Aria Hospice therapists and counselors add an additional level of support to the integral care in hospice services Instead these practices as well as promote comfort and wholeness for both patients and their families
When appropriate Aria Hospice patients receive consultations with physical, occupational, and speech therapists if needed. Nutritional counseling is also available to assist with dietary health needs or concerns. Aria Hospice supports patients with dietitians who may be at a nutritional risk due to their physical health status or diagnosis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be part of a patients Plan of Care in order to assist with mobility and safety as well as to enhance quality of life. Often physical therapy can help a patient improve his or her strength. The physical therapist can provide direction to Aria Hospice skilled nurses, hospice aides and caregivers on basic exercises for safe mobility practices.
Occupational Therapy
Hospice patients may feel vulnerable or insecure in performing simple daily tasks, or activities of daily living. (ADLs). Aria Hospice occupational therapists educate the patient and family on how to develop and maintain manual dexterity needed to perform activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, eating and dressing.
Speech Therapy
In hospice, speech therapy may be used to determine a patient’s ability to swallow, allow a patient to eat properly or to assist them with verbal communication.
For hospice patients having the ability to communicate is important in keeping a patient engaged with family members, caregivers and medical professionals. In addition to helping improve a patient’s ability to communicate, speech therapists can educate caregivers and family members how they can help their loved one’s progress
Nutritional Counseling
When necessary, Aria Hospice may provide patients consultation and education on dietary requirements and intake. A dietitian is available as a resource to the hospice team members as well as patients and their families. Dietitians can help with the nutritional issues that are present in terminally ill patients as well as provide nutritional assessments of the patient, offer suggestions and recommendations for proper nutrient intake. They also inform and educate patients and family members about potential nutrition or hydration issues.
