Depending on the patient’s needs and wishes, pain management options may include a combination of medications, physical support and complementary therapies, all focused on comfort.
Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice
Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice
Pain medication has an important role in hospice care: helping patients find relief from pain to enhance their quality of life. Yet misconceptions about opioids, particularly morphine, create fear around medications that are intended to provide comfort.
Medical Director Dr. Jordan Sall with Emmanuel Hospice is passionate about providing education and reassurance around medication use in hospice, where the goal of care shifts from curing disease to maximizing quality of life. Understanding that shift can help put common myths and concerns into perspective.
“We want to help patients live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible and be able to make the most of every moment for the time they have,” Sall said. “Pain itself can cause suffering. When effectively managed, it can allow people to get out of bed, move more freely, enjoy visits with loved ones and get adequate rest — all things that make the body, mind and spirit feel better.”
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Treatment is tailored to the individual
Hospice teams do not automatically use heavy pain medication for patients. Instead, they assess each patient’s needs and tailor treatment to their pain type and severity. Determining the right medication and dose also involves considering the patient’s underlying disease, previous medications, potential drug interactions, side effects and other factors.
“A pain treatment plan is very individualized for each patient,” Sall said. “Medication is only prescribed to address specific symptoms and at the appropriate level with the patient’s goals in mind.”
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Morphine offers practical benefits
Morphine is an opioid often used in hospice because it can be provided in liquid form. Sall said liquid morphine is useful because it is easier to administer when swallowing is difficult and the amount can be gradually adjusted to find the right dose.
Respiratory depression, which is when breathing becomes slow and shallow, can be caused by opioids, but when given in low doses with slow adjustments, clinicians can ensure patients get just enough medicine to relieve pain and shortness of breath at the end of life.
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Comfort and alertness can be balanced
Drowsiness from medication, also known as sedation, is another common concern. Sall said this can occur when pain medication is first started or a dose is increased, but often improves within a few days. Hospice clinicians work to find the right balance between comfort and awareness.
“More isn’t always better,” Sall said. “We want to achieve pain control without patients getting sleepier. That’s the threshold. Persistent sedation in a patient would prompt a dose adjustment or a reconsideration of their medication plan.”
—————
Many options for pain management
“Opioids are one tool in the toolbox,” Sall said, “but they’re far from the only one.”
Depending on the patient’s needs and wishes, pain management options can include non-opioid pain relievers and even non-medication approaches, such as body positioning, use of heat or cold, massage therapy, anxiety treatment, clinical music therapy, spiritual support and other symptom-specific interventions.
“We can address pain in multiple ways beyond pain medications,” Sall said. “We are all about meeting people where they are at and finding ways take a patient’s mind off pain through different outlets.”
Ultimately, pain management in hospice is not about following a predetermined formula. It is about listening to the patient, understanding what matters most to them and continually adjusting care to support those goals.
For more information, call (616) 719-0919 or visit Emmanuel Hospice.org.
Pain medication has an important role in hospice care: helping patients find relief from pain to enhance their quality of life. Yet misconceptions about opioids, particularly morphine, create fear around medications that are intended to provide comfort.
Medical Director Dr. Jordan Sall with Emmanuel Hospice is passionate about providing education and reassurance around medication use in hospice, where the goal of care shifts from curing disease to maximizing quality of life. Understanding that shift can help put common myths and concerns into perspective.
“We want to help patients live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible and be able to make the most of every moment for the time they have,” Sall said. “Pain itself can cause suffering. When effectively managed, it can allow people to get out of bed, move more freely, enjoy visits with loved ones and get adequate rest — all things that make the body, mind and spirit feel better.”
—————
Treatment is tailored to the individual
Hospice teams do not automatically use heavy pain medication for patients. Instead, they assess each patient’s needs and tailor treatment to their pain type and severity. Determining the right medication and dose also involves considering the patient’s underlying disease, previous medications, potential drug interactions, side effects and other factors.
“A pain treatment plan is very individualized for each patient,” Sall said. “Medication is only prescribed to address specific symptoms and at the appropriate level with the patient’s goals in mind.”
—————
Morphine offers practical benefits
Morphine is an opioid often used in hospice because it can be provided in liquid form. Sall said liquid morphine is useful because it is easier to administer when swallowing is difficult and the amount can be gradually adjusted to find the right dose.
