Masonicare Health Center's Approach to Palliative and Hospice Care

Millions of people worldwide require palliative care each year, including approximately 56.8 million individuals, with 25.7 million needing support in their final year of life. Long-term care services like Masonicare Health Center are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality palliative and hospice care, ensuring comfort and emotional support for patients and their families.

With a focus on personalized care, symptom management and holistic well-being, Masonicare helps individuals navigate serious illnesses with the attention they deserve.

Key Takeaways

✔ Palliative care at Masonicare provides relief from pain and symptoms while patients continue curative treatments.

✔ Hospice care at Masonicare focuses on compassionate, holistic support for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

✔ Choosing hospice care depends on a patient’s health condition and goals, with services offering guidance and personalized plans to ensure comfort.

Palliative Care at Masonicare

Enhancing Quality of Life

Masonicare Health Center is committed to improving the well-being of individuals facing serious health conditions. Through its comprehensive palliative care services, patients can continue receiving curative treatments while managing symptoms and reducing stress.

Symptom Relief and Comfort Care

Managing the symptoms of progressive illnesses is essential to maintaining quality of life. Masonicare Healthcare Services provides specialized care to alleviate discomfort and enhance daily living.

Pain and Symptom Management: Long-term care services are tailored to help control pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath and other distressing symptoms.
Emotional and Psychological Support: Patients receive counseling to help manage anxiety, depression and emotional distress related to their condition.
Personalized Treatment Approaches: A collaborative team works with each patient’s physician to create customized treatment strategies that align with their needs and goals.

Support for Patients and Families

Palliative care extends beyond the patient by offering guidance and emotional support to families. Masonicare Health Center ensures that loved ones are informed and involved in the care process.

Family Counseling and Guidance: Licensed social workers and counselors help families understand the patient’s condition and prepare for future care decisions.
Respite Care for Caregivers: Temporary relief services allow caregivers to take a much-needed break while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care in a safe and supportive environment.
Educational Resources and Assistance: Families receive expert support on symptom management, medication schedules and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, empowering them to provide the best possible care.

Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Services

Masonicare Rehabilitation Center provides a range of long-term care services designed to support individuals with complex medical needs. This includes assistance with daily activities, skilled nursing care and rehabilitative therapies aimed at maintaining independence.

Physical and Occupational Therapy: Personalized rehabilitation programs designed to restore mobility, strength and independence, helping patients regain essential daily functions after injury or illness.
Speech Therapy: Specialized treatment for individuals experiencing speech, language or swallowing challenges due to medical conditions, enhancing communication and safe eating abilities.
Assisted Living and Memory Care: Specialized programs, such as Memory Care at Masonicare, cater to individuals with cognitive impairments, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Comprehensive Healthcare Services

Masonicare Healthcare Services provides a full spectrum of medical and supportive care to enhance overall well-being. Patients benefit from coordinated care that integrates multiple services into a seamless experience.

Advanced Medical Equipment and Support: Patients receive necessary medical supplies, mobility aids and assistive devices to improve comfort and functionality.
Spiritual and Holistic Support: Holistic programs (i.e. Reiki, expressive arts and music therapy) offer additional avenues for healing and relaxation.

Reducing Hospitalizations

Hospital visits can be stressful and disruptive, especially for individuals managing chronic or life-limiting illnesses. Frequent emergency room visits and hospital admissions often indicate a need for additional medical support at home or in a care facility.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Receiving care at home or in an assisted living facility allows patients to avoid unnecessary hospital visits while maintaining comfort and stability. Masonicare Healthcare Services offers comprehensive support to help manage symptoms effectively.

Pain and Symptom Control: Trained healthcare professionals provide medications and therapies to manage pain, shortness of breath, nausea and other distressing symptoms.
24/7 Access to Care Support: Patients and family members can access medical assistance at any time, reducing the need for emergency interventions.
Personalized Care Plans: Each patient receives a customized treatment approach designed to prevent complications and improve overall well-being.

Support in Assisted Living Facilities

For individuals residing in assisted living communities, receiving coordinated palliative care ensures continuity of care without frequent hospital transfers. Masonicare Health Center partners with assisted living facilities to provide seamless healthcare services.

On-Site Medical Evaluations: Healthcare teams regularly assess patient conditions to detect issues before they become emergencies.
Medication Management: Proper medication administration reduces adverse reactions and complications that could lead to hospitalization.
Physical and Occupational Therapy: Provided through Masonicare Rehabilitation Center, therapy services help maintain mobility and prevent falls, a common cause of hospital admissions.

