Now What? Making the Decision for Hospice Care

As adults, much of our life is spent making plans. Where will we go to college? What date will we get married? When should we start a family?

Big decisions require careful thought and preparation. Planning end-stage care is no different. If seeking a curative treatment is no longer an option, how does one find happiness? The answer may lie in hospice care.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a type of palliative care that guides terminally ill patients toward comfort after curative treatments have failed. Rather than focusing on getting better, patients use the program to focus on being happy, to manage pain and stress in hopes they’ll spend their last months celebrating love instead of fear.

Does Hospice Care Really Make a Difference?

Medical studies report that patients in hospice programs enjoy their final months more than patients who remain in intensive care. End-stage patients aren’t always able to make their own healthcare decisions, but research shows that making their choice known early can affect the care they receive. Planning for hospice care while still sound in mind and body can be a decision that eases your final days.

Ideally, hospice care discussions with your physician should begin as soon as you’ve been diagnosed with a life-altering illness. Making a plan in advance can relieve some of the pressure if treatments fail.

When Should You Make Your Decision?

Once your body function declines, you may not be able to make a decision yourself. Discuss your choice with your family to be sure that you receive the care you want should you become terminal.

What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?

Managing symptoms at home means visiting the doctor less. Spend that time with your family instead and schedule time with a registered nurse in your living room. Hospice care provides spiritual and emotional support as well for the difficult days ahead. You’ll learn to find comfort and joy in the little things.

Your support team is available to you around the clock for questions and emergencies. You and your family can spend less time worrying about what you should do. Spend that time making memories instead.

Is Hospice Care Expensive?

Many people expect hospice care to be cost-prohibitive. The truth is, however, that program prices vary, and it’s rare for a patient or their family to be liable for the whole cost. Most private and government insurance plans partially or fully cover hospice programs. Patients with poor or no insurance may be eligible for grants or a sliding-scale rate determined by their ability to pay.

Choosing whether or not to move to hospice care when an illness becomes terminal is a huge decision. It’s a choice best made before it becomes complicated by emotion. At Hospice Care of the Golden Isles, our team of experts is here to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision and start planning with your family.

To learn more about hospice care and other types of palliative care programs in southeast coastal Georgia, call us toll-free today at 866.275.6801.