February is American Heart Month - Hospice Services
February is American Heart Month. ProMedica Hospice understands that hospice patients with heart disease and their caregivers deserve a specialized level of care.
We believe that the quality of life for our cardiac patients can be enhanced through care designed to meet their physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Our care focuses on providing proactive therapies, as well as experienced pain and symptom management and psychosocial support.
Services for Patients with Heart Disease may include but are not limited to:
- Cardio-respiratory assessment
- Medication management
- Pain and symptom management
- Teaching and use of oxygen
- Nutritional management
- Spiritual and psychosocial support
- Family support
- Advance directive planning
Triggers for Eligibility for Patients with Heart Disease may include:
- New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV
- Ejection fraction 20% or less
- Decline in Karnofsky Performance Status Scale from 70% or less
- Body Mass Index less than 22; unintentional weight loss or gain (Weight gain could be from fluid overload, not representing nutritional status)
- Shortness of breath or angina at rest/minimal activity
- Symptoms persist even with optimal doses of diuretics, vasodilators and/or ACE inhibitors
- Increased frequency of ER visits or hospitalizations for symptom control
We work with community partners to provide services that meet each patient’s needs. This continuum of care may include:
- Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services
- Assisted living care
- Outpatient rehabilitation