Do you think a loved one can benefit from hospice care? If you do, then you need to find the right facility to ensure your loved one will get the best care possible. However, there are some things you need to know about hospice care.
You Can Get Hospice Care Even at Home
A common misconception about hospice care is that you can only have it in a facility. However, you can have it wherever the patient feels most comfortable or the services can be provided effectively. With that, it is not limited to a facility. You should know that a lot of patients choose to receive hospice care in the comfort of their own homes. This is because hospice is a method, not a location focused on pain and symptom management.
It’s Not the Same as Palliative Care
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is that hospice care is different from palliative care. Hospice care is intended for patients with life-limiting diseases who are no longer under curative treatment. On the other hand, palliative care starts as soon as a patient is diagnosed and may be given at the same time as treatment.
Almost Anyone Can Benefit From Hospice Care
Many people believe that hospice care is only for patients with cancer. Indeed, cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of disease and one of the most difficult to treat. However, it’s not the only condition that needs hospice care. A variety of diagnoses can be accommodated, such as heart disease, dementia, lung disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
It’s Not That Expensive
Hospice care is a benefit that is fully funded by Medicare/Medicaid. Moreover, it is covered by many private insurance companies as well. With that, hospice care isn’t expensive, which is why there’s no reason for patients not to get this type of care when necessary.
A patient must qualify for hospice care, though. For one, the patient must be certified terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less. Also, the patient must accept palliative care and must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of Medicare-covered benefits to treat the illness or related conditions.
It Makes a Difference
Hospice care makes a difference in a patient’s life as it allows patients to live out their days with as little pain, discomfort, and stress as possible. In fact, patients who received hospice care have a better quality of life, and some could even live three months longer than patients who receive standard care.
Knowing these truths about hospice care is important before you have a loved one admitted to a facility or receive this type of medical care.
Conclusion
If you choose to have a loved one admitted to a hospice care facility, it’s crucial you choose the best one. Research is important as there are many facilities out there, which can be confusing and overwhelming for you. To narrow your search for the best hospice care facility for your loved one’s needs, consider Bridge Home Health & Hospice.
Bridge Home Health & Hospice is a reputable hospice in California. We guarantee a patient-centered approach. Contact us today.
