As painful as it can be to accept a terminal, incurable illness where the patient is at the end of the road of life, every patient deserves to remain as comfortable as possible. If your loved one is at the point where they are enduring nothing but suffering anymore, hospice may be your answer.
Hospice care is a type of healthcare given to terminally ill patients who have at most six months left to live. Patients receive the utmost quality of care not to treat their illnesses but to help them retain as high of a quality of life as possible with as little discomfort as possible.
Hospice provides comfortable, palliative care that is supportive of both the patient and their family during this intensely difficult time. Here are a few key factors to look for when seeking the best possible hospice care program in your area.
Determine Accessibility
Patients can receive hospice care in various settings, such as at home, nursing facilities, hospitals, and hospice facilities. If you’re opting for at-home services, make sure the hospice care provider is available anytime. If you choose a hospice care facility, make sure it’s accessible for routine visits from family members and even pets.
Check the Provided Services and Available Amenities
While under hospice care, patients no longer undergo treatment plans to address their illnesses. However, care providers will still provide medication or treatment to alleviate pain or to reduce symptoms. Hospice care programs can also offer assistive devices such as wheelchairs, oxygen, and other medical supplies to keep the patient comfortable.
The best hospice care program should have a holistic approach to support the patient and their family physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Most hospice care programs even offer bereavement and grief counseling for the patient’s family.
Consult Your Friends and Family for Recommendations
It is a good idea to ask nearby friends and family members for recommendations regarding hospice care facilities. You should seek such help from those who know about your or your loved one’s situation, and even from people who you know had a personal experience with a loved one who received hospice care. You can also ask your pastor or your physician for recommendations.
Hospice Care in Bastrop, TX
If you or someone you know needs a hospice care program with a holistic, well-rounded approach, consider Serenity Hospice. Our licensed and compassionate healthcare staff can provide various services to support your family member and your entire family during this arduous time.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation about our services, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (512) 985-6107 or by filling out our information request form online now. We look forward to hearing from you.
