Even the thought of end-of-life care for a loved one can be difficult to fathom. However, end-of-life care (or hospice) can benefit both you and your loved one. Your loved one will receive expert care when they need it the most, and you will be content knowing you spared no effort in ensuring they were comfortable and well taken care of in their final days.
You may be wondering when you should consider this type of care. This guide can help you judge the situation and contact the right people who can advise you.
Start Looking After a Terminal Diagnosis
Typically, end-of-life care is brought up when someone has a terminal condition. Most people find out this is the situation through a doctor. If your loved one is given a terminal diagnosis and treatment to remedy the underlying cause is no longer being pursued, it is time to look into hospice care. Most people are informed of hospice care through their doctor, so you are encouraged to talk to your loved one’s physician about this.
Talk to the Insurance Company
Contact your loved one’s insurance company and figure out if your loved one’s policy covers this type of medical care. You should inquire when coverage can begin and how long the insurance will cover this service. You should also ask which hospices are covered by your loved one’s policy. Doing research does not mean you are choosing to give up on your loved one. It is simply to be informed and find out more about this type of care and when patients pursue it.
Monitor Your Loved One’s Progression
When your loved one has a terminal diagnosis, you may be able to care for them in the beginning. They may even have some independence and be able to do small tasks on their own. However, once your loved one’s health rapidly declines, they may not be able to do chores, bathe, eat, or even sit or walk on their own. This is when they can benefit from end-of-life care.
Hospice care includes doctors, nurses, and caregivers. They will provide medications and treatments as necessary, depending on what your loved one needs most. Caregivers will help your loved one be comfortable and clean. When you are at work or are otherwise unavailable, hospice personnel will give your loved one company.
Talk to Your Loved One’s Doctor
If you can’t assess the situation on your own or struggle to face the terminal diagnosis, it may help to talk to your loved one’s physician. They can assess your loved one’s decline unbiasedly and help you decide if end-of-life care is right for them.
Evaluate Your Situation
If you find it’s overwhelming, too time-consuming, or is taking a toll on your mental health to take care of your terminally ill loved one, you should contact a hospice provider. You’ll be able to choose the level of intervention necessary to ensure your loved one is taken care of. It will also give you a break when you need it.
Taking care of a terminally ill person is not an easy task. Asking for help doesn’t mean you don’t love your loved one. Most people find hospice care a great way to spend quality time with the loved one because hospice personnel take care of all the necessary things to keep them clean, comfortable, and pain-free. When someone else takes care of everything, you can focus on spending as much time as possible with your loved one.
Talk to the Long-Term Care Facility Providers
If your loved one is currently in a long-term care facility, you may still opt for end-of-life care from a hospice provider. This gives your loved one extra attention when they need it the most. Most long-term care facilities don’t have the staffing to provide your loved one with the level of care they need, especially emotionally. Hospice services can be provided in your home, a living facility, or a hospital.
Why Choose Our Bastrop, TX End-of-Life Care Service for Your Loved One
Once you determine your loved one needs end-of-life care, it’s time to choose a high-quality, experienced, and compassionate hospice provider. If you live in Bastrop or the nearby region, look no further than Serenity Hospice. We understand how emotional and overwhelming losing a loved one can be. That’s why we focus on taking care of not just the terminally ill patients we care for, but also their families.
Contact Serenity Hospice to discuss end-of-life care for your loved one. You can call (512) 985-6107 or use our online contact form to reach us.
