Does getting on hospice mean you're giving up?

 SilverStone Hospice: Why does hospice care not equate to giving up on life?

Why Hospice Is Not Giving Up

Any patient with a prognosis of six months or less to live when the life-limiting condition/terminal illness runs its normal course is eligible for hospice care. This criterion automatically makes people feel that hospice care is about giving up. SilverStone Hospice, the experienced hospice care in Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex discusses why this notion is very far from the truth and how hospice can provide relief and comfort to an ailing patient. 

#1 Hospice means hope

Hospice is often associated with a preconceived notion that it means giving up on life. In reality, hospice focuses on improving a patient's quality of life at the end stages of a terminal illness. The comprehensive care plan and experienced professionals who provide hospice care aim to improve the patient's last days and make them as stress-free as possible. Thus, the care provides respite and relief to the patients and their entire families. Hence, hospice can be defined as the best way to transition to the final stages of life; and is not giving up on life. 

#2 Personalized care

Caregiving personnel is available to help 24/7. The team consists of medical personnel, chaplains, and volunteers who provide emotional and spiritual support. SilverStone Hospice develops a personalized care plan for each patient with the help of the entire team - doctor, nurse, social worker, and spiritual support team. The care plan will focus on all the little things that matter to the patient, their likes and dislikes, and hobbies and interests. Such a customized plan makes the patient feel cared for and helps their mental well-being. 

#3 Familiar environment

The most helpful point about hospice care is that it can be offered at any place the patients call their home. When customized care is given in the presence of family and friends in their home, it definitely helps improve the patient's condition. Pain and symptom management and routine nurse visits help reduce emergency hospital visits.

#4 Process-oriented care plan and professionals

Hospice care is provided by a highly qualified medical team assisted by chaplains, nurses’ aids, and volunteers. The team also consists of mental health professionals who focus on the patient's mental well-being. 

#5 Quality over quantity - How long do most people live in hospice?

All these above factors help in improving the quality of life of a terminally ill patient. It has been seen that patients who are under hospice care often live longer than those who are not. Many patients feel temporary improvement in their medical condition, and some even outlive their prognosis. Patients are free to get discharged from hospice care if they think their health has improved enough and return to curative care. 

#6 Comes after critical care

Critical care ends when medical doctors treating the patient conclude that a cure for the disease is not further possible. At this stage, patients can receive hospice care to gain control over how to live in their final months. Hospice care is a good option for terminally ill patients and their families as it helps them to be empowered each day and look forward to tomorrow with hope and courage. 

SilverStone Hospice: The Hospice Care at Dallas, Tx

SilverStone Hospice is the best hospice service in Dallas Tx with the motto “No one dies alone.” The team has been serving the DFW area for more than 10 years and is licensed and certified by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The team at SilverStone knows to focus on little things, as these little things make a world of difference. As per patient testimonials- “The hospice not only treats physical pain but also manages all kinds of distress - emotional, social, and spiritual.”

Make an appointment to meet the team at SilverStone Hospice by calling (214) 954-7285.