Hospice is a great resource when the time comes. They provide equipment, supplies and assistance at no charge. If you think you need hospice, I’d advice that you speak with your doctor about the manner. Hospice is usually called in with the decline of that patient from cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Your doctor or local hospice can give you more information.
Just remember to be thankful for all that the workers do.
Some of the assistance provided includes a nurse, social worker, aid to assist with bathing and other needs, religious advisor and prescriptions.
What are some benefits of hospice?
- They can guide and direct you through the process—they’ve done this before and are able to answer questions you have and direct your next steps.
- They help keep your loved one comfortable—whether at home, in a hospital, at a hospice center or in a nursing facility they will keep your loved one comfortable in these last days. Often this is in an environment that is familiar to your loved one.
- Personalized support and care—they have the resources and staff to personalize care that will best benefit your loved one and your family.
- Lessens the financial burden—hospice is normally covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies and their expenses are often less than a skilled nursing facility.
- Respect for the Patient’s wishes—the family can focus on spending time with the loved one and not dealing with a lot of red tape.
- Numerous services—hospice provides numerous services such as spiritual care, social workers and counseling.
- Gives the patient a sense of dignity—the loved one is able to die with dignity instead of dealing with procedures that prolong life.
- Provides family counseling—provides bereavement and grief counseling for the family and other guidance may be available if needed.
- Wraps up the details—the hospice nurse and social worker often take care of a lot of the final paperwork that needs to be completed, lifting the burden from the family. This can include calling the funeral home and submitting a death certificate.