Care Plan for Hospice Services

Category / Primary Body System

• Palliative Care / Hospice Services

Problem

• Patient is on comfort measures and hospice services.

Goal

• Patient and/or family member will actively participate in hospice services, including evaluation and treatment, for 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Encourage verbalization of feelings regarding hospice services as needed
   • Provide opportunities for family visitations as appropriate
   • Consult with social services as needed for additional support

2. Medication Management

   • Administer medications as ordered
   • Provide pain medication as ordered to ensure comfort

3. Hospice Care Coordination

   • Ensure hospice services are provided as ordered
   • Encourage patient participation in diversional activities

4. Medical Monitoring

   • Notify the physician or nurse practitioner of any changes in the patient's medical condition

Rationale

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Verbalizing feelings helps patients and families cope with the emotional aspects of hospice care, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
   • Family visitations provide emotional support, improving the patient’s quality of life.
   • Social services offer resources and counseling, assisting with emotional and practical needs.

2. Medication Management

   • Proper administration of medications ensures symptom management, improving patient comfort and quality of life.
   • Regular pain management is crucial in hospice care to maintain patient comfort and dignity.

3. Hospice Care Coordination

   • Coordinating hospice services ensures that the patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
   • Engaging in diversional activities helps maintain a sense of normalcy and improves emotional well-being.

4. Medical Monitoring

   • Promptly addressing changes in medical condition ensures timely interventions, maintaining patient comfort and preventing complications.

Actions

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Encourage the patient to express their feelings about hospice services during each visit or interaction.
   • Facilitate family visits, ensuring they are scheduled regularly and accommodating patient and family needs.
   • Arrange for social service consultations as needed, connecting the patient and family with resources and counseling.

2. Medication Management

   • Administer medications, including pain management, as per the physician’s orders.
   • Monitor the patient’s response to medications, adjusting as needed to maintain comfort.

3. Hospice Care Coordination

   • Ensure that all hospice services are delivered according to the care plan, coordinating with hospice providers.
   • Encourage the patient to participate in diversional activities that they enjoy, providing options that are feasible and enjoyable.

4. Medical Monitoring

   • Regularly assess the patient’s medical condition, noting any changes or new symptoms.
   • Immediately notify the physician or nurse practitioner of any significant changes to the patient’s condition.