"Why should I consider the hospice option?"
Because…there are so many benefits...
You gain…A TEAM
- This is a team of medical professionals that come to your home regularly to assist you, the caregiver, as well as the patient.
- This team is available to you 24/7.
- This team is designed especially for your needs.
- The team may consist of nurses, social workers, counselors, chaplains, respiratory therapist, dietician, occupational therapist, volunteers and certified nurse aides.
- All team members are licensed certified and have passed competency testing in her field of expertise.
You gain – Tools
- Medical equipment that makes the care easier
- Medical supplies that meet specific needs
- Medications that are closely monitored and adjusted to the changing needs of the patient.
You gain knowledge
- How to best care for the patient
- How to care and protect yourself as you core for the patient
- How to recognize medications
- About community resources that might be of a benefit to your family
- About the emotional, spiritual and physical challenges that may be a part of your experiences
You gain resources
- The cost of hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance carriers.
- There are no charges for medical equipment, supplies or medications that are specifically needed for the hospice illness.
- Volunteers can assist you in many ways to conserve your energy and to give you some opportunities to run errands, rest or perhaps visit a friend.
You keep
- Your personal physician who will continue and direct the care
- Your personal preferences and your independence of choice
A thought to keep in mind:
Hospice care is carefully designed to add quality of life to the patient and to the caregiver. Quality of life may mean feeling better, eating and sleeping better and it may mean being able to visit with family and friends and participate more fully in activities.
Hospice can happen in your home, in a nursing facility, in the hospital or in a retirement home setting.