If a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, you may be wondering when to call a Philadelphia hospice care provider. How will you know it’s the right time for hospice?
Needless to say, a sudden, obvious decline in health would tip you off, but terminally ill individuals can receive in-home hospice care for six months – or longer, assuming they continue to meet the requirements. Waiting until there’s an urgent need of additional support isn’t necessary, nor is that approach for the best. Entering hospice sooner allows for a more comfortable and fulfilling end-of-life experience, which you no doubt want for your loved one.
Philadelphia patients who choose in-home hospice care early on in the course of a terminal disease typically report a high level of satisfaction. And after seeing how much of a difference hospice support makes, most people wish they would have made the choice sooner. With that in mind, here are some key signs that hospice care is worth considering.
No. 1: Limited Life Expectancy
When a doctor believes that a patient with a terminal illness is likely to live for six months or less, in-home hospice care may be appropriate. And as long as the individual agrees to forgo further curative treatment, services are covered by Medicare, the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program and most private health insurance plans.
No. 2: Frequent Doctor & ER Visits
Taking quite a few trips to the doctor’s office and checking into a Philadelphia hospital on a regular basis are both signs that it may be time for hospice care. Whether the individual isn’t taking good enough care of themselves, or they simply aren’t able to manage their terminal illness on their own, hospice services can provide a solution.
No. 3: Worsening Symptoms
Hospice is focused on patient comfort, and the plan of care is tailored to address difficult symptoms like uncontrollable pain, continual nausea, trouble swallowing and shortness of breath. When symptoms are getting worse, arranging for in-home hospice offers relief through medication, alternative therapies, mental health counseling and spiritual care.
No. 4: Decrease in Appetite
As the end of life approaches, not having as much of an interest in eating is completely normal. Sometimes, a terminally ill individual just doesn’t feel all that hungry due to their body slowing down. For others, pain or nausea interferes with the ability to enjoy food. In any case, a lack of appetite can be a good reason to call a hospice care provider.
No. 5: More Time Sleeping
Several months before the final moment of life arrives, many people with life-limiting illnesses begin to sleep more than usual. The body no longer has a steady supply of natural energy, and fatigue often wins out. When that occurs, or when someone is inactive even while awake, it may be time to consider in-home hospice care.
No. 6: Struggling to Sleep
Conversely, some patients who are terminally ill suffer from insomnia. Trouble sleeping sometimes stems from an inability to manage pain or other distressing symptoms, but it can also be the result of taking certain medications. Whatever the cause, entering hospice can be the remedy, as the care team will find a way to help the patient sleep.
No. 7: Difficulty with Self-Care
Feeding oneself, bathing, getting dressed, using the bathroom – most people conduct these activities of daily living without much thought. When an otherwise independent person requires more and more help with these sorts of personal care tasks, it can be a sign that support from a Philadelphia hospice care provider would be beneficial.
No. 8: Trouble Communicating
Hearing loss, vision problems, decreased circulation and a host of other issues can affect speech and the ability to follow a conversation. Being less able to communicate can lead an individual to withdraw from activities and people they love, but since hospice can include speech-language pathology services, this doesn’t have to happen.
No. 9: Changes in Behavior
At the end stages of a life-limiting illness, patients often face increasing problems with confusion, forgetfulness, irritability and restlessness. Some experience hallucinations, delusions and visions as well, and acting combative at times isn’t uncommon. When families notice any out-of-character behaviors, hospice care may be the right choice.
No. 10: Caregiver Stress
When a loved one needs more help, family members step in – that’s to be expected. What many people in this position don’t realize, though, is that taking care of someone who is terminally ill can have adverse effects. Caregivers often get overwhelmed, and when the stress becomes too much to manage, a hospice care provider can help.
Ultimately, the question of whether to consider in-home hospice now or at some time in the future has no right or wrong answer. The decision is a personal one, and it doesn’t have to be final. After entering hospice care, an individual can change their mind. Later on, if they so choose, they can arrange for services to recommence. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Suncrest, a trusted hospice care provider, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, today.
