HOSPICE CARE
Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This type of care is usually provided to patients who have a terminal condition and have decided to forego curative treatment. Hospice care is typically provided by a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and counselors. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families during the final stages of life.
Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including patients’ homes, hospice centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The type of care provided depends on the patient’s needs and preferences, as well as the level of support available from their family and caregivers.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
One of the key aspects of hospice care is pain management. Hospice teams work together to help patients manage pain and other symptoms associated with their condition. This includes providing medications, oxygen supply, music therapy, bathing, counseling, and other treatments to help alleviate pain and improve the patient’s overall comfort.
Another important aspect of hospice care is emotional and spiritual support. Patients and their families may experience significant emotional distress during this time, and hospice workers are available to provide anticipatory grief counseling and support. They can also help patients and families navigate complex end-of-life issues, including decisions about medical treatments, advance directives, and funeral arrangements.
Hospice care for the patients and their family members and caregivers. Hospice teams provide support for family members and caregivers, helping them to cope with the emotional strains of caring for a loved one who is terminally ill. This includes providing counseling, respite care, and support groups. Bereavement counseling is available to family members up to 13 months after the death of their love one/s.
Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies in the United States. Eligibility for hospice care typically requires that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less and has decided to forego curative treatment.
ALTERNATIVES TO HOSPICE CARE
For those who are not ready for hospice care and would like to focus on comfort measures while seeking curative treatment, Palliative Care may be an option. Palliative Care is geared towards individuals who are diagnosed with a serious medical condition such as heart failure or cancer and are not ready or wish to forego curative treatment. Both palliative and hospice care can be terminated by the patient at any given time.
Ready to speak with our care managers? Call us today at 305-204-7392 for a free consultation to discuss options. We offer counseling, telephone re-assurance service, and patient advocacy.
Disclaimer: this blog is for informational use only. It is not intended to serve as, or replace, legal, psychological and/or medical advice. Florida Patient Advocate is a program owned and operated by RK Care Group http://www.rkcaregroup.com