Having a loved one put on hospice care is never an easy experience. Finding local hospice care services can be a very stressful and emotional process for many families. Locating a professional and trustworthy 24/7 care at home hospice is what most people opt for to make everything easier on them and their loved ones.
Many people have questions about palliative care services that are available ad what does and does not happen when a loved one is with active hospice care. Local hospice service providers can help you and other family members better understand what is happening and what to expect. They will work closely with you to ensure that you and your loved one are comfortable, safe, and well cared for.
While some alternatives to hospice might be available in your area, they most likely will not offer the depth or scope of service that hospice can. So be sure to consider all of your options and make your choice for hospice or home care based on the information available.
Caring for a loved one with a terminal illness can be difficult. Patients diagnosed with terminal conditions and given less than six months to live can typically receive hospice care. In fact, this type of care dates back to the 11th century. During this time, monks set up hospitals placed along a road leading to Jerusalem. Statistics from 2015 found that there were nearly 1.4 million patients receiving hospice care. With that in mind, here are three signs that it’s time to contact hospice care services for a loved one.
- Inability to Perform Basic Tasks
It can be difficult watching someone forget how to perform daily tasks. If you’re noticing a loved one unable to properly care for themselves, you’ll likely have to take over these duties. Considering that, many people find it easier to place their loved one in hospice care services. A hospice care facility can help your loved one receive assistance with these tasks.
- More Falls Taking Place in the Home
As someone’s condition worsens, they might have a harder time standing up on their own. In turn, this could increase the possibility of dangerous falls taking place at home. Rather than deal with the aftermath of dangerous falls, it’s best to consider hospice care. This means you’ll never have to worry about your loved one forgetting tasks while you’re not with them.
- Experiencing More Visits to the ER
No family wants to deal with the stress and heartbreak of constant ER visits for a loved one. If you’re spending a lot of time in the ER, it’s time consider hospice care. In this type of setting, your loved one can receive the care they need. Many families prefer this option instead of constantly being in emergency rooms.
In closing, there are several signs it’s time to consider hospice care for a loved one. While you think hospice care services are only for senior citizens, this isn’t always true. In fact, statistics from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization found that 5.4% of hospice patients in the year 2015 were under the age of 65. Hospice care services will help ensure that your loved one receives care in a peaceful setting.
