Caring for your loved one with a life-limiting disease or illness can be difficult, especially as their condition continues to change. If your loved one is starting to require more frequent and intensive care, how do you know when it’s time to get extra support?
Below, we’ll discuss when hospice is recommended, some common signs it may be time for hospice care, and how hospice care can offer the support you and your loved one need.
When Is Hospice Recommended?
Hospice is recommended when a patient’s chronic condition is categorized as “life limiting.” Life-limiting conditions require more care and more frequent hospitalizations where conditions are stabilized, but not necessarily improved.
However, it’s important to recognize that nobody’s condition is the same or progresses at the same rate. Your loved one may benefit from starting hospice care sooner or later than others. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe without a professional health assessment.
Common Signs that It May Be Time for Hospice Care
While you’re considering hospice care for your loved one, it’s critical to monitor both their physical and mental wellbeing. As you care for them, look for one or more of the following signs that it may be time to give hospice a call:
- Rapid health decline
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Frequent infections
- Uncontrollable chronic pain
- Rapid weight loss
- Decreased alertness
- Increased cognitive decline (dementia)
Aside from the symptoms listed above, another sign that it may be time for hospice care is if you or your loved one make the decision to focus on quality of life instead of curative treatments. If you’ve exhausted all treatment options or those treatment options are no longer working, you both may choose to switch to comfort care.
How Hospice Care Can Help You and Your Loved One
Even when hospice is recommended, it can be a difficult decision to make. But once you ask the right questions and make the choice, you can be assured that you’re providing your loved one with the support they need to live as comfortably and peacefully as possible.
Your hospice provider will offer a list of comprehensive hospice services aimed at preventing hospitalizations, keeping your loved one comfortable, and supporting your family through the process. From hospice nursing and personal care aides to spiritual care and bereavement counseling, your hospice team will consist of well-trained, compassionate individuals who are committed to providing well-rounded care.
All of this support will allow you to dedicate more time and energy to spending quality time with your loved one, instead of constantly stressing about their health or comfort level. And, since hospice services are fully covered by Medicare/Medicaid, you won’t have to worry about the financial side of things either.
Considering Hospice Care? We Can Help.
If your loved one is struggling to manage chronic symptoms of a serious condition, it may be time to consider hospice care. That decision is never easy, but at West Michigan Hospice, we’re here to ensure you don’t go through it alone. We’ll provide our best recommendation based on your loved one’s condition, and we’ll guide you on what to expect from the process. To get the support you need, give us a call at (616) 258-2680 or contact us online.