When a loved one is facing a serious, possibly terminal illness, making the decision to consider hospice care can be overwhelming. Hospice care provides comfort for those who are no longer able to seek treatment due to their condition. It can be very beneficial in providing both physical and emotional support during this difficult time, however deciding when exactly to opt into such services isn’t easy.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a type of medical service that provides physical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for people facing life-limiting illnesses or injuries. It focuses on the patient’s quality of life by providing comfort and resources to maintain their independence and dignity throughout their declining health journey.
A hospice team works together to provide both medical and emotional support to families in need. They focus on making sure patients are comfortable at home with appropriate pain control and symptom relief so they can make the best of their remaining time with loved ones.
When Is The Right Time For Hospice Care
If your loved one has a terminal illness and the consensus is that their life expectancy is less than 6 months, hospice care may provide appropriate support for them and their family.
Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, support and quality of life, helping to make the patient’s end-of-life journey as stress-free as possible. With hospice care, the patient can make decisions on end of life treatments such as initiating or withdrawing treatments based on their own wishes. The hospice team also helps manage pain and symptoms so that patients can enjoy their remaining time with family in peace and comfort.
Signs That Hospice is Needed for a Loved One
Deciding it is time to bring a loved one to hospice care can be a difficult and distressing time for everyone involved. Families should watch for signs that their loved one is no longer responding well to traditional medical treatment.
Common signs that they should go to hospice care include:
- prolonged difficulty breathing
- physical decline leading to greater pain and difficulty with daily activities
- mental confusion or agitation
- decreasing appetite
- increasing fatigue and lack of energy
- being constantly sleepy during the day or having trouble sleeping at night
- decreased hygiene routines
Common Conditions People Seek Hospice For
Hospice care is a critical aspect of end-of-life care for those facing serious illnesses and diseases.
Common illnesses in hospice care include:
- Cancer
- Heart Failure
- Lung Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Hospice care is also utilized if a patient has multiple degenerative disorders where the illness cannot be reversed or stopped from progressing.
What Can Hospice Care Do For My Loved One?
Hospice care plays an invaluable role in providing dedicated and compassionate end-of-life care for your loved one. It is a holistic style of care that is centered around comfort and symptom management, with the goal of ensuring that your loved one can live free from pain or distress.
Your hospice team will work to provide customized support for you and your family; this usually includes physical and spiritual care for your loved one, as well as help to address any emotional, practical, or spiritual needs that arise.
Hospice Care in Live Oak, Texas by Serenity Oaks
We understand how scary and difficult it is to bring a loved one into hospice care. At Serenity Oaks, we want to make this process as smooth and comfortable for you and your family as possible.
At our inpatient hospice care facility in San Antonio, our team will work with you to create a personalized care plan that attends to all of your loved one’s needs. Contact us today If you are considering hospice care for a loved one.