Respiratory depression, which is when breathing becomes slow and shallow, can be caused by opioids, but when given in low doses with slow adjustments, clinicians can ensure patients get just enough medicine to relieve pain and shortness of breath at the end of life.
—————
Comfort and alertness can be balanced
Drowsiness from medication, also known as sedation, is another common concern. Sall said this can occur when pain medication is first started or a dose is increased, but often improves within a few days. Hospice clinicians work to find the right balance between comfort and awareness.
“More isn’t always better,” Sall said. “We want to achieve pain control without patients getting sleepier. That’s the threshold. Persistent sedation in a patient would prompt a dose adjustment or a reconsideration of their medication plan.”
—————
Many options for pain management
“Opioids are one tool in the toolbox,” Sall said, “but they’re far from the only one.”
Depending on the patient’s needs and wishes, pain management options can include non-opioid pain relievers and even non-medication approaches, such as body positioning, use of heat or cold, massage therapy, anxiety treatment, clinical music therapy, spiritual support and other symptom-specific interventions.
“We can address pain in multiple ways beyond pain medications,” Sall said. “We are all about meeting people where they are at and finding ways take a patient’s mind off pain through different outlets.”
Ultimately, pain management in hospice is not about following a predetermined formula. It is about listening to the patient, understanding what matters most to them and continually adjusting care to support those goals.
For more information, call (616) 719-0919 or visit Emmanuel Hospice.org.
ZEHS Senior Attends Girls State
Aubrey Gomez, a senior at Zeeland East High School, attended the 85th annual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program at Michigan State University in East Lansing over the summer as a representative of the Gilbert D. Karsten American Legion Auxiliary.
Aubrey shared her experiences at a Legion Auxiliary meeting in August. Mary Kraai, Post 33 ALA Girls State coordinator, prepared Aubrey for the program held in June.
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program provides young women who are currently juniors in high school with the opportunity to learn about our local and state government with hands-on application. Girls from across the state gather in one location for a week to further their civic education and understanding, develop leadership skills, and learn an appreciation for patriotism and service through government simulations, activities and classroom study.
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending Girls State this coming summer, we would like to offer you the opportunity to attend. Military affiliation is not required. The only requirement is that the young woman is a junior attending a local school, within the Zeeland community, and has an interest in learning about our local and state government.
Contact your high school counselor or the ALA Post 33 at gilbert dkarstenala33@gmail.com for further information.
Aubrey shared her experiences at a Legion Auxiliary meeting in August. Mary Kraai, Post 33 ALA Girls State coordinator, prepared Aubrey for the program held in June.
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program provides young women who are currently juniors in high school with the opportunity to learn about our local and state government with hands-on application. Girls from across the state gather in one location for a week to further their civic education and understanding, develop leadership skills, and learn an appreciation for patriotism and service through government simulations, activities and classroom study.
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending Girls State this coming summer, we would like to offer you the opportunity to attend. Military affiliation is not required. The only requirement is that the young woman is a junior attending a local school, within the Zeeland community, and has an interest in learning about our local and state government.
Contact your high school counselor or the ALA Post 33 at gilbert dkarstenala33@gmail.com for further information.
Historical Society to Hold Americana Fundraiser
The Zeeland Historical Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Zeeland and neighboring communities, invites the community to celebrate two remarkable milestones at its Americana Cookout Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Groningen Schoolhouse, 10537 Paw Paw Dr.
The special evening will commemorate 50 years of the Dekker Huis Museum while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Guests will enjoy a classic American cookout, family-friendly activities, historic exhibits, a costume contest, and unique raffle prizes, all in the historic setting of the 1881 New Groningen Schoolhouse.
“Our mission is to connect the past to the present and inspire future generations, and fundraising is what makes that work possible,” ZHS interim director and curator Audrey Rojo said. “Every ticket purchased helps us care for the collections, create meaningful exhibits and educational programs, and ensure that the stories of Zeeland and the surrounding communities continue to be preserved and shared for generations to come. As we celebrate 50 years of the Dekker Huis Museum, we’re asking our community to help us invest in the next 50 years.”
Guests are encouraged to embrace the Americana theme by dressing in their favorite 1776 Colonial or Revolutionary-era attire, 1976 Bicentennial fashions, vintage Americana, or other Americana-inspired costumes. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Adult Costume, Best Youth Costume (ages 17 and under), and Best Group Costume. Participation is free for event attendees, and costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
The event will also feature a special Bicentennial mini-exhibit exploring how America’s 200th anniversary was celebrated in 1976, including the ways the Bicentennial was commemorated in the local community.
