Understanding the Hospice Care Experience: What Patients and Families Need to Know
When you care for someone with a terminal illness, it’s in their best interest to know how they can benefit from hospice care and when to utilize the service. While it is a difficult topic to discuss, knowing the details can bring peace of mind during a stressful season of life.
Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. This guide answers some common questions.
The Cost of Hospice
When it comes to medical care, the cost is always a worry. In most cases, Medicaid and Medicare, as well as private insurance, cover the cost of hospice. So if your loved one receives healthcare benefits from these programs, they will likely receive full care without incurring costs.
Included Necessities
Hospice care can take place in a hospice facility, within the home, or even in an assisted living facility. The patient and their family always have full control in choosing the location and level of care.
For in-home care, all necessary equipment gets sent to the home. That includes medication, small medical necessities such as gauze and syringes, and large equipment like a hospital bed.
The designated caretaker will receive training on how to care for their loved one, and the care team will make in-house visits to the patient.
Is Choosing Hospice “Giving Up?”
It is important to know that choosing to enter into hospice is not giving up. In fact, it is just the opposite.
The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life. Hospice care includes medical treatment but also takes into account the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient and loved ones during a difficult time.
There is a common misconception that hospice care speeds up the dying process, but this is in no way true. It is possible to administer hospice care for six months or more, depending on the patient. Starting hospice care sooner rather than later can even lengthen the life of hospice patients.
Hospice Benefits Both the Patient and Their Family
A hospice patient needs special care, and so does their family. A hospice program can teach family members how to best care for their loved ones.
When hospice care occurs at home, it can understandably become more than a caretaker can handle. When a caregiver needs respite, the care team steps in to administer medical care.
Hospice services benefit both the patient and family. Family members are also offered bereavement counseling to better cope with the loss of their loved one.
We Are Here for You
The Care Dimensions Healthcare team in Santa Ana, CA, is always available to answer hospice care questions. Call us at 951-340-3300 and speak with one of our compassionate professionals.
