Medical research is conducted daily to develop better modes of curative treatments for terminal illnesses. Still, there reaches a point where the treatment is no longer beneficial to the patient. The patient may have six months or less to live at this point. The physician may recommend hospice care and advise the patient to forego curative treatment.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is care that maintains the quality of life for a terminally ill patient. The care provides comfort to patients in their final stage of life. Hospice care is recommended by a physician when the patient is not responding to curative treatment and has six months or less to live. Hospice care not only takes care of the patient but their family as well by offering spiritual, emotional, physical, and social support. Hospice care provides different forms of care to meet the patient’s needs.
When Does Hospice Care Start?
Hospice care starts when the patient is not responding to curative treatment, and the disease is in its advanced stage. The patient will qualify for hospice care if they have six months or less to live, decide to stop curative treatment, and their health is deteriorating rapidly. A study conducted by the American cancer society reported that 10% of patients receive hospice care. Most families of patients who receive the care late were dissatisfied with the maintenance. Therefore, patients need to receive hospice treatment early enough to enjoy the last moments of their lives.
Where Is Hospice Care Offered?
Hospice care can be offered in different settings, including the comfort of their homes, in the hospital, in an assisted living facility, and hospice facilities. Hospice care is most commonly offered at the patients’ homes either through routine visits or continuous home hospice care. The hospice team will provide elaborate care to the patient at any location to receive the treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?
The main benefit of hospice care is that it gives the patient a chance to enjoy life in the final days of their life in the company of friends and family. Hospice care also improves the patient’s quality of life and gives them comfort and peace of mind as they are in the final stages of their life.
A Compassionate and Caring Team
Hospice care does not treat a patient’s illness; instead, it focuses on treating the symptoms of the disease to improve the quality of life of the patient. Ameriprime Hospice can assist you during this difficult time. The best thing you can offer your loved ones in the last days of their lives in dignity and peace of mind. Are you in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? Contact us at (972) 787-0949 or on the contact form on our website.