Comprehensive Coverage Through Insurance

Masonicare Healthcare Services ensures that palliative care is accessible to those who need it by working with various insurance providers.

Medicare and Medicaid Coverage: Many palliative care services are covered under federal healthcare programs, reducing financial burdens on families.
Private Insurance Options: Most major insurance plans cover palliative care, allowing patients to receive support at home or in assisted living facilities. Masonicare Rehabilitation Center accepts most major Insurance plans, however, they vary, so it’s still best to contact the insurance provider to understand the coverage.

Seamless Continuum of Care

Masonicare Health Center is committed to ensuring a seamless transition between palliative and hospice care. As a licensed provider of both services, Masonicare offers a compassionate approach that prioritizes patient comfort, dignity and quality of life.

Licensed to Provide Both Palliative and Hospice Care

Masonicare Health Center stands out as a trusted provider of both palliative and hospice care, eliminating the need for patients and families to seek separate agencies when care needs evolve.

Consistency in Care: Patients benefit from a familiar care team that understands their medical history, personal preferences and evolving health needs.
Expert Multidisciplinary Team: Masonicare’s team includes physicians, nurses and therapists who collaborate to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Hospice

For those who transition from palliative to hospice care, Masonicare Health Center provides a seamless experience, minimizing stress for patients and their families.

Continuity of Care: Patients remain under the guidance of Masonicare’s skilled medical team, ensuring that care is personalized and uninterrupted.
Family-Centered Support: Masonicare Healthcare Services includes education and counseling for families, helping them navigate the transition with confidence and peace of mind.

Specialized Services for Comprehensive Support

Masonicare’s broad range of services ensures patients have access to the care they need throughout their health journey.

Masonicare Rehabilitation Center: For individuals recovering from surgery, illness or injury, rehabilitation services focus on restoring strength, mobility and independence.
Memory Care at Masonicare: Specialized programs cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, ensuring safety, cognitive stimulation and compassionate support.
Long-Term Care Services: Patients with chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs receive continuous, high-quality care tailored to their health requirements.

Hospice Care at Masonicare

Comprehensive Hospice Services

Masonicare Healthcare Services offers a wide range of hospice care options tailored to individual needs. The focus is on ensuring that patients receive the best possible support, whether at home, in an assisted living facility or within a skilled nursing setting.

Skilled Clinical Care: A dedicated team of medical professionals, including nurses and physicians, provides expert symptom management, pain relief and emotional support to ensure comfort.
Medical Equipment and Medications: Essential supplies, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen and medications related to the patient’s life-limiting illness, are provided for convenience and ease.
Expressive Arts and Music Therapy: Patients can benefit from creative therapies that provide emotional comfort and relaxation through music, art and personalized activities.
Massage and Reiki Therapy: Gentle, therapeutic touch and energy-based healing techniques help promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
Comfort Creatures Pet Program: Specially trained therapy animals visit patients to provide companionship, warmth and emotional connection.

Hospice Care Settings

Masonicare Rehabilitation Center ensures that hospice services are accessible in a variety of settings to meet each patient's specific needs.

In-Home Hospice Care: Patients can receive care in the comfort of their own homes with the support of skilled professionals and caregivers.
Assisted Living and Nursing Facilities: Hospice care is available for those residing in assisted living facilities or long-term care services to ensure a seamless transition and comprehensive support.
Inpatient Hospice: For those requiring 24-hour skilled care, Masonicare offers inpatient hospice services, ensuring around-the-clock medical attention in a comfortable setting.

Supporting Veterans at End of Life

Masonicare is committed to honoring and supporting veterans through specialized hospice programs that recognize their unique experiences and sacrifices.

Participation in the "We Honor Veterans" Program: Masonicare partners with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the VA to provide personalized care and recognition for veterans.
Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Support: Veterans in hospice receive companionship and emotional support from fellow veterans who understand their experiences and needs.
Specialized Veteran-Centered Care: The hospice team is trained to address the specific physical, emotional and psychological needs of veterans, ensuring they receive compassionate and tailored end-of-life care.

Determining if Hospice Is the Right Choice

Hospice care provides comfort and support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on quality of life rather than curative treatments. Masonicare Health Center ensures a compassionate transition for patients and their families, helping them navigate this important decision with dignity and respect.

