Hospice care was available in Europe before it existed in the United States. The breakthrough book by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross titled “On Death And Dying,” published in 1969 led the way for hospice and palliative care acceptance in the US. Today, hospice can be found almost everywhere. If you are someone contemplating hospice care for a loved one, let’s pursue navigating the decision to choose hospice as a guide for families.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is specialized care for the dying rather than treatment for a cure. It gives patients and their families an opportunity to die as they wish, with dignity, and sometimes in their own homes. It can be facilitated at home, in another home-like setting, in a facility like a nursing home, a hospital, or a separate hospice care center.
The main purposes of hospice care include the following:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Assistance with daily needs
- Bereavement support for the family upon the death of the patient
A group of talented and experienced caregivers including nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and volunteers are all available to give support and care.
When Is It Time to Seek Hospice Care?
Many people decide to engage in advanced care planning hospice care when they are first diagnosed with a serious terminal disease. This takes the onus off their family.
However, if you are left to make the decision, there are criteria for hospice care and other more subjective reasons.
Life Expectancy
When a doctor’s prognosis is that the patient has 6 months or less to live, this is one of the main prerequisites for hospice care.
Increasing Pain
Sometimes pain management becomes more intense as a person enters the journey into their final months of life. With the pain, other symptoms are getting harder to manage.
Treatments No Longer Working
In many cases the patient no longer wants aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, and they are no longer working.
Losing Weight and No Appetite
This is a sign their body and organs may be shutting down. Talk with a hospice team like Allegiance Hospice about this.
Other signs:
- Multiple or recurrent infections
- Less able to communicate
- Paranoia and confusion
- Excessive sleeping
- You or other caregivers can no longer satisfactorily care for your loved one
Spending Quality Time With Your Loved One
Once hospice picks up some of the responsibilities of medical care, you can spend priceless quality time with your loved one. Their pain is managed, their daily needs are met, and it provides you the ability to be with your loved one in a dignified and caring way.
Choosing the right hospice provider is key. Allegiance Hospice is here to answer any questions you may have about hospice services in the Houston and Webster area.
Contact the experienced and supportive professionals at Allegiance Hospice if you are considering hospice care for your loved one. We are here to help. Give us a call at (713) 492-0329 or schedule a consult through our secure online form.
Sources: What is Hospice? – Hospice of Southern Illinois
What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)