What is the typical life expectancy for patients receiving hospice care?, Images 21/2/23

 

The Benefits of Hospice Care, Images

What gifts can be brought for hospice patients?, Images 21/02/23

 

Top Hospice Care Myths Dispelled

 

SilverStone In-Home Hospice Discusses Common Myths About Hospice Care

Dallas, United States - February 1, 2023 /SilverStone Hospice/

The topic of hospice care is undeniably a sensitive one. Because of this, hospice care is surrounded by many misconceptions. “The need to have hospice care is a difficult thing in a difficult time. Understanding more about it, however, can help patients and their families benefit fully from the valuable services to help provide a richer, fuller, deeper quality of life,” explains Dallas in-home hospice care expert SilverStone Hospice.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a unique and special kind of health care that focuses on the quality of life of individuals with advanced, life-limiting illnesses as well as on their family caregivers. It takes a holistic approach to provide compassionate care to people in the last stages of an incurable disease so they may live as positively, fully, and comfortably as possible while additionally providing support to the family. The services are provided by healthcare professionals who help treat the individual by reducing pain and addressing other areas, such as physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. The care team also provides emotional support and respite care to family caregivers.

Does Having Hospice Care Mean Giving Up?

Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about making every moment as worthwhile as possible and enhancing our remaining time with loved ones. The philosophy behind hospice care is acknowledging the value of life and accepting death as the final stage. It endeavors to make that stage as comfortable and rich as possible and provides support that helps facilitate positive experiences. Rather than treating the disease, hospice care treats the person and the symptoms of the illness so that the person may enjoy days filled with dignity, quality, and the support of loved ones.

Is Hospice Care Expensive?

Many people believe that hospice care support is expensive. Hospice services are fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-cal, and many private insurance plans. Nearly all plans completely cover visits by the healthcare workers, medications, medical equipment, and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis.

Do You Give Up Control When You are On Hospice?

One of the most common misconceptions about receiving hospice care is that you’ll have to give up control of healthcare decisions. A person receiving hospice healthcare always retains control of their healthcare. Additionally, a person may choose when hospice care starts, who provides it, and may end services whenever they desire. A person can resume and pursue curative treatments and reapply for hospice care if needed.

Will Doctors Bring Up Hospice Care if it is Needed?

Physicians determine whether a patient meets the eligibility requirements to receive hospice care and, in most cases, will discuss hospice care. However, most patients qualify for this care well before a physician broaches the subject with a patient and their family. Most patients and their families find that support from hospice professionals is beneficial, and they wish they had investigated this option much sooner. Because of this, it is a good idea for the patient to advocate for themselves and be interested in discussing hospice support with the physician. It is also possible for patients and their families to contact a hospice provider to learn more about their services.

SilverStone Hospice | Hospice Home Care Dallas

Formerly known as Comfort Care Hospice, SilverStone Hospice is a team of Board-Certified Medical Directors, Doctors, nurses, health aides, spiritual counselors, and social workers who provide customized care to those facing terminal illnesses. The compassionate team offers support to patients and their families by providing aggressive pain management, nursing support, spiritual guidance, and more that enhance the patient's quality of life. For more information about Dallas in-home hospice care, call (214) 954-7285.

When is it Time to Consider Hospice Care?

 

SilverStone In-Home Hospice Discusses When to Consider Adding Hospice Care to Their Care Plan

Dallas, United States - January 25, 2023 /SilverStone Hospice/

With an increased understanding of hospice care, more individuals facing advanced, life-limiting illnesses are choosing to have the support of hospice care. "When a serious illness cannot be cured, a patient may choose to shift the focus of care from disease treatment to care that focuses on the patient to improve the quality of life remaining. It is called hospice care, which aims to help families and patients nearing the end of their lives. It is a highly specialized and multi-faceted layer of care that considers the whole person and their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing."  explains Dallas in-home hospice care expert SilverStone Hospice. "It is critical to understand when to discuss and initiate this type of care."

There is a common misconception that hospice care is for someone whose death is immediately imminent. Unfortunately, this misconception often prevents patients from receiving valuable support earlier when it can truly enhance their life. In fact, most patients and their families report wishing they had considered this support sooner.

Why Should Patients Consider Hospice Care When They are Eligible?

Receiving hospice care at the optimal time gives patients the gift of quality of life, allowing them to spend more of the time they have engaged in the activities they enjoy with the people they love. Because the care considers more than just medical care, it helps ensure that all patient needs are addressed and respected. It also ensures the patient receives the best care possible, that pain is immediately addressed, and that they and their loved ones have the proper physical and emotional support.

