Hospice entails a detailed kind of care for the sick, which focuses on living. Hospice care encourages patients to live entirely, irrespective of the illness they are suffering from surrounded by loved ones until the end of their lives. It is about bringing the special philosophy of care to patients during the period of a severe illness. Hospice care has a primary goal of enhancing and maintaining the highest quality of life for patients by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Unfortunately, hospice care can be misunderstood. The misconceptions surrounding hospice care daunt people from enjoying the compassionate care that they need the most. As a result, it is paramount to debunk these misconceptions to enlighten people about the importance of hospice care.
Hospice is a place
You might have heard the idea that hospice is a place where people get specialized care. Well, the truth is that hospice is a philosophy of care offering spiritual, medical, emotional care that aims at comforting patients and enhancing the quality of life. Patients receive hospice care from the place that they call home, which can be their homes, an assisted living facility, a group home, or a skilled nursing facility. It can also be offered in hospitals in certain conditions but for a short period.
You will die soon if you go on hospice
The truth is that hospice care is not a ticket to death. Surprisingly, research indicates that patients who receive hospice care in their early stages of illness live longer than patients who receive only curative treatment. Hospice care in Indiana targets patients with a life expectancy of about six months or less. However, patients can still receive hospice care for more than six months as long as they meet the requirements.
Selecting hospice care means giving up all other medications
Hospice care aims at enhancing the quality of life for patients. Also, the professionals who offer the care are trained to offer treatment and care that reduces the pain of patients and other symptoms. It aims at reducing the financial burden of medical treatment while increasing the quality of life. Sometimes that would mean reducing the number of medications patients take for chronic conditions.
Hospice offers 24/7 care
Hospice professionals visit patients on an intermittent basis. These professionals include social workers, physicians, hospice aides, nurses, and chaplains. The number or frequency of visits is based on the needs of the patient. However, you can call the hospice team at any time of the day if you need care.
Hospice care is expensive
Hospice care is not as expensive as most people think, and it is worth the quality of care your loved one gets. Besides, it is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. Most insurance plans take care of all hospice services; thus, you don’t have to incur high out-of-pocket costs.
Hospice care is one of the best gifts you can give to your loved ones. Providers of hospice care also train family members on how to offer practical, caregiving, and emotional support. You should consider starting the care as early as possible to enjoy the benefits.
