Managing pain is the top concern for families choosing hospice care in Lakeland, FL. Furthermore, understanding pain types helps families make better decisions. Whether your loved one has cancer, kidney failure, or a neurological disease like Parkinson’s or ALS, our hospice team provides personalized pain relief. We focus on comfort, dignity, and peace during life’s most sensitive moments.
To better understand pain management, we spoke with Michele Sandoval, regional director with Chapters Health Hospice in north central Florida. She brings nearly a decade of experience. Additionally, she shares valuable insights into how patients in Lakeland, FL receive thoughtful, personalized pain relief.
Pain in end-of-life care is complex—and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Hospice care professionals in Lakeland, FL, are trained to effectively manage chronic and acute pain, as well as neuropathic and nociceptive pain, ensuring comfort and dignity during life’s most sensitive moments.
To better understand pain management in a hospice setting, we spoke with Michele Sandoval, regional director with Chapters Health Hospice in north central Florida. With nearly a decade of experience in palliative and hospice care, Michele shares valuable insights into how patients in Lakeland, FL, benefit from thoughtful, personalized pain relief strategies.
50 Million+
Americans currently live with chronic pain—making expert pain management one of the most critical pillars of quality hospice and end-of-life care.
Hospice care teams in Lakeland address four primary types of pain. Each type needs a different clinical approach. Therefore, skilled hospice professionals assess the type and severity of pain before recommending any treatment.
Chronic pain persists over time. It commonly affects patients with cancer, liver disease, and neurological disorders. First, hospice care providers in Lakeland, FL, start with acetaminophen or NSAIDs. As symptoms worsen, the team introduces Tramadol or low-dose opioids. In advanced cases, the team uses morphine or oxycodone. The team always adjusts treatment to match the patient’s needs.
Emotional and psychological health also plays a role. For instance, Michele explains: “Sometimes we add anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications. Pain isn’t always physical — it can be spiritual or emotional too.”
Acute pain comes on suddenly. Surgery or injury often triggers it. However, it typically lasts for a short time. The hospice team in Lakeland addresses this pain quickly. They use NSAIDs, ice or heat therapy, and mild painkillers when necessary. As a result, patients experience faster relief without unnecessary medication.
Nerve damage causes neuropathic pain. Patients describe it as burning, stabbing, or tingling. Furthermore, diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS commonly cause this type. The hospice team manages it with Gabapentin, Lyrica, and topical treatments like lidocaine patches. Most importantly, they monitor patients carefully to ensure relief without overmedicating.
Arthritis and injuries commonly cause nociceptive pain. First, care teams manage it using anti-inflammatory medications. If pain worsens, the team may administer mild opioids. Additionally, they sometimes recommend physical therapy or nerve blocks. Every decision aims to minimize discomfort while preserving the patient’s clarity and peace.
A major myth about hospice is that patients receive heavy sedation. However, that is simply not true — especially at Chapters Health System. The hospice team does not automatically jump to opioids. Instead, they use a wide range of comfort therapies.
“We use music therapy, aromatherapy, prayer, and repositioning for immobile patients,” says Michele. Furthermore, families receive full education on every treatment option available. As a result, patients find relief in ways that align with their personal beliefs and values.
Dr. Andrea Enzinger of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute supports this approach: “Fear of addiction is valid, but it shouldn’t drive care decisions—especially in advanced disease cases.”
Additionally, non-medication therapies include guided relaxation, massage, and chaplaincy services. These therapies work alongside clinical pain management. Therefore, patients experience significantly better overall quality of life long-term.
Understanding local hospice demand helps families recognize the importance of quality pain management:
Hospice care in Lakeland treats chronic pain (cancer, liver disease), acute pain (injury or surgery), neuropathic pain (Parkinson’s, ALS), and nociceptive pain (arthritis). Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan focused on comfort and dignity.
No. Hospice teams begin with the mildest effective option — like acetaminophen or NSAIDs — and escalate only when necessary. Opioids are used thoughtfully and only when most appropriate for the patient’s specific condition.
Yes. Hospice teams treat pain as physical, emotional, and spiritual. Chapters Health includes chaplaincy, counseling, and, if needed, anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications as part of a whole-person care plan.
Absolutely. Families are educated on all available options — from medications to music therapy and aromatherapy. Every pain relief plan is customized to honor the patient’s values, beliefs, and personal wishes.
Pain does not have to define your loved one’s final chapter. However, achieving that comfort requires the right hospice team. With expert hospice care in Lakeland, FL, comfort, peace, and dignity are always within reach. Furthermore, Chapters Health creates pain relief plans customized to each individual. As a result, patients and families experience genuine peace of mind during this sensitive time.
At Chapters Health System, we believe that end-of-life care should be centered around comfort, dignity, and compassion. As a trusted provider of hospice care in Lakeland, FL, we support patients and families with personalized pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care.
Our experienced care teams help your loved one every step of the way—whether they face advanced illness, complex pain, or simply deserve peace in their final days.
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