Integrative Services Go Beyond Standard Care

Integrative services are used along with conventional interventions to reduce pain and provide comfort at the end of life. These services are funded primarily through a network of generous community donors supporting the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation, making them available at no charge for Hospice of the Northwest patients. Integrative services include a variety of options, from massage therapy and energy work to therapeutic pet visits and expressive art activities.

Hospice care is about improving your quality of life and living the best days you can with the time you have left. Each member of your dedicated care team is focused on supporting your individualized care plan. Integrative services create alternatives to conventional western medicine, providing additional options to meet your specific goals.

Integrative services designed specifically for you

Medications and procedures are not the only tools in our toolbox. We have created and innovated a holistic care approach that supports your specific care plan and goals, including:

• • Aromatherapy – The art and science of using essential oils, which are naturally derived from plants. These oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin, and help strengthen our bodies’ own natural processes. Aromatherapy can promote relaxation, reduce nausea, ease stress and anxiety, fight infection, and improve sleep.
  • Massage Therapy – Our state-licensed massage therapists provide treatment to increase relaxation, relieve pain, decrease edema, and promote sleep. Often the touch is light and offered as much for psychological comfort as for easing pain. Sometimes, when massage is not indicated, the practitioner can do gentle positional changes and stretching as tolerated.
  • Therapeutic Music – Our clinical musicians are trained to offer music specifically for end-of-life care to ease physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Rather than entertainment, it is prescriptive and tailored for each person according to the needs of their condition.
  • Energy Work – Practitioners use their hands to activate energy centers in the body and assist energy to flow better. This can help increase relaxation, improve sleep, reduce pain, and may help people achieve a greater sense of calmness. This can be done without needing to touch the person which is helpful for those who are sensitive to touch.
  • Acupuncture – A form of treatment that involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body to help the flow and balance of energy.
  • Therapeutic Pet Visits – Pet visits can reduce stress and bring comfort to hospice patients. Positive human-animal interactions have been shown to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological lives of those served.
  • Chiropractic Care – A state-licensed professional who treats disorders (such as back and neck pain) through the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spinal vertebrae and other areas to increase comfort.
  • Art & Craft Activities – Utilized by spiritual counselors and social workers as a creative way to express feelings and emotions.

At-home hospice care can include many treatments, therapies, and services to improve comfort and quality of life. Your dedicated hospice care team will partner with you to create a personalized care plan focused on your goals, and can offer a variety of therapies and services tailored to meet your needs.

If you want to learn more about integrative services, call us at (360) 814-5550 or fill out the email form to the right.