Five Reasons Why Hospice Care Could be Best Choice For Loved One
Palliative Care:
When aggressive treatment of a life limiting illness is no longer a viable option a discussion with the treating physician about the availability and option of hospice is appropriate. Palliative Care is specialized medical care that is focused on providing patients with relief from symptoms of pain and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve the patients quality of life .
Team Approach:
Hospice uses a team of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers to virtually wrap the patient and family in a blanket of care. The hospice team takes the burden of care from the family allowing the primary care-giver and family to be available for the emotional support of the patient. Many times the support from a hospice team will be as important to the family as it is to the patient.
Familiar Surroundings:
The hospice patient in most instances can remain in the familiar surroundings they have become accustomed to. It is common for a patient to remain in their own home, assisted living community or nursing facility where hospice services including non-curative medical attention can be administered.
Financial:
Hospice benefits are available under Medicare hospital benefit Part A. Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice care and are certified by a physician receive non-curative medical support and services for their terminal illness. Hospice care under Medicare includes both home care and inpatient care when needed. Medicare pays for other support services under hospice that are normally not covered. Hospice care is a benefit and option that every person with a life limiting illness should be aware of.
Bereavement:
Even after the death of a loved one hospice care is still available to the family in the form of bereavement services. Many people struggle with the grief process and need some extra support after suffering a loss. A hospice bereavement coordinator will stay in contact with the family member most closely associated with the person who died to monitor how they are coping and weather additional counseling and support is needed.
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