Despite the doctors’ best work, the patients’ best efforts, and the families’ relentless support, sometimes cancer treatments stop working and a cure or long-term remission isn’t possible. If you or your loved one is struggling through this situation, hospice care can be of comfort in many ways.
Here’s what you need to know about hospice care for cancer patients.
How Hospice Care Can Help Cancer Patients
Hospice care is care that focuses on quality of life for people who are seriously ill and/or have chronic conditions. Hospice care is recommended when a patient’s condition is categorized as “life-limiting,” and the main goal is to manage the symptoms of that chronic condition, rather than cure the condition itself.
Cancer can present itself in many different ways, causing symptoms that range anywhere from extreme fatigue and weight loss to swelling and lumps in the body, to uncontrollable and unidentifiable pain. Hospice services can help people with cancer live more comfortably, as well as take some of the responsibilities of care off families’ shoulders.
Depending on a patient’s personalized care plan, they may receive some or all of the following hospice services:
- Chronic pain management, which can include a range of services and medications to help them live as comfortably and peacefully as possible.
- Hospice physician, who is responsible for evaluating changes in their condition and writing hospice care orders based on those findings.
- Hospice nursing, which includes regular nurse visits to assess their health, administer medications, communicate with caregivers, and more.
- Personal care aides, who can help them with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and more.
- Counseling and spiritual care, which is available to both patients and their families.
- Durable medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, beds, and more.
- Volunteer services, which can include anything from household chores to grocery shopping.
With all of those services, hospice care can help your loved one in tremendous ways — but it can also help you and the rest of your family. When you’re assured that your loved one’s care is in good hands, you can put more time and energy into spending enjoyable time with your loved one.
Signs It May Be Time to Call Hospice
Throughout your loved one’s cancer journey, it’s important to monitor their physical and mental wellbeing. Any rapid decline in health could mean it’s time to make the switch to a different care option. Here are some common signs to look out for, which may tell you it’s time to make a call to hospice:
- Advanced stage cancer
- Frequent hospital visits
- Frequent infections
- Rapid weight loss
- Decreased alertness
- Uncontrollable, chronic pain
- Wish to spend more time at home than in a hospital or treatment facility
- Wish to stop intensive treatments
Determining Hospice Care Eligibility for Cancer Patients
A physician will generally recommend hospice care when your loved one’s condition is declared “life-limiting.” But in order to fully determine hospice care eligibility, families will generally have a consultation either over the phone, in person, or both. During the no-obligation consultation, we’ll talk about your current medical conditions, what your goals for care are and how West Michigan Hospice can help. We’ll also check insurance coverage and go over all of your options. Oftentimes, you’ll meet with Aaron Leestma, our CEO and founder. [picture of Aaron] CALL NOW BUTTON
If you’re unsure if your loved one is eligible for hospice care, or if you need any help navigating the benefit election process, a trusted hospice care provider can help.
Caring for a loved one with cancer can be difficult. If you need help, you can turn to West Michigan Hospice. Our team specializes in quality-of-life comfort care, and we’re here to manage your loved one’s chronic symptoms so that you can focus on making more precious memories with them. For more information, we’re just a phone call away at (616) 258-2680 — or, you can contact us online.