Hospice of Kitsap County has developed a complementary therapies program.  Listed below are the therapies included in our program and the benefits they provide to our patients:

Aromatherapy is a gentle relaxing therapy, which combines the senses of smell and touch.  It uses "essential oils" which are concentrated essences from herbs, flowers, fruits and trees.    Aromatherapy can be particularly helpful in improving a poor sleep pattern, reducing symptoms of pain, stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation.  Soothing and uplifting scents of lavender, rose, citrus, and musk are carefully blended with high-quality body lotion.  These scented lotions are offered to all patients by our Certified Nursing Assistants, when providing personal care, for use in moisturizing the skin and scenting the bath.

Pet Therapy has proven helpful to many patients by increasing their mental stimulation, reducing depression, loneliness, isolation, creating laughter, and improving the quality of life.  Patients can benefit from the opportunity to express their feelings through petting a dog or cat or simply by being in the presence of a creature that offers unconditional love.  Research shows that simply petting a dog can induce calm, which in turn can reduce blood pressure and heart rate.  Such interactions can be amazingly healing to the human spirit.  We currently have dedicated volunteers who are in the process of having their pets certified to provide pet therapy.

Massage Therapy in hospice care is the use of gentle, nurturing touch to complement the traditional means of coping with the multidimensional pain associated with terminal illness.  Our licensed massage therapists provide relaxing, gentle touch massage with the goal of alleviating pain and discomfort, insomnia, stress and anxiety while improving physical, mental and emotional well-being.  The massage therapist assesses the patient's needs upon each visit and determines the most appropriate combination of techniques to successfully address those needs.  Patients can receive massage therapy in whatever location and position that is most comfortable for them. 

Music plays a significant role in the human experience and can become even more meaningful at the end of life.  People find meaning and a sense of connection when experiencing music, regardless of their age, culture, personality, intellect, emotional or physical state.  Music therapy interventions are designed to reduce feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety and pain, provide opportunities for non-verbal or verbal expression of feelings and improve general well-being.  Even when patients are no longer conscious or communicating through words, they are comforted and consoled by the therapeutic presence of music.  Relaxing and spiritually uplifting music is available through our music library.  Each CD has been carefully selected to promote stress relief, restful sleep, inspiration and hope.

"When basic good care is provided, the complementary therapies have a wonderful contribution to make to people's comfort and quality of life."

Dr. Ira Byock, author of Dying Well

Are you thinking about hiring a professional for in-home care?  Read our check list of things to consider before you make your decision.