Hospice Care for Various Life-Limiting Illnesses

Many people assume that hospice care is only for cancer patients, but it serves individuals with a wide range of serious conditions. Masonicare Healthcare Services provides specialized care for multiple illnesses, ensuring patients receive the right support at every stage.

Cancer: Hospice care helps manage pain, fatigue and other symptoms while providing emotional and spiritual support.
Dementia: Patients benefit from Memory Care at Masonicare, which includes structured routines, safety measures and specialized support for cognitive decline.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Heart Diseases: Care includes symptom management, oxygen therapy and guidance for families on how to support their loved ones.
Renal Failure: Focuses on pain management, dietary support and comfort measures for patients with kidney disease.
Stroke and Neurological Conditions: Helps with mobility support, speech therapy and managing post-stroke complications.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Respiratory Illnesses: Assistance with breathing techniques, oxygen therapy and medications to ease discomfort.
Blood and Nutritional Disorders: Provides personalized nutrition support, symptom relief and palliative treatment options.

Addressing Misconceptions About Hospice Care

Many individuals and families hesitate to consider hospice due to common misconceptions, often stemming from a lack of awareness. In the U.S., while 28.8% of adults have heard of palliative care, only 12.6% fully understand what it entails without misconceptions.

Gaining a clear understanding of hospice and palliative care can help patients and their families make informed, confident decisions about their care.

Hospice Is Only for the Final Days: Hospice care can be provided for months, allowing patients and families to prepare and receive meaningful support.
Choosing Hospice Means Giving Up: Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life by offering specialized services like Memory Care at Masonicare, to balance medical, emotional and spiritual care.
Hospice Care Is Only for Cancer Patients: It is available for various illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, CHF and COPD.
Hospice Care Is Only for Home Settings: Services are available in private homes, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing centers such as Masonicare Health Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone leave hospice care if they start feeling better?

Hospice care is not a permanent decision—patients can leave if their condition improves or if they choose to pursue treatment again. Some individuals stabilize due to effective symptom management and may no longer meet hospice criteria. If this happens, they can return to regular medical care and resume treatments as needed. Hospice care is always available again should the need arise in the future. The flexibility ensures that patients receive care that aligns with their evolving needs and wishes.

When should someone start hospice care?

Hospice care should be considered when a doctor determines that a patient has six months or less to live if the illness follows its natural course. It is often introduced when curative treatments are no longer effective or when the patient chooses to focus solely on comfort. Many people delay hospice care, but starting earlier allows for better pain management and emotional support. Hospice care can take place at home, in a hospice center or in a hospital, depending on the patient’s needs. It provides relief from symptoms while also supporting family members through the emotional challenges of caregiving.

Can patients eat and drink normally while in hospice care?

As long as the patient is able and wants to eat, they are encouraged to do so. However, as the body weakens in the final stages of life, appetite often decreases naturally. Patients may no longer feel hunger or thirst the way they used to and forcing food or fluids can sometimes cause discomfort. Instead of focusing on nutrition for survival, hospice teams help families offer small portions of foods the patient enjoys. If a patient prefers ice chips, sips of juice or simply moistening their lips, that is perfectly fine. The priority is ensuring comfort and dignity, not adhering to strict dietary guidelines.

What can families do to make their loved ones more comfortable in hospice?

Families play a crucial role in providing comfort and emotional support. Small gestures like holding a patient’s hand, playing soft music or reading aloud can bring peace. Keeping the environment quiet and dimly lit can help if the patient is sensitive to noise or light. Offering favorite scents may provide relaxation. Light massage, gentle repositioning or using soft blankets can also improve comfort. Most importantly, simply being present and expressing love, even if the patient is unresponsive, can be deeply reassuring.

What should families consider when choosing a hospice provider?

Not all hospice providers offer the same level of care, so families should ask key questions before making a choice. They should inquire about the services provided, the availability of 24/7 support and whether crisis care is available if needed. It's important to understand the provider’s philosophy on pain management and their approach to emotional and spiritual support. Checking reviews, speaking with current or former families who have used the service and asking about staff qualifications can be helpful. Families should also ensure that the hospice provider is Medicare-certified if they are relying on insurance coverage.

Get the Compassionate Care You Deserve!

Masonicare Healthcare Services is here to support you and your loved ones with expert palliative and hospice care. Our dedicated providers offer comfort, symptom management and emotional support tailored to unique needs. Whether you need relief from pain, help navigating Memory Care at Masonicare or guidance in making care decisions, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care every step of the way.

Let us help you focus on what matters most—your comfort, dignity and quality of life. Contact us today!