When Should a Patient Bring Up Hospice With Their Physician?

Most patients wait for their doctors to broach the topic of hospice care. However, most physicians delay speaking to their patients about this type of care, understanding that patients and their families feel very strongly about it. It is a good idea for patients to tell their physicians that they are open to the discussion and would like to add hospice care to their care plan to avoid this problem and ensure seamless care.

When is it Time for Hospice Care?

Patients qualify for hospice care when life expectancy is 6 months or less if the disease follows the expected progression. If a disease is not responding to treatments and the patient no longer wishes to pursue aggressive intervention, it is a good time to transition to hospice care. Hospice care services are provided by healthcare professionals who help treat the individual by reducing pain and addressing other areas, such as physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. The care team also provides emotional support and respite care to family caregivers. Since the philosophy of hospice care is to provide holistic care, the ideal time to begin hospice care is before the symptoms become physically and emotionally debilitating and unmanageable, though the support is invaluable whenever services start.

SilverStone Hospice | Hospice Care Dallas Texas

Formerly known as Comfort Care Hospice, SilverStone Hospice is a team of Board-Certified Medical Directors, Doctors, nurses, health aides, spiritual advisors, and social workers who provide customized palliative and hospice care to those facing terminal illness.

The highly-skilled and compassionate team offers support to patients and their families by providing aggressive pain management, nursing support, spiritual guidance, and more that help enhances the patient's quality of life. For more information about Dallas in-home hospice care, call (214) 954-7285.

What Should I look for in a Hospice Company

 

SilverStone In-Home Hospice Discusses What to Look for in a Quality Hospice Service

Dallas, United States - January 19, 2023 /SilverStone Hospice/

Finding a hospice service is not a task anyone wants to do, but it can ultimately result in much-needed support during a difficult time. “Hospice care is designed to support a patient nearing the end of life and their family. It is a highly specialized layer of care that supports the whole person and their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing,” explains Dallas in-home hospice care expert SilverStone Hospice. “Because of this, it is important to invest time in evaluating hospice care services and finding the right one to meet your needs.”

Do All Hospices Offer the Same Services?

Most hospices participate in Medicare which necessitates that they provide the services in accordance with Medicare regulations. These regulations set a rigorous standard of what a hospice agency must provide. Because of this, most hospice agencies provide the same basic services.

But, this does not mean all hospice care services are the same or that no other factors could make a difference in care.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Hospice Home Care?

When a physician recommends hospice care, a social worker, nurse, or other healthcare providers may provide a list of local hospice care providers as a resource to the patient. Hospice care providers can also be found through online searches, the department of health, national organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, or the National Association for Home Care and Hospice Care. When evaluating services, here are the top things to consider.

Certifications and State Licensure

The first thing to consider when choosing a Dallas in-home hospice care service is the agency’s qualifications. A reputable service will have state licensure and approval through Medicare and may be accredited or certified through other industry organizations.

Local Providers

Before choosing a hospice care provider, ask if the nurses and other providers are local to your home or where the services are needed. This is especially important for national providers who may have nurses covering a wide area of service. This can mean that the assigned provider may be a considerable distance away if you call with an emergency. A quality Dallas hospice should have local staff that can respond quickly to your needs.

The Number and Type of Services

The next thing to evaluate is the services offered by the Dallas hospice provider. Hospice care is multifaceted, so it is crucial to determine if the company provides the services you desire and if they can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the services to look for include:

• Physician oversight
• 24-hour on-call nurses
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Pain management and medication
• Regular in-home personal care and help with activities for daily living
• Certified nursing assistants
• Weekly nurse visits
• Respite service for caregiver support
• Crisis care
• Mental health support
• Bereavement Support
• Volunteer or companionship support
• Social Workers
• Chaplain or other religious or spiritual support

SilverStone Hospice | Hospice Care Dallas Texas

SilverStone Hospice is a team of Board-Certified Medical Directors, Doctors, nurses, health aides, spiritual advisors, and social workers who provide customized palliative and hospice care to those facing terminal illnesses. The Dallas hospice company is licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and certified to accept Medicare and Medicaid.

The highly-skilled and caring team has been serving DFW families for over a decade. It is honored to provide compassionate and customized healthcare and help clients navigate the challenges of a challenging time. For more information about Dallas in-home hospice care, call (214) 954-7285.