What Does Hospice Do for Cancer Patients?

A terminal cancer diagnosis usually changes everything for a family. When curative treatments stop working, the medical focus shifts to maintaining quality of life. Our team at Shiloh Hospice provides comprehensive hospice support for individuals facing terminal illnesses in the Greater Chicago area. We exist to make every moment count for our patients and their families.

Our hospice care for cancer patients provides:

• Physical comfort and pain management at home or in a facility.
• Emotional and spiritual guidance tailored to personal beliefs and cultural traditions.
• Caregiver support involving education, counseling and respite options.

What Is the Primary Goal of Hospice Care?

While “hospice” can be a term that induces anxiety for many, the main objective of this kind of care is to relieve distressing symptoms and improve daily quality of life. Rather than seeking a cure, the medical team focuses entirely on comfort. We at Shiloh Hospice promote living each day to the fullest in hope and free of pain. Our services are designed to allow patients to spend peaceful, precious days surrounded by the people they love.

What Does Hospice Provide for Cancer Patients?

Quality end-of-life care involves a holistic approach. It addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the patient.

Comfort and Symptom Relief

Cancer often causes severe discomfort. Our physicians and nurses oversee medication use to control symptoms and manage pain. Patients receive dietary counseling to develop a nutrition plan that suits their appetite and eating abilities. We also supply all necessary medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen support, to maximize physical ease.

Emotional Support

End-of-life care and an ongoing battle with such a serious illness bring heavy emotional weight. Medical social workers can assist patients in coping with these feelings. They offer counseling, make referrals and advise caregivers. This holistic care helps lighten the mental burden and provides peace of mind.

Spiritual Care

Spirituality holds deep meaning for many individuals. A hospice chaplain can provide personalized support that respects diverse cultural practices and beliefs, coordinating with each patient’s background to bring peace and solace through their faith. This kind of spiritual care often goes hand-in-hand with emotional support to improve quality of life on a deeper level.

Caregiver Support

Cancer impacts the entire family. Our team offers grief and bereavement counseling to help relatives process their feelings. We also provide trained volunteer services and short-term respite care, giving caregivers a much-needed break. Our volunteers can assist with daily errands, attend appointments and take care of other personal responsibilities you might not have the time to complete, while our respite care services are available to those needing a chance to rest from constant caregiving responsibilities.

Find Comfort and Support for the Hospice Journey

Doctors typically recommend hospice care when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. This transition happens when the medical team stops treatments meant to cure the disease. With services that work to improve physical, mental and spiritual well-being, hospice care transforms the final stages of the end-of-life journey into a time of peace and dignity.

Shiloh Hospice delivers holistic care tailored to the multifaceted needs of cancer patients and their families. We offer in-home and facility-based options throughout Cook, Will and DuPage counties. If you’re wondering whether hospice care is the next best step for your loved one, or are curious which hospice care provider is right for your family, contact Shiloh Hospice at 708-705-5841 to schedule a free consultation today.