Custom-design A Comfort Kit
Comfort kits for immediate symptom control can provide comfort and support to patients and the patients’ family and caregivers during emergencies.
A hospice comfort kit, also known as an emergency kit or e-kit, contains emergency prescribed medications to treat anticipated symptoms quickly. The kit is typically sealed and reserved for the purpose of treating anticipated conditions such as pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, secretions, insomnia, and dyspnea.
A comfort kit prevents the stress of emergency trips to the pharmacy or waiting for deliveries during a time of crisis. Having immediate access to a comfort kit will allow the hospice team or nurse to help the patient as quickly as possible. Planning ahead with symptom assessment and management can enhance and support the highest quality of care at the end of life.
Usually, a comfort kit may be ordered and delivered to your home at the start of hospice care or anytime the case manager nurse sees a possible need. However, not all hospices supply a comfort kit. Contact your hospice physician and request a prescription to order a comfort kit.
Comfort kit medications differ depending on the patient’s diagnosis. However, common medications to alleviate pain, anxiety, and breathing problems include morphine liquid, Ativan, Atropine drops, and Dulcolax. At Gilbert Drugs, we care about providing a specialized kit based on an individualized assessment of potential need.
We recommend that you understand the contents of your comfort pack. Your hospice nurse should explain each medication to you including the purpose and correct way to administer it. If you are told to wait until a symptom occurs, ask your case manager nurse to explain each medication so you can be prepared when and if symptoms arise.
No. An unopened or unused comfort kit cannot be reused for another patient.
When a patient is discharged alive, decides to revoke the hospice benefit, or otherwise terminates hospice service while still alive, comfort kits should be properly disposed of. Because the comfort kit medications were prescribed for the patient, they actually belong to the patient. If a patient refuses to destroy them, it is important for the hospice to document that they did advise the patient to destroy the medications for their own safety.
Your kit should be checked and updated every 12 months. Document the expiration date provided on the outside of the comfort kit.