How Hospice Incorporates Mental Health Services When Working With Seniors

Understanding how hospice incorporates mental health services, in particular when working with seniors, is a priority in Above & Beyond Hospice Care’s approach. Finding a hospice resource that serves Manchester and the Monticello, IA area can be difficult.

When Hospice Incorporates Mental Health Services

It’s important to approach all things in life with a positive state of mind. Hence why our team helps ensure that our hospice incorporates mental health services for everyone involved.

5 Benefits to How Hospice Incorporates Mental Health Services

1. Understanding the term ‘mental health’ – The first step is to remove any negativity associated with the term ‘mental health.’ According to the English Oxford Living Dictionary mental health is a noun referring to a person’s condition of psychological & emotional well-being. Simply, mental health is an everyday part of life.
2. What everyone wants & needs – No matter what the circumstances, a person’s desire in life is to have positive mental & emotional well-being. During emotional times, such as hospice, this is an area that will require focus. We offer insight & professional help.
3. Learning – We focus on learning techniques and actions needed to help you control your emotions. Positive output results in positive comeback. Our trained staff understands and concentrates on real applications to help you deal with the psychological effects of hospice.
4. Positivity – A positive mental attitude can actually make a difference in quality of life during the end. This Chicago Tribune article explains that even when facing end of life decisions, the mental attitude can make all the difference in acceptance & in final memories.
5. Helping with Pain – If the hospice patient is dealing with pain their acceptance and understanding of what is happening can help with mental attitude. Part of the mental health aspect of hospice is helping the patient accept and be at peace with what lies ahead. If they understand what hospice will do for them, the pain is more likely to be manageable or even a non-issue.

A Summary of What Happens When Hospice Incorporates Mental Health Services

When we talk about the mental health services combined with hospice we aren’t necessarily talking about things like ‘group therapy.’ Whenever a positive mental approach is made and a sense of calm is created, everyone benefits.

• Calming – Positive mental attitude of the hospice patient helps keep a sense of calm during a time that can sometimes become drama filled. In the same sense, keeping those “in charge” calm and positive will bring a sense of peace to the patient too.
• Reduces Fears – Knowledge of the process ahead helps to reduce fears in both the patient & those surrounding them. Let us direct your mind to a healthy point of understanding.
• Faith – We understand that not everyone will have a faith based end of life experience. However, religion can be a part of a positive mental approach during hospice. An example of allowing religion to integrate with the mental health approach is when clergy becomes part of the positive look ahead
• Memories – Eventually a subdued and positive mental approach allows for everyone to talk openly. As a matter of fact you will find that there are times of laughter, smiling, and calmness that will help the family to create a happy ending together.
• Coping Skills – In addition to presenting an overall calm, part of mental health services include helping the patient and family find acceptance with the destination. This will encourage a sense of mental release from the stresses building. The skill of coping & accepting things we cannot change can be very helpful.

The Importance of Our Approach

Consequently, a person’s state of mind or mental condition can completely change the outcome of a situation. Making sure that our hospice incorporates mental health services is one way to help ensure the best possible approach to end of life. We offer comfort, knowledge, and a positive state of mind during hospice care. However, our care continues through the stages of grieving also. Contact us about hospice care & letting us guide you through the tasks of grief.

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