Respiratory Therapy

A respiratory therapist and hospice RN oversees the procedure and educates a patient’s caregiver/family on oxygen therapy, tracheotomy care, airway suction, and the medical equipment involved with each patients care plan.

Patients grappling with advanced cardiopulmonary conditions, such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), end-stage COPD, chronic cough, angina (chest pain), recurrent respiratory infections, and excessive mucous production, experience heightened fear and anxiety, both for themselves and their loved ones. These symptoms significantly diminish a patient’s quality of life and can potentially lead to further exacerbations, necessitating readmission to a hospital setting.

At Sierra Hospice & Palliative , our team of dedicated clinicians, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses, specializes in delivering exceptional end-of-life care for hospice patients with advanced lung and cardiopulmonary conditions, including lung cancer, congestive heart failure, and neurological diseases.

Our Interdisciplinary care team at Sierra ensures that patients spend their final months in comfort, without the fear of breathlessness. We provide tailored options for patients with advanced neurologic, cardiac, and/or lung diseases. Sierra’s home hospice services are designed to offer various levels of care to address patients’ specific symptoms and care needs, aligning with their goals. Whether it’s a traditional residence, group home, assisted living facility, nursing home, or another preferred care setting, our team brings care, comfort, and guidance to the patient’s location.

Sierra provides necessary medical equipment, such as CPAP/BIPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, non-invasive ventilators, or portable oxygen devices, for use in the patient’s home during their hospice services. These devices, along with our expert care, result in improved symptom management, enhanced quality of life, alleviation of shortness of breath, reduction in fatigue and anxiety, and overall well-being.

Our interdisciplinary team at Sierra makes visits as needed to manage symptoms, alleviate anxiety, provide pulmonary hygiene, and educate caregivers on appropriate patient care. Our clinical team offers comprehensive education on safe medication and oxygen use, outlines steps to take during acute respiratory symptoms to improve comfort, and empowers patients to manage exacerbations at home effectively.