As loved ones age or face serious illness, we may need to think about how we can support quality of life for their final years or months. Hospice care is often the first thing we think of, but what exactly is it and when is it time to begin?
Hospice Care is a compassionate model of care for individuals with serious or terminal illness who are nearing the end of their life. Though similar to palliative care, which focuses on providing comfort to those suffering from serious illness, hospice is typically for those with months to live rather than years. Its focus is on improving quality of life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and not on curing the disease. Care is coordinated by a team that may include doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers, and can be provided at home, in a nursing facility, or in an inpatient center.
What Does Hospice Include?
Hospice care provides support to patients and their loved ones in many ways:
- Pain and Symptom Management: Pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and nausea are managed with medications and therapies.
- Personal Care Support: Home health aides assist with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily needs.
- Spiritual and Emotional Guidance: Mental health counselors and chaplains offer comfort and support in line with the patient’s needs.
- Respite and Inpatient Services: Family caregivers can get relief through short-term inpatient care or respite care.
- Bereavement Services: Support for grieving family members may be provided after a loss.
When Should You Consider Hospice?
If the focus of treatment for your loved one changes from curing the disease to providing comfort, it may be time to consider hospice care. Some signs include:
- A doctor’s prognosis of six months or less to live if the disease follows its expected course.
- Increase in hospital stays or ER visits.
- Difficulty with daily activities such as walking, eating, or speaking.
- Progressive cognitive or physical decline.
In addition to these indicators, a general decline in health may suggest that an individual is nearing the end of their life. Symptoms like weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and reduced appetite not associated with a disease are considered a “failure to thrive” and may make hospice an appropriate choice for care.
Types of Hospice Providers
There are a variety of sources to consider for hospice care:
- Nonprofit Organizations: These often provide comprehensive services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Many are mission- or faith-driven and community-based.
- For-Profit Agencies: These also offer high-quality care, but services and policies may differ. Granny Nannies of Miami offers Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides who work with professional hospice care providers as part of the care team.
- Hospital-Based Programs: These programs may be ideal for patients needing more frequent transitions between inpatient and home settings.
Regardless of the provider type, many hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. It is important to speak with different care providers to find the best option for your situation.
A Thoughtful Choice
Engaging hospice care early can improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family members. It can ease suffering and provide invaluable support for families navigating end-of-life care. Making the choice to begin hospice is not about giving up—it’s about choosing dignity, comfort, and connection in life’s final chapter. Granny Nannies of Miami is here to help.