Navigating the complexities of lung disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can be overwhelming, especially if treatments are no longer effective. For many patients and families, understanding when to consider hospice for lung disease is a difficult discussion. This guide will help you recognize the signs that indicate hospice may be the right choice.
What is End-Stage Lung Disease?
End-stage lung disease refers to the most severe form of lung disease, resulting from chronic conditions such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or progressive diseases like cystic fibrosis. A diagnosis of end-stage lung disease occurs when the lungs can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide or supply sufficient oxygen to meet the body’s basic needs.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Hospice for Lung Disease
When curative treatments for lung disease, including COPD, are limited or no longer desired, hospice care may be a suitable option. Some signs that it may be time to consider hospice care include:
- Shortness of breath at rest that is poorly responsive to bronchodilators resulting in decreased functional capacity (ex. bed to chair existence, extreme fatigue, and cough)
- Requiring use of supplemental oxygen most or all the time
- Frequent hospitalizations due to shortness of breath or respiratory infections
- Curative treatment options are limited or no longer desired
- Weight loss associated with decreased appetite
- Requiring more assistance with daily activities
- Weakness and recent falls
- Multiple changes to medications due to ineffectiveness
Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients with Lung Disease
At Residential Hospice, our expert care team works together to determine the appropriate care plan for patients with lung disease through our Alleviating Dyspnea and Pain with Treatment (ADAPT) program. Hospice care and the ADAPT program offer multiple benefits including:
- Physical Comfort: Using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions for addressing dyspnea and pain, hospice care utilizes state-of-the-art medication delivery methods for effective symptom control.
- Emotional Support: Hospice care incorporates specialty therapies, like music and massage therapy, aromatherapy, legacy projects and guided virtual reality experiences.
- End-of-Life Planning: Meeting practice needs like estate planning and spiritual needs like making peace with others can help patients and families face difficult decisions that need to be made during hospice care.
- Companionship: Visits from volunteers, including hospice doulas, offer comfort and support, helping patients feel less isolated during their hospice journey.
Residential Hospice for Patients with Lung Disease
Residential Hospice’s program for patients with lung disease and COPD, the ADAPT program, addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany lung disease, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and more. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have lung disease receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers in-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.