Hospice care is something many people confuse with palliative care which is the treatment that helps improve someone’s quality of life after they receive a serious diagnosis. If the illness is terminal, then the patient could receive hospice or end-of-life care. As a family caregiver, it can be tough to learn more about this type of care, but, it can be helpful, too.
Many people think of hospice care and think of managing pain through strong pain medications. While that can be part of the services provided by hospice care providers, they also offer holistic services, too. For instance, your elderly loved one could get companion care at home services. This is where a home care provider helps them to handle the emotional and spiritual concerns they are dealing with at the given time. Sometimes, counseling is even provided to the patient and their loved ones.
Having to lose a loved one isn’t easy. There is never a right time. If you are watching your elderly loved one lay there in pain, it can be emotionally and mentally challenging, to say the least. This is why bereavement services are offered as part of hospice care. These providers know about the grief process and they can help loved ones through this difficult time. They are a valuable service that can assist family members even after their loved one is gone.
Some people think that their loved one has to leave home to receive hospice services. However, that is not the case. In fact, your elderly loved one can have senior care providers come to their home to offer these services. They can have nurses, therapists, and companion care providers all come into their houses. These professionals understand the importance of senior citizens feeling comfortable in their homes and not having to leave unless absolutely necessary. Most senior citizens who are at end-of-life want to be in a place where they feel safe and that is often their home.
One great thing about hospice care services is that your elderly loved one can receive them as much or as little as they are needed. For example, if your elderly loved one isn’t in a ton of pain yet, they may only need a nurse to come to their home every few hours to give medications. However, if they are nearing the end of their life, they may need around-the-clock help. It all depends on the individual and what they need. The amount of time these providers and professionals come to your elderly loved one’s home can vary throughout the rest of their life.
Has your elderly loved one been given an end-of-life diagnosis? If so, they may need or want hospice services. They may also want companion care at home services, too. Both these services can help to make your elderly loved one feel more comfortable during this stage of their life.
Sources
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/how-hospice-works