Living with a terminal illness is tough, and nothing is more difficult than the decisions that need to be made when treatment stops being effective. The details for care go beyond just the physical, and branch out into mental and spiritual comfort for both patients and their families. The decision to move to hospice care should be one that is discussed between patients (if able), caregivers, and medical professionals. Quality hospice in Beaumont Texas can help navigate the path to the end of life care.
In most cases, those receiving hospice care no longer undergo proactive treatments, and medications and services are restricted to those that provide pain management and/or improved quality of life. It is important to discuss these details with a primary physician or specialist in order to understand the changes that the patient may experience with stopping treatment. While everyone is different, experienced hospice personnel may be able to provide you with a general time-line of what to expect.
Hospice care can mean different things to different patients. Most hospice services include visits with registered nurses who work with primary and specialist caregivers to provide consistent care. Some hospice providers also provide aids who offer less managed care and more assistance with day-to-day needs. An aid can help patients and caregivers with meal preparation, light housework, and assistance with personal care needs.
Those under hospice care are also eligible to receive medical equipment that allows them to live comfortably in their own home. Items such as oxygen, hospital beds, walkers, and other specialty items are usually available at no cost to the patient. This can be extremely important as independence wanes and caregivers are no longer able to transition their loved ones from bed’s, toilets, or showers.
Hospice in Beaumont Texas also includes counseling and spiritual support for patients, caregivers, and extended family members who are involved in the end of life care. This support can be a huge benefit for those who are caring for family members on their own. It can also provide caregivers with the ability to take a break from caregiving and focus on themselves.
Visit Professional Health Care to see how hospice can be a support for the end of life care choices.
