Every adult, regardless of age or physical condition, will do well to become familiar with hospice care: what it is and what it is not. Family caregivers, professionals, and individuals need to be informed before major decisions have to be made for yourself or a loved one.

            Sudden illnesses or accidents can quickly disrupt any family. While many do not want to consider end-of-life decisions, much stress is alleviated as families are well-informed concerning future options. These decisions are better made before a person’s health is declining.

            Living wills are designed to simplify this process and to make sure individual desires are met with dignity and compassion. Living wills record personal requests for end-of-life care. Family members are then relieved of the stress of making decisions based on emotions or feelings of the moment. 

            Hospice is not simply an agency that moves in to hold hands of the dying as their life ends. The services they provide are invaluable. Here are just a few of the benefits of hospice care:

1. Hospice care will help free up the time of the primary caregiver and family members. You can be assured your loved one is getting good care.

2. You will have a nurse or aide available to answer your questions. Because their focus is on one patient at a time, they can take time to fully address each concern.

3. A hospice person will be up-to-date on the latest services available to help you as well as your loved one.

4. Hospice care can reduce ER visits and inpatient hospitalization which are costly and emotionally traumatizing for the patient and family.

5. Hospice care is often covered by Medicare and some insurance providers. Be sure to check what is available in your state.

6. There is children’s hospice services dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and young people who are not expected to live to reach adulthood.

Hospice began in the 11^th century as a way to treat incurably ill and dying and to provide refuge for travelers throughout the world. Volunteers were counted on to maintain this movement and provide needed care. In other countries, hospice refers to a building or institution; here in the U.S. we refer to the service itself. While the very word brings the idea of impending death and sadness, hospice programs now focus more on helping patients live productive and pain-free lives as long as possible.

Now there is long-term care available, not just for the dying. Next week we will look into palliative care. I believe this will be an encouragement and help to you and your loved ones.

Please leave a comment below if you’ve found this helpful to you in your journey.

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