Respiratory Hospice Program

Breathing Easier

For people living with advanced respiratory disease, the simple act of breathing in can be a painful struggle. Care Dimensions has developed a respiratory program focused solely on the needs of hospice patients with pulmonary disease and their caregivers. We help people breathe easier – so they can make the most of every day. Our team of hospice care specialists help patients and caregivers deal with the effects of advanced lung disease after curative treatment is no longer effective. We help patients find relief from:

Our goal is to reduce crisis situations and visits to the hospital so patients can look forward to each day, without pain, worry or stress. We provide 24/7 support and teach patients and families to better control the symptoms of advanced respiratory disease.

Who is eligible?

Hospice-eligible patients with advanced respiratory disease can enroll in the program if they exhibit any of the following:

• Severe chronic respiratory disease
  • Disabling dyspnea at rest, poorly responsive to bronchodilators
  • FEV1 after bronchodilator <30%
• Progression of advanced respiratory disease or recurrent respiratory infections
• Hypoxemia at rest, on room air: pO2 , 55mmHg or O2 sat< 88%
• Right heart failure secondary to respiratory disease
• Unintentional progressive weight loss > 10%
• Persistent resting tachycardia

Care Dimensions Respiratory Program

Download your free copy of our Respiratory Care Program guide or call 978-750-9370 to request a print copy.

Download the Guide

 

Multidimensional Care

Our respiratory program provides specialized services for patients with advanced lung disease. Services and benefits include:

• Pain and symptom management to reduce hospital visits
• Daily calls or visits from the clinical team
• Kaplan Family Hospice House or the Care Dimensions Hospice House for respite care or acute symptom management to avoid hospitalization
• Medication and equipment management
• 24/7 medical, emotional and spiritual support
• Symptom management procedures to guide patients and caregivers to better control symptoms at home
• Patient and caregiver education
• Complementary therapies to provide stress relief and improve quality of life
• Grief support

Our Respiratory Team

Care Dimensions helps patients and caregivers communicate needs, navigate the healthcare system and plan for the future. Our interdisciplinary team brings together the skills and experience of:

• Board certified physician specializing in hospice and palliative care coordinates care with primary physician and pulmonologist
• Specially trained nurse manages symptoms and pain
• Hospice aide assists with daily care and housekeeping
• Social worker helps patients and families cope with emotional and practical issues
• Chaplain offers non-denominational spiritual support
• Complementary therapist relieves stress through music, art, massage and more
• Trained volunteer provides companionship and help with errands
• Bereavement counselor helps families prepare for death and cope with grief