Who is eligible for hospice?
Hospice
serves patients with a terminal illness resulting in a life expectancy
of six months or less, as determined by the patient's physician. Care
is provided regardless of diagnosis, age, gender, nationality, race,
creed, sexual orientation, disability or ability to pay. The patient
makes the decision to choose hospice in partnership with his or her
family physician and the hospice team, after a thorough review of all
the care options.
When is it time for hospice?
When
the goal of treatment begins to shift from curing the illness to providing
comfort, it is time to consider hospice. This time may come well before
a physician indicates that the patient's life expectancy is six months
or less. Sadly, many people wait until their final days to involve hospice.
By contacting hospice early in the diagnosis, the patient and family
reserve time to understand their options and choose the path that will
have the most positive impact on quality of life. The best time to learn
about hospice is before you need it.
Why should we choose hospice?
The
decision to choose hospice is a very personal one. It directly involves
the patient, family, physician and any loved ones who may serve as caregivers.
Here are a few things you should consider. Hospice's expertise in palliative,
or "comfort" care, assures the patient of state-of-the-art
pain control and symptom management. Hospice enables patients to focus
on living their remaining days fully, at home, among family and friends.
This emphasis on family involvement - understanding that everyone's
definition of "family" is unique - helps individuals to support
each other during this time of life.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice
care takes place in the home. For some, "home" may mean a
house or an apartment. For others, it may be some form of extended care
facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. In addition,
there are several hospice residences operating in Massachusetts exclusively
for hospice patients. Regardless of your circumstance, the hospice team
will come to you where you live.
The
majority of hospice patients live in their own home with the help of
a family member or friend who serves as the "primary caregiver."
This caregiver works closely with the hospice team to provide for the
patient's daily needs. In extended care facilities, hospice teams create
a partnership with the staff and family, just as they would with the
family in the home.
Even
if you move to another town or state, your hospice can make arrangements
for you to receive hospice care from the provider in your new location.
In
addition to home care, hospice provides short-term inpatient hospital
care when necessary to manage the symptoms of the illness or to give
the family a brief rest from the responsibilities of caregiving. During
these times, the hospice team remains involved and helps the patient
transition back to the home environment as quickly as possible.
What makes hospice care unique?
Hospice
care centers around the patient and family. The goal of the professional
hospice team is to empower you to make your own choices with its support
and assistance. The team serves as your advocates, helping you to access
the information and resources you need during this very challenging
time.
In
addition to providing the care directly, hospice team members serve
as teachers, enabling the family to care for their loved one at home.
Hospice recognizes that the family and caregivers need an extra measure
of support both during and after their experience of caring for a terminally
ill patient.
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