, thanks to the ongoing search for better ways of diagnosing the disease. The Breast Care Center connects the latest technology and expertise in one center to expedite diagnosis and treatment options.
For further information on the Breast Care Center, please call (630) 856-8091.
Learn more about the NAPBC by clicking here.
May 12, 2010
HHOA is a Reclast Infusion Center
Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Associates now offers Reclast infusions for the prevention of osteoporosis. Reclast is administered by our oncology certified nurses, in the comfort of our infusion rooms. The grid below explains what Reclast is, how it works, what you will need and what to expect. For further information, call our office at 630-654-1790 or visit www.reclast.com.
April 16, 2010
Laboratory Professionals get Results
April 18-24, 2010 is Lab Week. This particular week is set aside to recognize the dedication and hard work of laboratory professionals across the United States. The lab team plays a vital role in every aspect of patient care, but most notably in the acquisition and analysis of samples used for the diagnosis and prevention of disease. Test results from these samples impact 70-80% of all medical decisions made by physicians!
In the Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Associates lab, we routinely execute CBCs (complete blood counts). Recently, with the addition of two new analyzers, we have also begun performing CMPs (comprehensive metabolic profile) and tumor markers (specifically CA27-29 and CEAs). The convenience and accessibility of obtaining these results in our office allows us to better serve our patients and allows our physicians to make quick treatment decisions.
As laboratory professionals we are proud of the work we do and the quality of care to our patients…we get results!!
HHOA Laboratory Technicians
February 18, 2010
Cancer Genetic Testing
What is Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment?
Advances in medical genetics have made it possible to identify persons who have inherited a tendency to develop cancer or certain other serious diseases. Our physicians provide such assessments through our Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Service.
The service is intended to identify those at an increased risk of cancer and to provide them with a sense of control through education and an individualized plan of medical care. For individuals not at risk, such information may provide reassurance and peace of mind.
What is the process of Genetic Risk Assessment?
Information obtained at the initial visit helps identify those who may be at increased risk. One of our physicians then explores options for testing and risk reduction.
Tests are rarely performed during the initial visit. Appropriate candidates for a DNA blood test will be urged to consider multiple issues before scheduling a test. Other aspects our staff may discuss with patients include tumor biology, ethical and confidentiality issues and concerns about insurance.
For those at increased risk of disease, we provide recommendations for managing the risk, screenings and steps for prevention. A written report is sent to the patient and his or her primary care or referring physician upon patient request.
Who Benefits?
Genetic risk assessment is helpful for anyone who is concerned about a health risk because of a prior disease or a family history of malignancy. A genetic risk assessment often holds implications for other family members. There are factors to consider in identifying a candidate for a DNA blood test:
- Does the disease in question affect more than one relative?
- Does the disease appear in family members at an earlier age than usual?
- Are reliable genetic tests available for the disease?
- Does earlier detection of the disease improve the outcome?
Resources
Creating a Family Health Tree is a great way to keep track of certain medical issues that may be hereditary. Once the information is gathered, sharing it with your health care provider is important. There are a lot of resources online where you can track your family history. For example:
- The National Cancer Institute website has a section dedicated to cancer genetics. There is a lot of useful information, as well as an option to create a “Family Health Portrait” online.
- The Colon Cancer Alliance website provides a downloadable/printable version of a family tree intended to gauge risk for colorectal cancer. If you are concerned about a different form of cancer, you can fashion your own family tree after this example.
