"Hospice" is a word no one with aging family members wants to hear. It feels too much like either giving up, or foisting what should be your responsibility onto someone else. However, hospice care is sometimes the best option for helping elderly loved ones live the best lives they can. That's why, if possible, you should approach the possibility of hospice care with an open mind, and look at the benefits it provides. Let's learn more about what hospice care is and how it can be beneficial.
Hospice Defined
Hospice service is focused on comfort and quality of life and is considered to be the model for palliative or compassionate care. Hospice provides the medical experts needed in order to control the pains and symptoms associated with terminal or chronic illnesses and support patients with emotional and spiritual guidance ensuring to treat the person instead of the disease.
Who Is Provided Hospice Care?
Hospice is for any individual who is facing a life-limiting diagnosis, regardless of age or type of illness. Hospice can serve patients who are in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
How Long Does Hospice Last?
Hospice can stabilize your medical condition and you can stay on hospice as long as needed provided that the patient continues to meet the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care and re-enroll as needed. Service is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to visit patients intermittently and may provide care 24/7 if needed.
Is Hospice Covered by Insurance?
Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, most insurance plans, HMOs and managed care plans.3 Benefits of Hospice Care
Now that we have covered the basics of what hospice is, it's time to learn more about some of the benefits that hospice care offers.
1. A Familiar Environment
Unlike senior homes or care communities, hospice care allows your loved ones to stay at home. Whether they live on their own, or with you, care comes to them. That means even if they're uncomfortable, they can at least experience that discomfort in familiar surroundings.
2. Enhanced Treatment
There's only so much we can do for our loved ones on our own. Hospice teams bring the medications and treatments to us, providing equivalent care without the need to go to a hospital or other care facility. This is particularly helpful for those whose family members require intense care, but who would have difficulty providing it on their own.
3. Bereavement Counseling
Hospice care is meant for those who are getting close to the end of their lives. However, while the hospice team's primary focus is on your loved one, they will also be there for you when they pass. Coping with grief isn't easy, and they know that when one of their patients dies, that doesn't mean their job is over.
Caring Senior Service has the experience, compassion, and training necessary for comprehensive home care, and we also offer a wide range of home care services that are all designed to make life easier for seniors and their families. To learn more about how our services can complement hospice care, reach out to a Caring team near you.
