As one of the top providers of VA hospice care in Burbank, we support and care for many patients with PTSD. Along with our veteran patients, many of our other patients also have PTSD or other manifestations of trauma.
One of our primary goals is to make patients as comfortable as possible during the end of life. That means taking the time and care to address underlying traumas. Here are some of the ways we can help.
- Manage symptoms. Trauma can cause symptoms in the body such as pain, discomfort, insomnia, or other forms of unease. It can trigger or exacerbate other conditions, and leave the nervous system in an elevated state. How a patient experiences trauma in the body can range widely based on a number of factors. Patients in hospice can receive treatments that ameliorate these physical symptoms of trauma, improving quality of life. Our providers understand the nuances of trauma, and tailor treatment plans to the needs of every individual patient.
- Provide trauma-informed care. Healthcare providers who are not trauma-aware may inadvertently trigger old traumas. Our trauma-informed staff are trained to provide care in a conscientious way that maintains awareness at all times of the past traumas that a patient may have experienced, and how they may still be carrying those traumas now. By communicating clearly with patients and honoring their agency and life experiences, our providers ensure that patients feel safe and respected.
- Offer counseling. As a patient nears the end of life, they may feel a desire to work through some of their old traumas. One of the services that hospice provides is psychological and spiritual counseling. Our therapists and chaplains can listen as patients talk through their past experiences, and offer tools for coping with the symptoms of trauma. Every patient brings a unique set of life events, as well as their own spiritual beliefs and cultural systems. Our team strives to meet each patient where they are, providing support that is compatible with the patient’s individual needs and respectful of their background and goals.
- Educate loved ones. A patient’s primary caregiver while they are in hospice is a family member or friend. If you are that person, you may sometimes encounter challenges as you are working around your loved one’s PTSD. One of the ways we can support you is by providing you with more education and tools to help navigate and manage your loved one’s trauma. Losing a loved one can also lead to new traumas. That is why we also make grief counseling available to you and your family during this time.
Get End-of-Life Care for Your Loved One with PTSD
Whether your loved one has PTSD or other forms of trauma, Journey Palliative and Hospice can provide dignified, trauma-informed care. To learn what we can do for you and your family, please contact us today at (818) 748-3427 to schedule a consultation. We offer hospice services throughout the Burbank area.
