Elder Care Spotlight: The Blessing of Hospice...

Hospice is generally associated with end of life care. It is specialized for those who have terminal illnesses and are ready to face the end of their life journeys with a focus on comfort instead of continuing to try and cure the dis-ease. There is a team of doctors, nurses, and family members working together to find ways of helping the medical issues that come up, the emotional needs, and the spiritual needs that each person requires to feel at peace. Sometimes Hospice is provided at a nursing home, but most times it is at the patient's home. Most private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid plans cover Hospice Care. Hospice not only helps the patient that needs the care, but supports the family and friends who need help and guidance through their bereavement process. There are also counselors and other support staff to help those who are being left behind when the patient passes.

Hospice usually provides care for patients that have been certified with a life expectancy of 6 months or less from a doctor. However, there are cases when Hospice has supported people who are not in their final days, but have advanced chronic dis-eases that have caused them great decline in their quality of life. The underlying focus of Hospice care is to help make the elderly feel comfort, pain relief, and support with the medical issues they are experiencing. Advanced Dementia, Lung Dis-ease, Heart Failure, and other conditions may be eligible for Hospice care.

One component of Hospice is called Palliative care. This is a specialized medical service that focuses on the symptoms and stresses of the dis-ease, no matter if it is at the end of one's life or at an earlier stage of the illness. Palliative care can help with emotional imbalances, financial issues, more comprehensive care, pain relief, nausea support, fatigue help, or more. It is offered in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, with home care, and in clinics in order to help everyone who needs it most. This can be accessed through local community organizations, local specialists, or through online support.

When an elderly person has exhausted all medical interventions and they are needing comfort at the end of their lives, that is the best time to ask the primary health care provider for Hospice support. This is an invaluable resource that has so many positive benefits for the elderly person who needs it. When the signs are there, it is the best time to start to ask questions. There is support, we just need to take the initiative to receive it. When an elderly family member or friend is in need, there are resources in place. Always ask for help when it's needed and never second guess the support that is available. Hospice is a wonderful service with endless benefits for those who are ready to receive them.