Friday 30 October 2015

Preparing for Hospice Care





Receiving the news of a terminal diagnosis for a loved one can be shocking. With so many emotions roiling through the family, decision making can be difficult. Fortunately, there’s hospice. Hospice provides compassionate care and support to the patient and the family. Getting the patient and family ready for hospice is a positive step during a difficult time.

Find a Hospice Provider

There are many qualified hospice providers. To help narrow down your choices, ask the physician that gave the diagnosis for recommendations. Look at the quality ratings for those, and other, hospice agencies that are in your area. Call and talk to at least two. Go with one that offers a Patient’s Bill of Rights and clearly explains its services in a helpful, supportive manner.

Determine Patient Expectations

Hospice focuses on making the patient as comfortable as possible. Patients with full cognitive function should be included in discussions with the hospice provider about things like pain management concerns. Decide where care will be provided. Some patients want to spend their remaining time at home surrounded by family and friends. Others prefer the peace and quiet of a care facility that offers hospice services.

With hospice, you and your family do not have to handle a terminal diagnosis alone. Visit this website for information on end of life care in Soquel.

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