Health

Everything You Should Know Before Considering Hospice Care 

Hospice care is provided to people suffering from an advanced, life-threatening illness. It is a care option for a disease that can no longer be cured. It provides tender care and comfort to persons in the final stages of an incurable condition, allowing them to live out their days calmly and happily. This treatment focuses on the individual rather than the ailment. The main focus lies on the person’s spiritual and emotional needs and relieving their pain. Hospice care does not focus on curing the sickness; instead, it focuses on providing comfort and relieving the misery of the patient and its family.  

When Is It Provided? 

If your doctor estimates you have six months or less to live, your treatment isn’t working, and your medical condition isn’t improving, you may want to consider hospice care. If your doctor still believes you have a little time to live, you may stay longer, and it isn’t a long-term solution. If you change your mind, you can opt out of the care at any moment and restart your treatment. Hospice care gives people hope for a better life and encourages them to make the most of each day they have left.  

Where And By Whom Is It Provided? 

Hospice care can be offered in the patient’s home or any other facility such as a nursing home or hospital, an extended care facility, or a specialized hospice center. However, commonly people prefer receiving care at their homes. You can search “hospice care near me” on the internet to get information about the same. A team of nurses, doctors, spiritual advisors, social workers, and volunteers work together to give the patient the care or comfort they need. They offer emotional, medical, or spiritual support to the individual in question.  

What Services Does It Provide? 

The Aim Is To Provide Comfort To The Patient. Following Are The Services Provided By Hospice Care: 

  • Care By A Doctor Or A Nurse With A 24-Hour On-Call Aid
  • Supplies For Ailments
  • Medicines To Relieve Pain 
  • Physical Or Speech Therapy And Mental Health Support 
  • Spiritual Guidance
  • Stress Management
  • Nutritional Or Dietary Counseling
  • Short Term Inpatient Care
  • Short Term Respite Care
  • Counseling For You And Your Family  

It Doesn’t, However, Cover The Following Services:

  • Treatment To Cure Your Terminal Illness Or Any Other Illness 
  • Prescription Or Drugs To Cure Your Terminal Illness Or Any Other Illness 
  • Room In A Nursing Home Or The Hospice Care Facility
  • Care In An Emergency Room Unless Arranged By The Hospice Team Or Due To An Unrelated Illness.  

What Are Its Different Levels?

Care Is Provided On Four Levels, Namely: 

  • Routine Home Care: The most commonly opted service where care is taken by nursing. 
  • Continuous Home Care: Continous nursing care is provided at the patient’s home. 
  • General Inpatient Care: Care taken at hospital settings to relieve the pain or symptoms of the patient
  • Respite Care: Care is taken in the hospice facility while the patient’s primary caregiver takes a break.