The word “hospice” can be frightening and confusing. Some people mistaken it for giving up. Others perceive it as a negative option for care. While it’s okay not to consider hospice as an option, it is vital that we take the time to educate ourselves about different options of care, including hospice.
What Is Hospice?
Hospice is a model of care that is geared toward individuals who are terminally ill with prognosis of 6 months or less to live. According to this model, comfort at end of life is a priority as curative measures are no longer an option. Most people turn to hospice after exhausting all curative attempts, or, if the terminally ill individual is too fragile to undergo aggressive treatments. Most hospice companies provide care from the bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective. Hence, when you choose hospice, different team members will work with you and your family to ensure your needs and wishes are respected and met. A hospice doctor and nurse will address your medical concerns and needs, a social worker will address environmental and personal needs, a chaplain will support your spiritual needs and a CNA will always ensure your hygiene and grooming.
How Can A Private Care Manager And Advocate Help?
When facing terminal illness, stress kicks in, uncertainty becomes a daily struggle, and inability to focus impair your ability to make informed decisions. Our private care managers will support you every step of the way; through education, advocacy and care coordination. Your assigned care manager will communicate your needs and wishes to the hospice team to ensure your comfort and dignity at end of life. Your care manager will ensure that all 3rd party care providers, including hospice, will deliver the best of care to you and your family. Our geriatric care managers will serve as a liaison between you and community resources to ensure your needs are met.