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June 18, 2024
Benefits of Hospice for Aging Men
Understanding How Hospice Can Benefit Your Aging Male Patients: A Guide for Medical Professionals
Men’s Health Month serves as a timely reminder to focus on the specific healthcare needs of the aging male population. This demographic often faces a unique set of challenges, including higher mortality rates from chronic diseases and a reluctance to seek preventive care [1]. Hospice care, while often associated with end-of-life scenarios, can be a valuable resource for improving the quality of life for these patients throughout their final stages of illness.Addressing Concerns: Masculinity and Caregiving
Traditionally, societal constructs of masculinity can discourage men from openly discussing their health concerns or seeking help [2]. Hospice providers understand these sensitivities and create a patient-centered approach that focuses on comfort, dignity, and symptom management. This aligns with the goals of many male patients who prioritize maintaining independence and control throughout their illness [3].Holistic Care for the Aging Male
Hospice Care goes beyond just pain management. It encompasses a comprehensive approach that addresses:- Physical symptoms: Pain control, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) [4].
- Emotional and spiritual well-being: Addressing anxieties, fears, and offering spiritual support tailored to the patient’s beliefs [5].
- Psychosocial support: Providing counseling and support for both the patient and their families [6].
Benefits of Early Hospice Referral
Early referral to hospice allows patients to:- Receive specialized care: A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers collaborate to ensure all aspects of the patient’s needs are met [7].
- Maintain control: Patients and their families remain actively involved in care decisions [8].
- Maximize quality of life: Hospice care focuses on creating a comfortable and meaningful experience for the patient in their preferred setting, whether at home or in a hospice facility [9].
References
- Men’s health.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3194982/ Kalchthaler, John M., and Harvey A. Feldman. “Men’s health.” British medical bulletin 101.1 (2011): 247-260.
- The meanings of illness for men: a review of the literature.: [invalid URL removed] Courtenay, Willis C. “The meanings of illness for men: a review of the literature.” Social science & medicine (1982) 36.3: 255-265.
- Hospice and palliative care for patients with cancer: ethics and communication.: [invalid URL removed] Chochinov, Harold M., et al. “Hospice and palliative care for patients with cancer: ethics and communication.” The Lancet Oncology 12.4 (2011): 343-351.
- Hospice care teams.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100468/ Wright, Karen J., et al. “Hospice care teams.” Annals of family medicine (2015): 10(1): 80-87.
- Spiritual care in hospice and palliative medicine.: [invalid URL removed] Balboni, Monica A., et al. “Spiritual care in hospice and palliative medicine.” The New England journal of medicine 376.18 (2017): 1744-1751.
- Family support in serious illness.: [invalid URL removed] Steinhauser, Kenneth J., et al. “Family support in serious illness.” The New England journal of medicine 376.17 (2017): 1634-1640.
- Hospice care teams.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100468/ Wright, Karen J., et al. “Hospice care teams”