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Deciding for a loved one to go into hospice care can be an overwhelming and difficult decision. However, if you discuss your options with us beforehand, it may help put your mind at ease. Let’s talk about whether or not hospice is the best option for both of you!
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice provides compassionate, supportive services to those in hospice care and their families during the final days before death. Services may include emotional support and practical help such as caring for personal needs like bathing or cooking meals. Hospices are often near hospitals, so medical professionals can provide both physical and psychiatric treatment when needed; however, they also offer more home-like settings where residents have private rooms instead of sharing space with others dying from different illnesses.
Medical professionals in hospice care include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Counselors
- Social Workers
- Pharmacists
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Hospice Aides
How does the process work?
Hospice care is often the best option for terminally ill patients who wish to avoid pain and suffering that may come with prolonged treatment. When a doctor has certified a patient as terminally ill, hospice care can begin. Hospices offer various forms of assistance: emotional support for both family members and medical professionals; physical relief in medication or even surgery procedure when necessary; spiritual counsel from chaplains on staff at most facilities
Financing hospice care can come through multiple payment and carrier options, such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA insurance, and private insurance. Contact your policy provider for a better understanding of your coverage and hospice care benefits.
Services at a hospice care center can depend on the need and ability to pay. A patient’s family can stop hospice care. A hospice care center will never ask you to sign anything that would stop hospice care at any point and time. Every hospice program is different regarding payment of services. Contact your loved one’s hospice provider for specific questions regarding care and payment.
Do you have a policy through TrueCoverage and need information on hospice care? Please click the link below to speak to a member of the TrueCoverage family.
What should I know as a family member?
It’s tough to know when a loved one is ready for hospice care. And even if you think your family member might need it, they may not want to give up their independence and go into an assisted living facility or nursing home. But here are things to consider before deciding:
– Start by talking with health insurance providers who will help decide what types of services best match your needs – this could lead them towards accepting riskier cases where there’s no end date in sight! They’ll also work out payment plans that better fit with how much money you have available monthly;
– Make sure everyone understands all the specific requirements (e.g., Medicare has strict rules about needing two doctors’
Here are questions to ask before deciding on a hospice care facility:
- Is the hospice program Medicare-certified?
- Who makes up the care team, and how are they trained?
- Is the facility non-profit or for-profit?
- Is there a dedicated pharmacist to help adjust medications?
- What services can patients receive?
- What is the time for acceptance?
- What services are available for family members?
Once you have chosen a care plan, here are things to remember during your loved one’s hospice stay:
Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is never easy. And the process can be stressful for everyone involved, so it’s best that you talk with your loved ones’ doctor right away if they benefit from hospice care. It may seem like an awful thing to talk about but remember, aiding in your loved one’s quality of life during their final moments could help ease their passing and provide healing and comfort for yourself and the rest of your family, knowing they were taken good care off at this time
If you have a policy through TrueCoverage and would like to learn more, please click the link below.
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