Your Hospice Team

At Unified Care Hospice, we strongly believe the patient and family are an integral member of our team. Our staff will support and guide you. The patient and family will be involved in every decision that we make as a team. Our hospice services are built around a family-centered approach to care.

Care as unique as each resident

Philosophy & values

Unified Care Hospice

There is no more effective way to maximize quality of life than with personalized care. By treating the individual, not the condition, the teams at Uniffied Care are able to create care plans that help each person achieve the best life possible.

Dennis Silva | Founder

Dennis Silva brings over 20 years of healthcare experience to his role as a Founding member of Unified Care Hospice. With expertise in Nursing, Sales, and Administration, Dennis is a compassionate leader who strives to create a family atmosphere at the hospice. His goal is to ensure a holistic journey for every individual who seeks care.

Dennis is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and comfort to patients and their loved ones. His understanding of the importance of holistic care drives him to create enriching and fulfilling experiences for those under the hospice's care.

Dennis's community engagement is exemplified by his previous position as the Vice President of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada.

Dennis Silva's extensive healthcare experience, compassionate nature, and leadership abilities make him an invaluable asset to Unified Care Hospice. He works tirelessly to ensure a holistic journey for patients and their families while fostering a familial atmosphere.

Dennis embodies the mission of Unified Care Hospice, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels embraced and supported.

Timothy Beckett | Founder

Dr. Timothy Beckett has been practicing as a board certified anesthesiologist in the Las Vegas area since 2003. A native Texan, Dr. Beckett received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995, and his Medical Degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio in 1999.

Dr. Beckett then attended the University of Michigan for his anesthesiology residency, and served as Chief Resident during his final year there. In 2008 he and his partner formed Valley Anesthesiology Consultants, a thriving anesthesiology group that they were able to grow to include over 40 physicians and CRNAs. In recent years, he and his partner entered into a strategic partnership with National Partners in Healthcare, a private equity backed anesthesia practice management company, and he is now a physician partner with the company.

Dr. Beckett currently serves as Medical Director of the Pain Matters Wellness Center where his major focus is to assist in curbing addiction by employing non-opioid modalities to treat pain. He is a past Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology for Southern Hills Hospital. He is a Clinical Faculty Supervisor and Adjunct Professor for Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Beckett is a staunch proponent of the use of cannabis in the treatment of many medical illnesses, including chronic pain, and believes cannabis has a very relevant place in end of life care for certain individuals. He is licensed to practice medicine in Nevada, Arizona, and California, and his hope is to spread his concept of “Holistic Passing” to these states as Unified Care Hospice grows.

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Massage Techniques in Hospice Care: Providing Comfort and Relief

Massage Techniques in Hospice Care: Providing Comfort and Relief

April 08, 20242 min read

Introduction: The Role of Massage in Hospice Care

In the sensitive realm of hospice care, massage therapy has emerged as a key component in providing comfort and relief to patients facing end-of-life challenges. This article delves into the various massage techniques tailored for hospice settings, highlighting their benefits and the care taken to adapt them to the needs of hospice patients.

The Role of Massage in Hospice Care

Understanding the Basics of Hospice Massage

  1. Defining Hospice Massage: Hospice massage is a gentle, non-invasive form of therapy designed to provide comfort, relieve stress, and improve the quality of life for those in hospice care.

  2. Goals of Hospice Massage: The primary goal is to offer physical and emotional relief, help in managing symptoms, and provide a sense of peace and wellbeing.

Key Massage Techniques Used in Hospice Care

  1. Swedish Massage: This technique uses gentle strokes and kneading to promote relaxation and improve circulation. It is often modified to suit the delicate condition of hospice patients.

  2. Aromatherapy Massage: Incorporating essential oils can enhance the therapeutic effects of massage, providing additional relief from anxiety and pain.

  3. Reflexology: Focusing on pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears, reflexology can stimulate energy flow and provide relief from symptoms.

Tailoring Techniques to Individual Needs

  1. Assessing Patient Condition: Each patient's physical and emotional state is assessed to determine the most appropriate massage techniques.

  2. Modifying Pressure and Approach: Massage therapists skilled in hospice care adjust their pressure and techniques to accommodate the patient's medical condition and comfort level.

  3. Integrating with Medical Care: Hospice massage is often coordinated with the patient's medical care plan to ensure safety and maximize benefits.

Benefits of Massage in Hospice Care

  1. Pain Relief: Massage can significantly reduce pain, which is a common concern for hospice patients.

  2. Reducing Anxiety and Depression: The soothing effect of massage can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression that often accompany end-of-life stages.

  3. Improving Sleep Quality: By promoting relaxation, massage can help improve sleep quality, which is crucial for patient comfort.

Training and Sensitivity of Hospice Massage Therapists

  1. Specialized Training: Therapists working in hospice care undergo specialized training to understand the unique needs of hospice patients.

  2. Empathy and Compassion: Beyond technical skills, a deep sense of empathy and compassion is essential for providing effective hospice massage.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Navigating Physical Limitations: Adjusting techniques to accommodate the physical limitations and medical conditions of patients is a critical consideration.

  2. Emotional Impact: Massage therapists must be prepared to handle the emotional aspects of working with terminally ill patients and their families.

Conclusion: Embracing the Healing Touch in Hospice Care

In conclusion, massage therapy in hospice care plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients. Through a variety of adapted techniques, skilled therapists provide much-needed relief, comfort, and emotional support. As an integral part of holistic hospice care, massage therapy stands out as a compassionate and effective approach to easing the journey through end-of-life care.

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