Let me ask…
have you seen a diminished quality of life due
to the treatment of life limiting illness?
Are you or your loved ones experiencing high
levels of stress and anxiety and new forms of depression?
Are you open to adding natural treatments to your care plan?
In this video we want to help you understand
what complementary therapies are and how
they can improve the quality of life for a patient
on hospice. Hello. I'm Valeria Nieman,
complementary therapies manager at
Nathan Adelson Hospice, the oldest,
largest and only non-profit hospice in southern Nevada.
Hospice patients may experience high levels
of emotional stress and anxiety as they deal
with the end of life issues.
Even though hospice patients are no longer searching
for a cure they can still benefit from compassionate
care therapies.
Many patients and their loved ones have found
that complementary therapies help ease their discomfort.
What more can be done to ease the discomfort?
The name complementary therapy came from the physicians
and nurses who found that certain services
were a perfect complement to traditional
medical treatments.
The complementary therapy team is made up of certified
therapists and licensed practitioners who offer
emotional support and special attention to both
the mind and the body.
Recent studies have shown that complementary
therapies reduce back pain, edema, headaches,
and respiratory issues.
They also reduce stress and anxiety,
decrease depression and increase oxygen
absorption helping patients feel more
comfortable and relaxed.
What kind of complementary therapies are available?
Different hospice organizations offer
different therapies.
Here at Nathan Adelson Hospice the complementary
therapies program includes a wide array of offerings.
Aromatherapy… essential oils distilled from selected
plant materials can influence the body in many ways.
This therapy is used to benefit the patient
and family physically, emotionally,
mentally and spiritually. Massage Therapy…
massage is a therapeutic art that relieves stress,
headaches, back aches, fatigue and restlessness.
Reflexology… reflexology uses a series of specific
techniques mostly through the feet to work on the nerves
that travel throughout the body improving
circulation to muscles, organs and glands,
often relieving the discomfort of acute symptoms. Reiki…
to promote a state of deep relaxation many
patients take advantage of Reiki;
the specialized therapy which brings tranquility
and comfort to the recipient. Guided imagery…
a guided meditation performed by a clinical hypnotherapist
brings comfort by guiding patients in a dreamlike journey
which can help release anxiety, fears,
resentments as well as teaching patients techniques to reduce
the effects of their symptoms to improve
their overall well-being. Art therapy…
art therapy is used to help address unresolved
emotional issues.
Many times this ends up being the children
in the family who are not able to express
what their concerns are, their fears, maybe even anger.
Through art therapy they are able to express
that in a way that the art therapist can later
on translate to the adults and have
a starting point for a conversation. Pet therapy…
spending time with the friendly dog can lift depression,
lower blood pressure and respiratory
rates and bring comfort.
Many of our complementary therapies are provided by caring
and compassionate volunteers.
Our next video discusses why we rely on volunteers and how
they greatly benefit both our patients and their families.
The fact that you're exploring hospice care
is a very positive sign.
It means you're considering how to bring relief
to an extremely ill person and their family.
The philosophy of hospice is to provide support and care
so that people with a life limiting illness may live
as fully and comfortably as possible.
At Nathan Adelson Hospice we do all we can to make sure
that no one in our care ends their journey of life alone,
afraid or in pain. Thank you.
If you have additional questions feel free to reach out
to us or leave a comment below.