Why Choose In-Home Hospice Care?
While it may be tough to consider at first, the time may come when your elderly loved one needs hospice care. At first, this may seem like a last resort option; however, it’s important to understand that hospice care can be extremely beneficial to your loved one’s wellbeing — especially if he or she can remain at home.
The Distinction of Hospice Care
Hospice care is provided to patients who are terminally ill, when treatment has stopped working. The premise of hospice care is to give everyone the right to live out their days with dignity. Additionally, it’s important to know that if your loved one begins to recover, he or she has the option of leaving hospice and returning to their normal treatment plan.
Hospice programs are designed to allow your loved one to maintain a high quality of life while still receiving the proper care. Essentially, they are made comfortable and cared for without intending for a cure — this calls for a plan comprised of symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care.
Many hospice programs are linked with hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Within a hospice program, your loved one will be cared for by a team of medical professionals who will devise a plan to ensure the patient is at ease and cared for. Additionally, the patient’s family is involved with decisions surrounding his or her care.
Hospice Care at Home
Since the foundation of hospice care involves keeping the patient as comfortable as possible, setting up hospice care in the home is one of the most ideal ways to keep your loved one at ease. Hospice programs provide a wide variety of services and medical equipment, including occupational and physical therapy, along with wheelchairs and/or walkers.
Hospice care at home can help the patient even more with symptom management, with not having to relocate or transport to a facility. Of course, the patient may be transported immediately to the hospital or a nursing home as needed, but can quickly return home after the proper care is received.
Choosing In-Home Hospice Care
While many think that waiting to choose hospice care as the next step in their loved one’s care, it’s better to begin a hospice program sooner than later. Medical professionals recommend beginning hospice when a patient has six months or less to live. And remember, if your loved one starts to see a turnaround in health, he or she can be moved back to their normal treatment plan.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of choosing in-home hospice care, our team at WellSprings Home Care would love to help. Feel free to contact us at (610) 467-3880 to learn more about the next steps in providing the best care for your loved one.
