Hospice is a special type of care for those who are faced with life limiting illnesses. Hospice also provides care for their families and caregivers.
Benefits of Hospice Care
Hospice services address the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. When a patient is in need of hospice, they can receive the services at home or in a facility. The services include managing a patient's pain and any other debilitating symptoms. Benefits of hospice care allow the patient to become as comfortable as possible making the most out their time remaining.
How to receive hospice care?
Hospice care usually starts after a formal referral is made, then hospice representative will visit the patient within 48 hours and make an assessment if the patient qualifies for hospice. Hospice care opens their door for all life limiting conditions and is not limited to cancer, heart disease, lung disease or dementia. Once the hospice representative visits the patient, hospice care begins within one or two days of the visit. Depending on the severity, hospice care can begin sooner.
Choosing a hospice
The number one rule when determining if the hospice provider is best for you or your family member is to simply ask questions. By law, it is up to the patient to approve hospice services. When speaking to hospice providers, the provider should be more than helpful in explaining services and helping clients understand the process.
It is always difficult for a patient to remain positive when trying to make a decision on end of life services. Family and friends should always be supportive during the tough decision of finding a provider. By identifying factors that are most important to the patient and making sure the provider is able to meet those needs are most important.
