Hospice is a form of specialized care for terminally ill patients, one that’s focused on comfort and quality of life. A wide range of services are available, and many residents of Tulsa could benefit from hospice care.
That being said, the concept of hospice is often misunderstood, and because of this, people miss out. Here at Suncrest, we frequently hear families say that they wish they had known the truth earlier on – and that they would have called sooner if they realized that their loved one could find peace and comfort through hospice care.
For that reason, we decided to share the basics on hospice care. If your mother, father or another close relative has a life-limiting illness, here’s what you need to know.
Who Can Benefit from Hospice Care?
Who Can Benefit from Hospice Care?Hospice services aren’t restricted to bedridden patients and those who have only a few days to live. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover the cost as long as medical eligibility is met, many people in Tulsa remain on hospice for several months.
If the following describes your loved one, you should consider hospice services:
- Despite medical attention, there has been a significant decline in physical or cognitive function – and this is unlikely to change.
- They have been diagnosed with an incurable condition and, according to physicians, their life expectancy is six months or less.
- They’d like to enjoy the time they have left to the fullest, forgoing debilitating treatments in favor of living more comfortably.
As for what conditions qualify a person for hospice care, the list is long, as services are available to Tulsa residents with any terminal illness. But to give you an idea, some of the common diagnoses of patients in hospice include cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
Where Does Hospice Care Take Place?
Many people are surprised to learn that hospice isn’t a place – it actually takes place wherever a patient calls home.
If your loved one is eligible, they can receive hospice care services at:
- Their own private residence
- The home of a relative or friend
- A nursing home or assisted living center
- A long-term residential care facility
In most cases, care is provided at a patient’s home, with family members serving as the primary day-to-day caregivers. In the event of a medical crisis, in-home nursing care may be supplied. However, if symptoms can’t be managed, a hospital stay may be required.
What Does Hospice Care Involve?
All of the services offered are designed to ensure patient comfort and improve quality of life. However, not everyone is aware of this – and your loved one may be hesitant to consider hospice care.
If that’s the case, sharing more information might help. Here are some of the services to expect:
- Medication for pain relief and symptom control
- Medical equipment and medical supplies
- Physical therapy and massage therapy
- Nursing care and visits from home health aides
- Special services like music and art therapies
- Counseling and bereavement care services
Access to care is determined on an individual basis, and the specific services provided to your loved one will depend on the assessment of the hospice team. To initiate the process, all you need to do is make the call – eligibility must be confirmed, of course, but patients can begin receiving care services within days of making the request.
Important Facts about Hospice Care in Tulsa
The sooner the conversation about hospice begins, the sooner your loved one can receive the care they need to remain comfortable throughout their end-of-life journey. And, knowing the truth about hospice care can help your family make the best decision.
To that end, here are some need-to-know facts about hospice care services:
- Hospice is for anyone who has a life-limiting illness, no matter their age, their beliefs or the cause of their condition.
- Hospice patients are provided with home medical equipment, medication and personal supplies related to their care.
- Hospice can take place wherever a person calls home – getting care doesn’t mean moving to a special facility.
- Hospice patients can change their minds at any time, and if they choose to forgo care for any reason, they can come back.
- Hospice is for those who have six months or less to live, but there’s no limit to how long a patient can receive services.
- Hospice supports families, as bereavement services and grief counseling are available before and after a patient passes.
In addition, most Tulsa residents who receive care services have no out-of-pocket costs. Medicare and Medicaid may cover the entire expense, and while private insurance plans vary, most provide full coverage for eligible individuals.
Do you have questions? Or do you have a loved one in need of hospice services? The Suncrest Care Team is here to help, and you can call on us for information, advice, and assistance at any time. If you’re in Tulsa and you’re ready to discuss hospice care, get in touch today!
