Hospice care aims to provide comfort for a loved one with a terminal illness or in the last stages of their life. It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned about the quality and scope of the support they will receive. Hospice care is patient-centered and focused on giving high-quality care, support, and comfort to patients with life-limiting illness and their families.
Let’s talk about the common types of hospice care and services available.
What Are The Common Types Of Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a philosophy of care that seeks to provide holistic support for you and your loved one who is close to the end of life. Patients in hospice can be cared for in a setting of their choice. Whether at their own home, a nursing home, or a hospice care center, the level of comfort and quality of care are the same.
Medical Care
Terminal illnesses, injuries, physical ailments, and limitations are common with hospice patients. Medical care in a hospice setting aims to relieve your loved one’s symptoms rather than focusing on recovery. These services include monitoring the patient’s medications and condition, physical therapy, and any other medical support they may need to ensure they get the best possible quality of life.
Hospice Aide
Doing simple daily tasks, such as getting out of bed or going to the bathroom, may become difficult. Hospice aides are trained to provide compassionate services and regular assistance to ensure your loved one is clean and well taken care of every day. Physical assistance involves support for walking, dressing up, bathing, and other personal needs.
Psychosocial Support
Hospice services also offer support for the patient’s (and their family’s) psychological, emotional, and social needs. The prospect of death can give rise to strong emotional responses. Depression and anxiety are common for many patients in hospice care. Likewise, you may feel a lot of anger, guilt, and grief.
It’s important to address any emotional troubles during this time of uncertainty. Specialists and aides are willing to listen and give support for the reality your family is facing. Coming to terms with this ensures meaning, dignity, and peace during the remaining days of your loved one’s life.
Spiritual Services
Hospice care centers and providers acknowledge and respect differences in beliefs and faith. Being open to services with a hospice chaplain or spiritual counselor can help you and your loved one go through the difficult questions you may have. Aside from spiritual comfort, counselors actively listen to give insight and clarity to your situation.
Respite Care
Respite care can be arranged as short-term support to primary caregivers. This involves entrusting care responsibilities for several hours, days, or weeks, depending on the arrangement. This temporary service allows caregivers to look after their welfare and take care of their other pressing needs. Being a primary caregiver requires much compassion, love, and hard work. Taking time to rest is not selfish. Time off will allow you to take better care of your loved one in need.
When Should My Loved One Receive Hospice Care?
Usually, hospice care is delivered to patients when treatments are no longer effective, and they have a life expectancy of six months or less. Seeking hospice doesn’t mean giving up on your loved one’s life. By ensuring superior care with dignity and minimal symptoms, your loved one can live their remaining life to the fullest and in comfort.
Every patient has specific needs. Hospice practitioners will adjust their practices whenever necessary to maintain ideal comfort for your loved one.
Hospice Care In Bastrop, TX
Deciding on your loved one to receive hospice care may be difficult. We understand that you want to ensure the best care for your loved one’s remaining days. Here at Serenity Hospice, we aim to give patient-centered and compassionate support.
Our team of providers is composed of physicians, trained hospice aides, and nurse practitioners. Our services are also customizable to impart optimal care and comfort suited for your situation.
If you would like to consult with our providers, you may call us at (512) 985-6107 or conveniently request an appointment online. We look forward to caring for you and your loved one.