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There are still many rumors about hospice, and not everyone is sure what hospice care actually is. Numerous myths about hospice prevent seniors from getting proper care. As everything else, this type of care has certain benefits for the elderly, especially if they are terminally ill. Hospice and regular home health care significantly differ, and which one is better for your loved one depends on a number of factors. Today, we will give you more details about what hospice care is, and you will see what it isn’t.

What Hospice Care Isn’t

Is Hospice Like a Death Sentence?

Many compare hospice care to a death sentence. Hospice care is nothing like a death sentence. To be qualified for hospice care, a doctor must certify there is a chance you will not live more than six months. Note that it doesn’t state you will certainly die within six months. Hospice care is entirely focused on the comfort of a patient, and comparisons with a death sentence are inappropriate. Every six months, a patient is evaluated for whether they fulfill the same criterion of there being a chance they may not live more than half a year. Thus this type of care can be extended if the patient’s condition doesn’t change.

Does Hospice Speed Up the Death of Older Adults?

Since hospice caregivers are focused on the comfort of a patient, people who receive this type of care may in fact live longer than without it. Hospice is great when you realize that a medical treatment isn’t working and carries high risks for seniors. As mentioned earlier, hospice caregivers primarily concentrate on a patient’s comfort and much less on curing them. However, in spite of many rumors, hospice won’t speed up their death.

If I Choose Hospice, Does It Mean I’m Giving Up on My Senior?

Hospice care is designed to improve the quality of life of seniors, who are in most cases ill and may not live more than six months. Since caregivers focus on comfort and the quality of life of every person, choosing hospice doesn’t mean you are giving up on them. When the end is near, most people would like to spend time with their families. Hospice enables them to do that, because most hospice patients are in their homes.

what hospice care is and what it isn't

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What Hospice Care Is

Once you choose this type of care you will see all the benefits it brings. In reality, it helps both seniors and their families. With a hospice caregiver in your house, there is usually no need to pay a visit to a doctor. When your senior’s health is fragile, it is essential not to move them much. A hospice caregiver is available 24/7. Just call them in case of an emergency, and they will come to your house as soon as possible. They also help with taking care of the elderly, such as grooming and bathing them. In addition, hospice caregivers provide support for the families, too.

If you think hospice care costs a lot, think twice. Typically, you need to visit the doctor’s office often, or leave your loved one in a hospital. And nurse visits may be required as well. Everything costs, so crunch the numbers, and you will see whether hospice is a cheaper option.

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Introduce hospice care to your elderly loved one, and see what they think about it. Tell them all the benefits and how this type of care can improve the quality of their lives. Perhaps it is not the time for your senior to apply for hospice. In that case, talk to a doctor and let them know you are open to this option when the time comes. If you find the right hospice care, it can bring a lot of benefits to older adults, but for their families as well.

 

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