If you are unfamiliar with hospice care, it is vital to learn about it. What to know about hospice care is that it was developed to support people near the end of their lives. For those facing a life-limiting illness, hospice care provides medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support. Quality care revolves around the needs and wants of the patient and encourages family and friends to support them.
The patient’s physician sets the wheels in motion for hospice care. The doctor will move toward hospice measures. Understanding hospice care is crucial. What to know about hospice care is that there are options to die with dignity.
What To Know About Hospice Care
Many people need to become more familiar with what hospice care includes. What to know about hospice care provides many options for end-of-life decisions. Unfortunately, people who need help understanding hospice care are reluctant to learn. When this happens, families may miss many benefits if they call too late. The following facts about hospice care will allow you to understand this beneficial service.
Hospice Care Is a Choice
What to know about hospice care is that this type of care is a choice. The hospice patient can revoke hospital status, return and leave hospice at any time once eligibility guidelines are met. The goals and needs of the patient can change at any time. Hospice care allows you to return to the hospital anytime if you change your mind.
Hospice Care May Allow One to Live Longer
Some studies have suggested that those receiving hospice care lived an average of 29 days longer than those who did not. In addition, patients feel better with pain and symptoms managed by professionals. What to know about hospice care includes there is no time limit for hospice stay, although initial admittance to the program is for patients who have six months or less to live. Extensions are granted, however.
Hospice Care Is a Covered Benefit
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans pay for hospice care with no deductible or copays. Although forty percent of patients are in hospice for less than seven days, there are seldom any out-of-pocket expenses. Hospice benefit coverage is generally for the last six months of life. What to know about hospice care is that the goal of hospice care facilities is to provide services regardless of the ability to pay.
Most Hospice Care Occurs at Home
Ninety percent of hospice care occurs at home. What to know about hospice care is that friends and family support the patient with hospice assistance. However, there are hospice facilities that provide care as well. Hospice care is a philosophy of care. The care team visits the home and brings equipment and can manage medications if necessary.
Hospice care allows you to stay in control of the situation. You can consult hospice staff to provide the individual care you wish to maintain. Licensed clinicians visit the home and work with the family to provide care training and be part of the hospice care team. A team usually consists of a nurse, social worker, hospice aide, physician, and chaplain. What to know about hospice care is that it is also available in assisted living and nursing homes.
Hospice Care Is Not Just for People with Cancer
Hospice care is for people who are experiencing advanced illnesses of any kind. What to know about hospice care is that people could have life-limiting conditions such as end-stage heart, lung, or renal diseases, dementia, ALS, stroke, and neurological disorders. In addition, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, liver disease, and other diseases are included in care. Hospice care does not discriminate between age, culture, beliefs, or the diagnosis of the patient.
The Importance of Advanced Planning
It is recommended that families begin to have a conversation about advanced directives as soon as a severe diagnosis is determined. This essential step ensures that the patient is cared for in the manner they want to be cared for. In addition, what to know about hospice care should be discussed before the need for it. By initiating these conversations early on, the family, physician, and staff can all be on the same page and have a clear guide to the patient’s wishes.
All people over 18 need to consider an advance directive to be in control over their care should they not be able to advocate for themself. Advanced directives include living wills, medical power of attorney, a Five Wishes document, or a medical physician’s orders for life-sustaining treatments. What to know about hospice care is that social workers can work with the family to explain these processes. In addition, planning that establishes care goals for end-of-life needs to be included.
Find Help in Learning What to Know about Hospice Care in Tennessee
If you or a loved one has been faced with a severe diagnosis and is looking into hospice care, Luxury Home Healthcare in Nashville can help with any questions and concerns you may have. Our experienced professional staff offers insights and counseling on advanced directives, end-of-life planning, and hospice care. We understand how difficult and emotional this time can be. Contact us today.
