Ten Things You May Not Know About Hospice Care

As a culture, we avoid thinking about death. In reality, it may be better to not just think about it, but create an end-of-life plan much like one should create a will. Hospice care should be included in the plans of those who would prefer to spend their final days without medical intervention.

How is Hospice Care Different?

Hospice care is different from hospital care, focusing on the unfolding of natural processes, while supporting the dying person as well as their loved ones. A hospital setting can be beneficial in many ways. However, a person may prefer to be in a quiet and comfortable place surrounded by loved ones.

Many people don’t quite have a full understanding of what hospice is and how it works. Here are 10 facts to help uncover common myths associated with hospice care.

1. Hospice is not a place to send a loved one. It is high quality care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
2. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans. A dying person and their family should generally not have to pay for these services.
3. Hospice serves anyone with a life-limiting illness regardless of age.
4. Hospice provides expert medical care as well as spiritual and emotional support for the patient and their loved ones.
5. Research has shown that the majority of Americans would prefer to be home at the end of their life, and hospice makes this possible for most people.
6. Hospice also serves people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
7. Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer.
8. A person may keep his or her referring physician involved while receiving hospice care.
9. Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members to help them adjust to loss in their lives.
10. Research has shown people receiving hospice care can live longer than similar patients who do not opt for hospice.

Hospice Care with SHC

At Senior Home Companions, we are committed to helping our clients during the difficult transitions they will face.  Not only are our caregivers committed to the safety and well-being of our clients, they also go the extra mile in coordinating with hospice to make any transitions as smooth as possible. 

Family Matters

With our Family Matters Counseling, led by President David Morgan can help families to navigate the many legal and medical options involved in end-of-life palliative and hospice care and offer additional support when the focus shifts from health and recovery to providing comfort.

If you would like to know more about our services or you have questions regarding the transition to end-of-life care with one of our caregivers, please contact us online for a free consultation.