Pain and Symptom Management

Often one of the greatest fears of hospice patients is that they will experience unbearable pain. At the heart of hospice is a focus on pain control and symptom management that helps patients make the most of their remaining days.

Hospice Nurses and Physicians are well versed in the latest pharmaceutical options and the best medical delivery modalities to manage pain and control other symptoms. Hospice Nurses are skilled in assessing and managing pain symptoms in ways that allow patients to remain as pain free and alert as possible.

Most pain can be effectively controlled with medication. Hospice patients are instructed to follow a specific around-the-clock pain medication schedule, which generally achieves good outcomes. A patient’s pain is not always “just” physical. Hospice of New York assesses contributing anxiety, fear, impending loss and spiritual issues that frequently present with pain. These symptoms and circumstances are addressed with emotional support and counseling and at times, anti-anxiety medication in conjunction with prescribed analgesics. When all aspects of discomfort are addressed, “pain,” reflecting all the complexities of the patient’s needs, is better managed. 

When patients are unable to swallow medications, hospice professionals prefer to use sublingual or rectal medications, rather than injections, IVs or pumps. Quite effective, these preferred methods are also easily administered by the caregiver and less intrusive, as well as avoid the constant reminder of illness that accompanies the presence of IVs, pumps or painful injections.

Patients taking narcotic analgesics are often instructed to take a stool softener and laxative to prevent constipation. Nausea and vomiting are managed with anti-emetic medications, usually given before meals. Catheters may be inserted, as needed, for relief of urinary incontinence and retention.

Caregivers are instructed in preventing skin breakdown (pressure ulcers). If patients are unable to turn and develop pressure ulcers the Hospice staff may use special dressings that can be left on the compromised areas for several days. Teaching caregivers comfort and preventative measures, frequently leads to less complications for the patient. 

Under certain circumstances, hospice patients may need to be treated in an inpatient facility. The stays are usually from 2-7 days for pain and symptom management that cannot be achieved at home.Our contacted IPU’s are in various locations throughout our service area. 

Hospice of New York has contracted Inpatient Units at facilities convenient to our five county service area. These IPUs provide the benefit of symptom control within an exceptionally well-coordinated plan of care.

Working with the patient’s physician, Hospice of New York continues management of our patients including transfers to and from the unit, ensuring continuity of care between the home and inpatient settings.

In addition to having a dedicated facility providing inpatient hospice services, patients benefit from the advantages of being served by a dedicated hospice staff. The staff of Hospice of New York Inpatient Units is highly experienced in various disciplines and committed to meeting patients’ and families’ needs consistent with their hospice plan of care.

Services will be provided by Hospice of New York regardless of a patient’s inability t ability to pay.

Services and room assignments are made without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion or national origin.

For more information about Hospice of New York  Inpatient Units, please call the Hospice of New York office at: