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.