A USA Today article mentions that most of us call hospice much later than we should. It is not that difficult to find out why. None of us want to admit that death is near, either for ourselves or for a loved one. Once we call the hospice, there are things we need to know.
Where: Hospice can be called from anywhere. The patient can stay at home or be in a facility. The assisted living of our elderly supports hospice care. The same goes for many accommodation and food facilities. best hospice in houston decide is where it is appropriate for the patient and the family.
That is a decision we make when we select the unit our elderly woman is in. She had been in hospice before and now we know that moving her again would be traumatic for all of us. This is something you need to establish long before it becomes a necessity.
Needs met: Hospice is available to the entire family, not just the patient. There are places that can make it difficult for hospice to work effectively for both of you. Hospitals and many nursing homes have visiting rules, and unless the patient is transferred to a different unit (again, not ideal), not all needs will be met.
What you need to know: Most people know that hospice is there for the patient. Hospice does much more than that and this must take into account when you choose not only where the hospice will be, but where the patient will be prior to this need.
The patient will not need to return to the doctor. The doctor comes to the patient. In fact, trained nurses often go to monitor the patient and can be called at any time. He; I called one at midnight and he stayed with me for three hours helping our old man get comfortable.
No more trips to the pharmacy. Medicines arrive at the door. Although the patient is no longer receiving treatment for the disease, medications are still needed. It’s called palliative care … keeping the patient comfortable.
He can get counseling. A social worker came to the home several times during our elder’s tenure in hospice. Okay, she was mostly there for our senior, but she took the time to see how she coped with me. She let me talk about some of my frustrations. She may need it. I know I did.
Hospice does not necessarily mean the end. Our elderly man graduated from hospice after three months. While it is not the norm, it does happen and it has been good to have it with us.
If you need it, ask. You may need respite care; another person to sit with the patient while you take a break. You may need a spiritual advisor. They come to the house, and it is someone of her religion and generally of her denomination or as close to her as possible. Even if hospice doesn’t offer it, they may be able to help you get what you need.
Settling in hospice is not just about choosing a facility for someone to die. It can be done that way, but planning ahead is your friend in this case.