If you knew that a much better quality of life could be achieved for a loved one, you would not think twice about exploring that option. Yet one of the most beneficial types of care – hospice care at home – is one that family members shy away from, due to many different misconceptions.
Hospice is meant to assist someone with a life-limiting illness find respite from pain and other difficult symptoms, while getting comfort, spiritual, and emotional support. Hospice care is available around the clock, both for the individual needing care along with family members. And, for anyone covered by Medicare, hospice care is offered for a really low cost or possibly at no cost. Many additional insurance policies cover hospice care as well.
Below are some of the top myths as well as the real facts you need to know about hospice care:
- Hospice is just needed during the very end of life. Lots of people mistakenly think that hospice services are for a person’s last few days, when in reality, the earlier hospice care is started, the better. The criteria for Medicare-covered hospice services are simply for a physician to certify that the person could die within six months. The hospice team and the doctor continue to monitor and modify this prognosis ongoing, either discharging the individual from hospice if improvement is noted, or re-certifying if life extends beyond six months.
- A person can no longer receive medical treatment while on hospice. While it’s correct that typically aggressive treatments that will not lead to a cure are discontinued, the purpose of hospice care is always to help an individual with symptom and pain management. Treatments that will maximize the person’s level of comfort are an integral part of hospice care.
- Hospice takes place in a facility or at a hospital. Hospice care is offered wherever the person and loved ones wish. In-home hospice care is readily available for people who elect to remain at home for a lifetime, or perhaps in a facility setting if preferred. Regardless of the living arrangement, hospice care is brought to the person – bypassing the need to go out to physician’s appointments.
Hospice care is a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the individual receiving the care, in addition to his / her family members. Getting started with care as quickly as possible allows maximum time to receive the resources, comfort, and support needed for the most peaceful transition possible.
For answers to any other questions about hospice care, contact Seniorcorp at 757-640-0557. Our experienced home health aides in Norfolk, VA and the nearby areas can share additional helpful information with regards to the benefits associated with hospice care, and provide you with a free of charge in-home consultation. Reach out to us today to learn more about the many options for senior home care in Norfolk, VA and nearby areas that are available to you.
