Pain Management in Dallas, Texas

Accord Palliative and Hospice Care, Inc. is dedicated to providing hospice care in Dallas, Texas. Our mission is to support patients and families through one of life’s most challenging journeys, providing comfort, dignity, and respect in every aspect of care.

We cover a wide array of services to fit the unique needs of each individual patient and their family. Our skilled team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care, addressing not just medical needs but also offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to the family.

Our services include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Skilled nursing care provided by a licensed nurse
• Scheduled home visits
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Professional staff 24/7
• Medications to control the patient’s symptoms
• Provides medication related to the hospice diagnosis
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Bereavement services: our team has experienced chaplains and social workers who provide professional counseling and grief support
• Hospital inpatient services as needed
• Continuous care services as needed for symptom management and intervention
• Respite services as needed for family support
• Spiritual support and guidance from our chaplain services
• Volunteer services as requested

Hospice services in Dallas Fort Worth provided at Accord Palliative and Hospice Care, Inc. will be covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. In some cases, there will be private insurance companies who cover a portion, if not all the costs for services.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides medical coverage for the care of patients without deductibles or co-payments. The benefit has four levels of care that are designed to allow hospice to serve as the case manager for patients in any setting.

• Routine Home Care is the basic level of care needed to maintain the patient in their residence or facility.
• Continuous Care allows hospice to place nursing services at your bedside, around the clock for short periods of time, during periods of crisis.
• General Inpatient Care is a level of care that enables hospice to transfer the patient to a contracted facility (hospital or skilled nursing unit) for inpatient hospice services during periods of crisis.
• Respite Care enables hospice to give family caregivers a short (5-day) respite by transferring the patient to a contracted facility.

Who May Qualify

Will you or your loved one qualify for hospice care? Here are some of the guidelines for qualification and referrals made to Accord Palliative and Hospice Care, Inc.

If you or someone you know experiences any or all of the following, you can have them assessed for hospice care qualification:

• Frequent hospitalizations
• Progressive weight loss
• Deteriorating mental abilities
• Recurrent infections
• Specific declining condition
• People with an illness causing a limited life expectancy
• Patients and families that have chosen symptom management rather than curative treatment
• Patients and families who choose no extreme measures to sustain life

What is the Philosophy of Hospice?

Hospice care is centered around providing compassionate support for individuals in the final stages of an incurable illness or the natural process of aging, with the aim of helping them live as fully and comfortably as possible. The hospice philosophy embraces death as a natural part of life, affirming the value of life without attempting to hasten or delay the end. It focuses on offering support and options to both the individual and their family, enabling them to be fully present and engaged during this significant time. By prioritizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life, hospice care ensures that patients and their loved ones receive the care and support they need.

What to Expect in Hospice Care

Choosing hospice care is a significant decision, and understanding what to expect can help ease concerns for both patients and their families.

The First Steps After Enrolling

Once a patient is enrolled in hospice care, the hospice team conducts an initial assessment to evaluate medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This includes:

• Meeting with the patient and their family to discuss goals and preferences
• Reviewing the patient’s medical history and current condition
• Coordinating care with the patient’s doctor and other healthcare providers
• Explaining what hospice includes, such as pain management, personal care assistance, and emotional support

After the assessment, hospice services begin immediately, ensuring the patient remains comfortable and supported.

Hospice care is designed to be a deeply personal and compassionate experience. By tailoring care plans to each patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, hospice ensures that individuals receive the best possible care in their final months, weeks, or days.

What Families Can Expect During the Journey

Hospice care is not just for the patient—it also supports families throughout the process. Families can expect:

• 24/7 access to the hospice team for guidance, medical concerns, and emergencies
• Education on what to expect as the illness progresses to help families feel prepared
• Assistance with caregiving responsibilities, including respite care for family members
• Emotional support and counseling to help loved ones cope with grief and stress

Hospice care focuses on creating a peaceful, dignified experience for both the patient and their loved ones.

Who Can Help?

Here’s a list of professionals you might encounter in hospice care and how they can support you, organized alphabetically:

• Bereavement Support Counselors: These counselors offer a safe space to express your feelings and thoughts after losing a loved one. They provide individual sessions or facilitate group meetings where you can share experiences with others who are also grieving. Some hospices extend this service even if they don’t care for the deceased.
• Chaplains: Hospice chaplains are available to discuss your feelings about death, your faith, or your spiritual beliefs. They are open to talking with you whether you belong to a specific faith or none at all.
• Children and Family Therapists: These therapists support families and children of those with terminal illnesses, offering counseling and practical assistance. They can also work with schools and caregivers to help them understand the impact of grief.
• Complementary Therapists: Offering therapies like massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology, these therapists help with relaxation and can ease symptoms such as pain.
• Doctors: Hospice doctors specialize in palliative care and oversee your treatment. They prescribe medications and make recommendations to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free.
• Healthcare Assistants: These assistants help with administering medication, applying wound dressings, and changing equipment like catheters. They can provide care at the hospice or in your home.
• Nurses: Nurses may work in the hospice or visit you at home. Some specialize in conditions like dementia. They provide hands-on care, administer medications, and monitor symptoms to ensure you receive the necessary care. Some nurses also offer advice to you and your family about your care.
• Occupational Therapists: They assess and arrange for any equipment or home adaptations needed to make daily life easier. They also teach relaxation techniques and pain management strategies.
• Physiotherapists: These professionals teach gentle exercises to help maintain activity and mobility. Some hospices even have gym facilities available.
• Play Specialists: They provide play activities for children and young people to develop skills and cope with challenging experiences, such as the illness or death of a family member.
• Social Workers: Social workers assist with practical issues like understanding benefits, handling paperwork, and sometimes offering counseling. They can also liaise with government departments on your behalf.