As we grow older, it can be challenging to accept the changes that come with aging and how necessary hospice care is. Some seniors may feel like they are losing their independence or becoming a burden to their loved ones if they fall ill. Therefore, they may not express how they are truly feeling, making it important for their loved ones to recognize the signs of declining health and provide the appropriate care.
Recognizing these signs can help ease anxiety and allow you to honor your loved ones’ wishes. You may be surprised to know that hospice care can begin months earlier than the final days or weeks of a person’s life.
This specialized care can provide essential medications, medical equipment, and supplies for those with terminal illnesses, ultimately improving their quality of life.
By seeking hospice care early on, you can ensure that your loved one receives the support they need and deserve during their final life stages. Remember, taking care of your loved ones is a meaningful and rewarding experience that should be done with love and respect.
How do you know when it’s time for hospice care?
Here are some indicators to look out for that may suggest it’s time to consider hospice for your loved one:
1. No response to treatment
If your aging parents or loved ones are dealing with a terminal illness and are no longer responding to treatment or no longer desire aggressive intervention, it can be a difficult time. However, there is still hope for them to experience comfort, spend time with loved ones, and improve their quality of life.
Hospice care can be an excellent option in these situations. This care prioritizes pain relief and symptom management over trying to cure the illness. Hospice care can begin when a doctor determines that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less, based on the expected progression of the illness. If your loved one lives beyond the initial six months, the doctor can recertify them for longer periods.
It’s worth noting that hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance providers for eligible patients. This can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with end-of-life care.
If you’re considering hospice care for your loved one, it’s important to talk to their doctor and medical team to ensure that it’s the right decision for their unique situation.
You may also want to look into local hospice care providers and their services to help you make an informed decision. Remember, hospice care can provide comfort, support, and dignity for your loved one during this difficult time.
2. Uncontrolled pain to hospice care
It’s important to stay aware of your loved one’s health as they near the end of their life. As research shows, pain tends to increase during the last two years of life, and becomes most intense in the last four months. When the pain goes uncontrolled, it can lead to other issues like shortness of breath, restlessness, and anxiety. This can also prolong the grieving process for loved ones.
If you’re noticing an increase in pain or other difficult symptoms like nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or pressure ulcers that don’t seem to be improving with treatment, hospice care might be a good option to consider.
Hospice care can help manage these symptoms and provide support for your loved one and your family during this difficult time. Remember, you and your loved one are not alone in this journey, and there are people and resources available to help.
3. Increase in hospital readmissions
It’s important to pay attention to changes in the health of elders as they age. One indicator to look out for is if you find them visiting the doctor or hospital more frequently than before. This is common for older adults, especially those over 75 years old.
If you or a loved one have been making multiple hospital readmissions in the past six months, it could be a sign of declining health. It’s essential to take these signs seriously and seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, regular check-ups and prompt medical care can help prevent serious health issues from arising or becoming worse. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider and discuss any concerns. Your well-being is important, and taking care of yourself is the first step toward a healthy and happy life.
4. They need a lot more help than they used to.
Taking care of aging parents or loved ones can be a challenging task. As they grow older, they may need more assistance than before in performing personal care activities like bathing, getting dressed, or eating.
They may also require the use of a wheelchair or walker to move around. If they are feeling unwell most of the time or have stopped doing things they used to enjoy, these are signs that they could benefit from hospice services.
It’s important to remember that seeking hospice services is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way to provide comfort and support to your loved one during this stage of life. Hospice care can help improve their quality of life, alleviate their pain and discomfort, and provide emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their family.
As a caregiver, it’s important to recognize when your loved one needs additional help and support. Hospice services can provide a team of skilled professionals who are trained to provide compassionate care and support to both the patient and their family. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support when you need it.
5. Communication issues
As our loved ones age, they may experience challenges with communication. Factors such as decreased circulation, hearing, and vision problems can make it difficult for them to express themselves and follow conversations.
If you notice your aging parents struggling with communication, it’s important to offer support and understanding in the form of hospice care. You can encourage them to seek medical attention to address any underlying issues and suggest assistive devices or technologies that can make communication easier.
Remember, these changes are a natural part of the aging process, and it’s important to remain patient and compassionate. By providing a listening ear and offering solutions like hospice care, you can help your loved ones stay engaged with the activities and people they enjoy.
How does hospice care help?
When it comes to hospice care, timing is everything. Waiting until the final days and weeks of life means missing out on the full range of benefits that hospice services can offer. End-of-life care can provide a wealth of support and assistance for patients and their loved ones during this difficult time.
If you or a loved one is dealing with end-of-life care, hospice care can provide many benefits. It’s important to seek hospice services early to make the most of these benefits. Here’s how hospice care can help:
- It provides 24/7 on-call medical directors and nurses who can visit patients at home, in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or Trillium House.
- Medical equipment and supplies are available to manage symptoms and make patients more comfortable.
- It offers spiritual support from a chaplain to help patients and their loved ones find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
- Hospice aides can assist with daily living activities, such as bathing, which allows family members to spend quality time with their loved ones.
- Emotional support and community resources are available from a social worker to help patients and their loved ones deal with the challenges they may face.
- Hospice volunteers can help with household tasks to ease the burden on family members.
- Bereavement counseling is available to help loved one’s process grief after their loss.
Remember, hospice care can provide comfort and support during the final days and weeks of life. Don’t hesitate to seek hospice services early to make the most of these benefits.