When is Hospice Care Recommended?
Start preparing for hospice care early. It can be a difficult decision to make, but discussing hospice care with a physician after a terminal diagnosis can help ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support to improve their quality of life during their end stages.
The Goals of Hospice and Palliative Care
End-of-life care is about more than just medicine. Our team is here to help patients and families feel comfortable and cared for during a difficult time. We make sure that every patient gets the care and attention they deserve, no matter their age. If you or a loved one is dealing with a life-limiting illness, we're here to help with aggressive symptom management and compassionate support. For those still receiving treatment for their serious illness, palliative care services are available to provide similar care and support.
How Hospice Helps Patients and Family Members
Accessing hospice and palliative care can be a relief for family caregivers. The hospice team, consisting of medical professionals, social workers, and volunteers, works to provide individualized care and support to the patient, while also helping family members navigate the various tasks and paperwork that come with end-of-life care. Care can be provided in the patient's home or wherever they reside, providing a compassionate and personalized approach to end-of-life care.
Who Qualifies For Hospice Care?
Eligibility for hospice care is determined by a limited life span of six months or less, and a terminal diagnosis. Symptom relief is still provided while in hospice, even though medical treatments intended to cure the disease but no longer effective and must stop before hospice care begins.
Making The Choice To Start End-Of-Life Care
The hospice journey is taken with the support of the patient, family, and medical care team. Anyone can start the process, either by getting a hospice referral from the patient’s regular healthcare providers or by calling the hospice provider directly. If you have questions about hospice and palliative care, your family doctor can help determine the right time to move from curative treatments to hospice care, and the hospice team at Hummingbird Hospice can explain how the process works.
First Steps and Contacting A Hospice Or Palliative Care OrganizationÂ
Find the support you need. Hummingbird Hospice is here for you and your loved ones with 24/7 admissions and a full range of services. Check out our map to find a location near you. Once you make the initial referral, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized care plan that focuses on symptom relief and maintaining your quality of life.
How Long Hospice Care Lasts
Most hospice patients receive services for half a year or less. However, this timeline can vary depending on the patient's condition and any health changes that occur during the final stages of a serious illness.
Support for CaregiversÂ
Taking care of someone with a life-limiting illness can be overwhelming. Hospice care services can help ease the burden of care for your loved one. Hummingbird Hospice provides respite care, as well as bereavement counseling services for surviving family members, to support you through this difficult time. To learn more about our hospice care services, contact us today.
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