Hospice care combines symptom and pain management with support to both the elderly and their family. The point of hospice care is to make seniors more comfortable, usually at the end of their lives. Studies show that most people would like to spend the last days of their lives at home, and hospice care can enable that. However, many still don’t exactly know what it means or what it can offer. Thus we will explain several misconceptions and list the most important facts about hospice care.
Fact #1 – Hospice Is Not Only for the Last Days
Among the facts about hospice care, this may be the most important. There is a significant difference between when the doctor certifies that there is chance a senior won’t live more than six months and whether someone will pass away in the following six months. Both of these patients are eligible to apply for hospice care. After six months, a doctor can re-certify that this type of care is still necessary for the elderly and they will continue to receive the treatment.
Fact #2 – Choosing Hospice Doesn’t Mean Giving Up on Your Life
Despite popular belief, choosing hospice doesn’t mean you gave up. Seniors still receive their therapies and medical treatments. The point of hospice is improving the quality of life, and the focus is in on comfort. Giving up on your life by choosing hospice is just a myth and nothing more.
Fact #3 – Hospice Costs Shouldn’t Bother You
Do you have Medicare Part A? Then you are eligible for hospice care. Also check out other Medicare programs and see what percentage of hospice care costs they cover. Many insurance plans also cover hospice care costs. It is a myth that this type of care costs a fortune. Medicaid programs can also cover the costs, to some extent.
Fact #4 – Hospice Is More Than Just Medical Care
Medical care is one part of hospice care. It also includes emotional and spiritual support, and not only to the patient. The caregiver focuses on the whole family too, since they also need support in these situations. The family also has a difficult time, and hospice care encompasses them as well.
Fact #5 – Seniors Usually Receive Care at Home
There are many pros and cons of hospice care, and one of the pros is that patients are usually in their homes. Most people want to die surrounded by their family members, and this is the initial reason why such a care program was developed. However, in the case of emergency situations, some care providers are equipped with special facilities where they can place your loved ones if needed. This type of care can even be received in a hospital.
Fact #6 – Hospice and In-Home Care
What exactly is the difference between regular home care services and hospice? For more about differences between hospice and other types of care, read here.
There are more and more people in the US who choose hospice care. Information from 5 years ago says there were more than half a million Americans using hospice care services, and the number is on a constant rise. However, many still don’t know the basic facts about hospice care and believe false myths. With this article, we hope we busted several myths and that you now know more about hospice than before.
The next question is how to find the right hospice care program. There are many agencies offering these services, but you need to see which one suits you the best. What are the specific conditions you have and which agency can adapt the most?
Images Source: http://unsplash.com
