When Is It Time To Contact Hospice?

A common question asked by those considering hospice care for a loved one is, “When is the right time?”  A growing number of caregivers are finding that the correct answer to the question is, “As early as possible,” as they discover all of the advantages hospice has to offer the patient as well as the caregiver.

Special needs require the services of specialists. Hospice professionals are specialists in end-of life-care, and should be called upon during the first stages of a terminal illness.

A person of any age is eligible for hospice after being certified by a physician as having a life expectancy that may be six months or less, depending on the course of the disease. If a patient lives beyond six months after admission they can continue to receive services as long as a physician continues to document the patient’s eligibility.

Services are covered by Medicaid, Medicare and many types of insurance, although many not-for-profit hospices generally provide services regardless of the person’s ability to pay.

Everyone – family member, friend, clergy, physician, can refer someone to hospice. Most patients are referred by their physician or other health care professional.  A discussion with the patient’s physician or a call to your local hospice can begin the referral process.

Hospice endeavors to make the transition to hospice care as comfortable and easy as possible. Individual care plans are developed to ease the physical and emotional pain, and to meet spiritual needs if desired. This can help the patient and family “put their lives in order” and make the last stage of life even more meaningful.

Hospice care enables the individual and their families to experience the final stage of life together, in the setting most comfortable for them. In most cases, the person remains at home, close to family and friends while under professional medical supervision. Hope Hospice, like many hospices around the country, assigns a care team to each hospice patient. The hospice interdisciplinary team may include a physician; nurse; a pharmacist; social worker; bereavement counselor; chaplain; massage, art and music therapists; and volunteers. Each team member is focused on the person, not the illness, making sure that all physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met.

Hospice has a unique approach to pain management – another advantage of entering hospice care earlier. The care team always works to manage the patient’s pain as expediently and efficiently as possible. Addressing pain and other symptoms in their early stages, rather than waiting until they become severe, is a priority.

In addition to determining the appropriate medications for pain and other symptoms, members of the care team identify the best ways to administer the medication to the satisfaction of the individual patient. Finding new therapies, new uses for conventional medications and new techniques are ongoing goals in hospice care.

Whether the patient is at home, in a hospice house or another health care facility, we work to ensure that their environment is accessible, meets their needs and adds to their quality of life. For some patients, a hospice-provided portable oxygen tank gives them greater mobility. For others, a lift chair means they don’t have to ask someone to help them to stand up or sit down. A hospital bed at home may be essential to a good night’s sleep. The earlier the patient is entered into hospice care, the sooner we can provide these services, medications and supplies to help them maintain their dignity and comfort.