Terminal illnesses pose a number of challenges to patients and their families in Virginia Beach. Hospice care, a special type of support that prioritizes comfort over finding a cure, offers a solution for many end-of-life concerns.
However, the positives of hospice care aren’t all that well-known – and plenty of people have the wrong idea about hospice. The word is associated with death and dying, but it’s really more about living, being in control and feeling supported as the end draws near. Services are invaluable to terminally ill individuals, and hospice care also benefits their loved ones, making the final days, weeks and months together as enjoyable as possible. Below, you’ll find ten ways hospice helps families in Virginia Beach.
No. 1: Familiar Comforts
While hospice care is sometimes provided at local nursing centers, residential care communities, hospitals and dedicated hospice facilities, most Virginia Beach patients receive services in their own homes. As such, they’re able to be more comfortable and enjoy the time they have left in a familiar environment, surrounded by family and friends. This benefits everyone involved.
No. 2: Sense of Dignity
For many terminally ill individuals, the thought of being hooked up to machines and undergoing constant medical scrutiny is quite distressing. By electing to receive hospice care, patients have a greater deal of control over the end-of-life experience. Staying at home, with regular visits from nurses, doctors and other professionals, offers the opportunity to maintain dignity during the final journey.
No. 3: Comprehensive Care
Virginia Beach patients who enter hospice care benefit from the combined efforts of several healthcare professionals. Nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, chaplains, bereavement specialists, home health aides and trained volunteers are among the group that makes up the hospice team, and everyone does their part to address the needs of the patient and the family.
No. 4: Coordination of Care
Hospice involves a team-based approach to providing care for terminally ill patients, and every member of the team is on the same page. There’s no confusion regarding multiple doctors and care providers – the team coordinates their activities, working with the patient and their loved ones to develop a plan that suits everyone’s schedule. And, they see to it that the family knows what’s happening at all times.
No. 5: Personalized Support
Another positive to hospice care is that patients and their family caregivers have a say in the services provided. Once everyone’s wishes, preferences and concerns are understood, the hospice team develops a customized plan of care based on that information. With this approach, the end-of-life journey becomes a very personal and fulfilling experience for the patient and their loved ones.
No. 6: Financial Relief
The care a terminally ill individual needs can be quite costly, and many families are overwhelmed with medical bills. When a patient enters hospice, the pile of bills stops growing – Medicare, Medicaid and most forms of commercial insurance offer complete coverage for end-of-life care. Any necessary medications, medical equipment, supplies and services are provided at no cost for those who qualify.
No. 7: Peace of Mind
Hospice care gives families the chance to share time together, celebrating life and creating moments of joy. With the patient’s needs being met, everyone can focus on what matters most – and while the end of the road may be near, having support makes a major difference. The high level of care that comes with hospice brings peace, hope and happiness during the final chapter of life.
No. 8: Lighter Burden
Providing comfort at the end of life is the goal of hospice care, and patients receive expert assistance with pain relief and symptom management. This results in a better life quality and helps the terminally ill individual feel like less of a burden on the family. At the same time, seeing that their loved one is no longer suffering, the family feels less burdened by feelings of frustration and helplessness.
No. 9: Bereavement Care
While hospice care is meant to make the end-of-life journey a positive, meaningful and rewarding experience, the anticipation of losing a loved one is emotionally painful. Grief counseling and bereavement support are available to family members and friends of Virginia Beach hospice patients. And, these services are offered both before death and for at least 13 months after a patient passes away.
No. 10: Overall Satisfaction
When asked about the hospice care experience, patients tend to express happiness that their needs are being fulfilled with compassion. They feel better after entering hospice, and they’re better able to enjoy the time they have left. Families are satisfied, too, and show gratitude for the care their loved one is receiving. For most, the only regret is that they didn’t look into hospice services sooner.
If you have a loved one who is terminally ill, the dedicated team of professionals at Suncrest can help you better understand the many benefits of hospice care. For answers to your questions and more information on how to access hospice care in Virginia Beach, contact us online or give us a call today.