Tickets are $15 for children, $45 for adults. The event will take place rain or shine.
For tickets and additional information, visit the Zeeland Historical Society website at zeelandhis tory.org or contact the museum at (616) 772-4079.
The special evening will commemorate 50 years of the Dekker Huis Museum while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Guests will enjoy a classic American cookout, family-friendly activities, historic exhibits, a costume contest, and unique raffle prizes, all in the historic setting of the 1881 New Groningen Schoolhouse.
“Our mission is to connect the past to the present and inspire future generations, and fundraising is what makes that work possible,” ZHS interim director and curator Audrey Rojo said. “Every ticket purchased helps us care for the collections, create meaningful exhibits and educational programs, and ensure that the stories of Zeeland and the surrounding communities continue to be preserved and shared for generations to come. As we celebrate 50 years of the Dekker Huis Museum, we’re asking our community to help us invest in the next 50 years.”
Guests are encouraged to embrace the Americana theme by dressing in their favorite 1776 Colonial or Revolutionary-era attire, 1976 Bicentennial fashions, vintage Americana, or other Americana-inspired costumes. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Adult Costume, Best Youth Costume (ages 17 and under), and Best Group Costume. Participation is free for event attendees, and costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
The event will also feature a special Bicentennial mini-exhibit exploring how America’s 200th anniversary was celebrated in 1976, including the ways the Bicentennial was commemorated in the local community.
Tickets are $15 for children, $45 for adults. The event will take place rain or shine.
For tickets and additional information, visit the Zeeland Historical Society website at zeelandhis tory.org or contact the museum at (616) 772-4079.
Fall Banquet for Harvest Stand Ministries Is Set for Next Tuesday
As the need for essential resources continues to impact families across Ottawa County, Harvest Stand Ministries invites the community to come together for its annual Fall Banquet and celebrate the ways local support is making a difference.
To celebrate the impact of the past year and look ahead to the opportunities and needs of the coming year, Harvest Stand Ministries will host its annual Fall Banquet next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at The Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland.
Harvest Stand Ministries is a faith-based food and clothing pantry serving the greater Zeeland area and surrounding Ottawa County. Each week, the ministry provides free groceries, clothing, and resource connection assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship. As economic pressures continue to affect local households, Harvest Stand remains committed to meeting people where they are and providing practical support with dignity and compassion.
This free community event will include a catered dinner, a raffle auction, inspiring stories, and ministry update from Executive Director Jordan Palladino. Guests will have an opportunity to hear how Harvest Stand Ministries is serving local individuals and families and learn how the community can continue to support its mission. While there is no cost to attend, an RSVP is required.
“I am so excited to spend an evening sharing the ways that God is working through our community” Palladino said. “I can’t wait to hear some stories of those who have been impacted by the work of HSM. It has been unbelievable to see the increased need in our community, but I am always so overwhelmed by the generosity of our greater Zeeland community.”
Contact Kim Grose to reserve your spot – kimberlee@harveststand.org or (616) 741-8250, ext. 6.
To celebrate the impact of the past year and look ahead to the opportunities and needs of the coming year, Harvest Stand Ministries will host its annual Fall Banquet next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at The Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland.
Harvest Stand Ministries is a faith-based food and clothing pantry serving the greater Zeeland area and surrounding Ottawa County. Each week, the ministry provides free groceries, clothing, and resource connection assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship. As economic pressures continue to affect local households, Harvest Stand remains committed to meeting people where they are and providing practical support with dignity and compassion.
This free community event will include a catered dinner, a raffle auction, inspiring stories, and ministry update from Executive Director Jordan Palladino. Guests will have an opportunity to hear how Harvest Stand Ministries is serving local individuals and families and learn how the community can continue to support its mission. While there is no cost to attend, an RSVP is required.
“I am so excited to spend an evening sharing the ways that God is working through our community” Palladino said. “I can’t wait to hear some stories of those who have been impacted by the work of HSM. It has been unbelievable to see the increased need in our community, but I am always so overwhelmed by the generosity of our greater Zeeland community.”
Contact Kim Grose to reserve your spot – kimberlee@harveststand.org or (616) 741-8250, ext. 6.
