Elderly man talking to another man

It is never too early to think about end-of-life care for you or your loved ones. Research shows that those who make advanced care planning and decisions about end-of-life care are more satisfied with their care and are better able to have their wishes met. If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness or you feel the need to explore some end-of-life care decisions, it may be a good time to begin discussions with your parent and their physician. The best way to prepare is to learn what hospice is and what services will best help your parent and your situation.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is skilled health care provided for a person approaching the end of life. Hospice care focuses on pain and symptom management and the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their families. It does not attempt to cure a disease, but instead provides a support system for a patient and their family, so they can make the end of life as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

Physicians most often recommend hospice care for terminally ill patients. They will recommend hospice care for patients with a condition that can no longer be successfully treated or who wish to discontinue treatment. In the U.S., those on Medicaid qualify for hospice when their doctor believes they have months to live.

Many illnesses can progress to a level where hospice care is needed, such as:

  • Cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic lung issues
  • Kidney disease
  • AIDS
  • Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or ALS
  • Alzheimer’s or dementia

In addition to the above list, your loved one may need or qualify for hospice if they have frequent falls and visits to the emergency room, decreased alertness, inability to care for themselves and perform daily tasks. Increased pain, nausea, breathing distress, and urinary incontinence are also signs of hospice needs. A loved one may also qualify for hospice if they have a lack of appetite with unusual weight loss.

If your loved one has a physician who recommends hospice, it is best to look into it sooner rather than later. Many have expressed regret that they missed out on valuable support and services they could have had sooner, making it easier for them and their loved one.

It is also important to remember that stopping treatment to cure an illness does not mean discontinuing all treatment. During hospice, your loved one can still receive treatment and medical care for other conditions and pain management as long as it is helpful and wanted.

What do Hospice Services Include?

Hospice services can be given wherever the patient lives, whether in a home, assisted living facility, nursing home, or hospital. Services are comprehensive and cover the physical and emotional needs of the patient and their family. Hospice care includes:

  • Pain and symptom management
  • Prescribed medication delivery and administration
  • Medical supply and equipment delivery and provision
  • Caregiver relief and assistance
  • Emotional and spiritual support for the patient and loved ones
  • Bereavement services

Hospice care teams are comprised of physicians, registered nurses, certified nurse’s aides, medical social workers, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors, palliative therapists, and volunteers who work with you and your parent to provide the best experience and services possible.

Consult a Physician

If you or your loved one feel that hospice is the next step, consult their healthcare provider or physician. Physicians may not initiate conversations about hospice care because treatment is their first priority. However, a physician will medically determine when hospice care is advisable, and this is an important conversation to have with their healthcare provider.

Elderly woman talking to another woman

The Best Time for Hospice Care

Hospice care, supplies, medications, and equipment are covered 100% by Medicare, Med Advantage Plans, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. Hospice care can begin quickly with a physician’s sign-off as soon as you and your parent are ready. Some hospice patients live longer than six months in this type of care, but they can still receive hospice services as long as the physician still determines that life expectancy is less than a year.

You can begin to look for licensed and accredited hospice care teams today. Find a hospice care agency with good public reviews and the experience and resources available to provide the care you need. Find a caring and compassionate agency, and meet or talk with them beforehand to find out their communication skills and the services they provide.

What You and Your Loved One Can Expect

You do not need to know everything about hospice care before you begin. Some of the most significant support comes at the beginning as you ask questions and receive guidance, direction, and suggestions from professionals with a lot of prior experience with situations similar to yours. Expect not to know everything, and don’t be afraid to ask the healthcare provider and hospice team any questions you may have.

Have open, honest communication with your loved one, other caregivers, and your hospice care team. You want to find a group that puts the well-being of their hospice patient first. A caring team will ask questions and meet with you both before care begins to understand your needs and your unique situation best. Based on your needs, you will receive a hospice assessment that ensures the right home health aides and support are assigned to your family.

Remember that you and your loved ones have the final say in which hospice company you choose. Know that Medicare allows you to change hospice providers every 90 days. If you are unhappy with your current provider’s service, you can change. Find an excellent provider who will be ready to step in quickly so there is no lapse in care.

woman talking to another elderly woman

How You Can Support Your Parent Through Hospice

Having a hospice care team in your home does not replace your care and concern for your loved one. You are still a support and caregiver and an essential liaison. You can provide valuable help by listening, loving, encouraging, and reassuring your loved one.

What’s more, your hospice care team is there for you, too. We can give you needed respite from caregiving, help with spiritual support, and fulfill your last wishes when death is near. Home hospice also offers grief counselors to guide and support you and your family during this time.

Choose a Caring Hospice Team You Can Trust

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and end-of-life care can be a precious, fulfilling time. Find a hospice team with the experience and values to give your loved one and family the respectful and compassionate care you need. Dignity Home Health & Hospice is a locally-owned and operated agency in Utah committed to our patients and providing quality skilled nursing care and services. We are dedicated to providing the support you need and exceptional care for your loved one. Reach out to schedule your free consultation today.