No one ever wants to make the call to a Cincinnati hospice care agency. We’d all like the people we hold dear to be around forever, but at some point, a loved one may need the support that hospice offers.
When the time comes, Suncrest is here for your family, and you can count on us to help with anything you may need. That being said, knowing what to expect can make all the difference in handling this sort of situation. With that in mind, here are the key moments to prepare for when a loved one embarks on the hospice care journey.
Referral
Hospice care is available when a cure for a terminal illness is no longer attainable and life expectancy is six months or less, as certified by a physician. However, a doctor doesn’t need to provide a referral – you, your loved one or another family member can make the call to a Cincinnati hospice care agency. Upon doing so, a representative will reach out to your loved one’s doctor to confirm their eligibility for services and request all relevant medical information.
Assessment
Next comes an in-person consultation with a hospice nurse. The meeting is both productive and informational – the nurse will evaluate your loved one and their needs for medication, medical equipment and supplies, while also making time to explain the available services. The nurse will also want to know about your loved one’s preferences and goals for the end-of-life experience. During the consultation, everyone is free to ask questions and share concerns, as it’s important to feel at ease about the transition to hospice care. Afterwards, the nurse will develop a personalized plan of care for your loved one.
Admission
Like many important decisions, hospice care involves a good amount of paperwork. Everything will be explained, though, and that will allow your family to understand the support to be provided. Once the necessary forms have been signed, your loved one will be admitted to the hospice program. But as you will have learned, this doesn’t mean moving to a special facility — most people who are eligible for hospice care can receive services in the comfort of their own home or wherever they currently live. And as soon as the admission process is complete, orders to have medication, medical equipment and all necessary medical supplies delivered will be placed.
Initial Visits
The first few days after entering hospice care can be a bit busy, as several members of the multidisciplinary care team – which may include nurses, social workers, chaplains, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, specialists in massage, music, art and pet therapy, certified nursing assistants and hospice volunteers – may stop by to introduce themselves and get acquainted with your loved one. This might be overwhelming, but the interactions help the team to provide care in a way that aligns with their values and wishes.
Continuing Care
Based on the personalized plan of care developed for your loved one, support will be provided on a regular basis. Members of the hospice care team will make scheduled house calls to address medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Family caregivers handle day-to-day care tasks, but plenty of support is available, and the care plan can always be changed should the need arise. Also, when caregivers are ready for a break, respite care can be arranged, with your loved one staying at a Cincinnati in-patient facility for up to five consecutive days.
Final Days
When it’s clear that the end is drawing near, your family can expect more frequent visits from the hospice care team. They’ll be there to provide comforting support to your loved one and to advise everyone on the specific actions they can take – such as assisting with position changes, offering small sips of water and gently touching their hand or shoulder — to further enhance their comfort. In addition, if the family needs assistance in planning a memorial service, a funeral or a celebration of your loved one’s life, the care team will do all they can to make it happen.
Grief Support
With a loved one in hospice care, your family will have access to bereavement services from the moment of admission. Anyone who is grieving can get the help they need to cope with the loss – and the support won’t end when the individual you love passes away. Grief support is available for up to 13 months after their death, and your family will be able to take advantage of over-the-phone and in-person counseling, specialized services for teens and children, educational resources and local support groups.
Do you have questions about the hospice care journey? At Suncrest Hospice of Cincinnati, we’re here for your family, and we’d be happy to provide the answers, information and guidance you need. To schedule a free, no-obligation informational visit to discuss a loved one’s admission to hospice care, contact our office in Cincinnati, Ohio, today.
