Hospice care for end-stage CHF
Each February, our Ethos team takes a moment to recognize American Heart Month. Given the over six million people living with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in the United States, the importance of awareness cannot be understated. With nearly one million new cases each year, CHF ranks as one of the most prevalent life-limiting conditions.
For individuals with advanced CHF, hospice care may be an appropriate decision to ensure attentive care, comfort, and quality of life. In turn, our Ethos team has compiled a guide to help individuals know when to consider hospice care for CHF.
What are the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure?
Although we recommend seeking a professional medical opinion to diagnose CHF, understanding the common warning signs is often the first step to getting help.
For example, many individuals with CHF first experience swelling in their lower extremities because of fluid backups. Shortness of breath is another common symptom, leaving patients feeling as if they can’t get enough oxygen. Individuals with symptoms of CHF may also prefer sleeping on an incline to avoid lying flat.
In addition to these symptoms, other common warning signs include excessive coughing, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Is it time to consider hospice care?
If you or a loved one has a life expectancy of six months or less with a diagnosis of CHF, hospice might be appropriate. At the same time, knowing the common indicators can clarify your decision.
In some cases, fatigue may progress to a point where extreme exhaustion becomes part of everyday life. In other cases, basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may pose significant barriers to independence. Oftentimes, a decline in health comes with recurring trips to the hospital or ER, indicating worsening CHF. When these situations arise, hospice care may be a viable next step.
Why choose hospice care for worsening CHF
When it comes to hospice care, our Ethos team is trusted for our quality, experience, and compassion. From our life-enriching services like pet therapy, healing touch, and therapeutic music to our grief support and resources for families, we take a holistic approach to care.
Every step of the way, we ensure comfort for the patients we serve by managing medications, alleviating pain, and delivering specialized care to manage symptoms of CHF. To accomplish this, we select a tailored hospice care team for a well-supported end-of-life journey.
Get started with Ethos Hospice today
At Ethos, we understand the heavy weight of decisions surrounding hospice care. During this challenging time, you are not alone. For all of your questions and concerns, our team is just one call away at (701) 515-0240.
You can also access our hospice assessment to help you determine when to consider hospice care for CHF. As you or a loved one struggles with CHF, our Ethos team is here to put quality care within reach.
Meet the author
Scott Holm is the Director of Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science, as well as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota.
Scott began his professional career at Altru Health System in Grand Forks where he spent 11 years building on his knowledge. He held multiple positions such as Inpatient Physical Therapist, Supervisor of Outpatient Therapy, Lean Facilitator, and Practice Manager of Surgical Specialty Clinics. Scott joined the Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice team in October of 2022 as the Regional Clinical Manager in Grand Forks and was promoted to Director in June of 2023. Scott demonstrates excellent leadership, care, and compassion and he is passionate about serving North Dakota and Minnesota communities.
In addition to his professional career, Scott is married to his wife, Grace, and together they have 4 children. He enjoys golfing, running, and spending time at the lake with his family.
