Hospice Care

When you hear that a loved one has an illness that is considered terminal, it’s shocking and sad. Some of us go into a form of denial, hoping that it’s not true. Some aren’t quite sure what to do.

Although most of us have heard of Hospice Care, some may avoid calling on hospice thinking that, if they do, it means that they’re giving up. But, in reality, Hospice Care is the kindest thing that we can offer to loved ones that are diagnosed with a terminal illness. And the sooner it is started, the better.

Patients in Hospice Care are more likely to have their pain controlled and they’re less likely to have to undergo countless doctor office visits and medical tests that they don’t need. Hospice Care comes to you. With Hospice Care trained nurses work with a team that includes a doctor, social worker, counselor, home health aid and trained volunteers that all work together to meet physical, emotional and, if desired, spiritual needs. Hospice Care nurses are on-call 24/7 to make emergency visits or to answer questions. It provides pain & symptom management and also medical care that includes medical supplies, equipment and medications.

It is extremely helpful for caretakers and family members, too, because they know that they’re not in it alone. In addition to medical support offered for the patient, hospice also offers

caregiver education, training and counseling for those that are interested.

Hospice Care is available if a patient’s doctor states that they are expected to have six months or less to live. But if hospice is needed for longer than 6 months, it can be extended. What some do not realize is that hospice does not have to be a permanent choice. If the patient chooses to start treatments that could possibly cure their disease or if they get better unexpectedly, they can end the service. And if Hospice Care would ever be needed again, it would be available.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), out of 1.3 million patients that received hospice care in 2014, 11% were discharged from hospice care and 13% survived beyond the life expectancy period of 6 months.

In 2010 The New England Journal of Medicine stated that several studies also showed that hospice patients live longer, which is believed to be due to slower disease progression because of the expert pain and symptom management that hospice professionals are able to provide.

Although facing the terminal illness of a loved one is a difficult and scary time, Hospice Care can help.