When a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, making the time they have left as positive and comfortable as possible is incredibly important. Hospice care can help you achieve that goal – but as an industry leader in Tulsa hospice services, we’re fully aware that the word “hospice” is one that many people don’t like to hear.
To some, considering hospice seems like giving up on life. Others believe that putting a loved one in hospice would mean relinquishing control or that services are simply too expensive. None of these are true. And we can honestly say that anyone who is terminally ill has nothing to lose – and quite a lot to gain – by accepting hospice care services. Here are several reasons why it’s an excellent choice.
Hospice Offers the Opportunity to Be at Home
When nearing the end of life, people typically want to be in familiar surroundings. And contrary to common belief, the vast majority of Tulsa hospice patients receive services at home. Should the need arise, in-patient care is available at local hospitals and dedicated facilities. However, most people who require this level of care are able to return home after a few days. As such, they can relax and enjoy their final days in comfort, supported by their friends and family.
Hospice Provides Personalized Care and Support
With hospice care, services are completely customized to meet each patient’s unique needs. An interdisciplinary team – comprised of physicians, nurses, certified social workers, home health aides and other skilled professionals – develops a tailored care plan designed to allow a person to spend the time they have without any stresses or concerns. That being so, hospice patients and their families are better able to cope during one of the most difficult times in life.
Hospice Care Improves the Quality of Life
Curative treatments can be rather harsh, and hospice care is quite the opposite. The types of services provided make a person’s final days easier – and by accepting hospice, terminally ill patients are able to live out the rest of their lives as they wish. Every moment is precious, and reputable Tulsa hospice care providers aim to reduce pain, lessen discomfort and do whatever they can to help patients and their families get the quality time they need.
Hospice Services Go Beyond Physical Care
Hospice patients receive medication and medical supplies, and yes, nursing care, physical therapy and other medically beneficial services are included. That said, there are also special services like art and music therapy. And, hospice patients also have access to chaplains, social workers, bereavement coordinators and trained volunteers, all of whom can help with the spiritual and emotional aspects of dying. In our view, the physical condition isn’t all that matters.
Hospice Providers Help Patients Achieve Goals
Many people with life-limiting illnesses have something they’d like to do before they pass away. Whether that’s attending a special event, having a conversation with a certain individual, reconnecting with an old friend or fulfilling some other bucket-list wish, hospice care providers are ready to help make it happen. Meeting the patient’s needs is the number-one priority, and that definitely includes assistance in achieving their end-of-life goals.
Hospice Care Eases the Financial Burden
Remaining in a Tulsa hospital or health care facility for an extended period of time isn’t always financially feasible. Some patients lack the insurance coverage to remain hospitalized, and the medical bills can place an enormous strain on the family. Switching to hospice care at home may be a much better option – and as long as certain conditions are met, services are covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.
Hospice Patients Make Their Own Decisions
Entering hospice doesn’t take away a patient’s ability to call the shots. Actually, the reverse is true – the top hospice care providers in Tulsa encourage patients to make their needs and wishes known, as that’s the best way to make the most of their remaining days. Also, patients are free to leave hospice at any time, for any reason (or without giving a reason at all), and they can always come back if they continue to meet the eligibility guidelines.
Hospice Care Delivers a Sense of Dignity
Being prodded by doctors and nurses at all hours, having to remain hooked to loud medical equipment, going through painful invasive procedures – that’s not how most people with life-limiting illnesses would like to spend their final days. Choosing hospice care is like choosing to die with dignity, which is what everyone deserves. Services are aren’t about prolonging life, they’re all about enjoying the end of life as much as possible.
Hopefully, after reading everything above, you have an open mind about hospice care. But you might also have a few questions, and the Suncrest Care Team would be happy to provide you with the answers you need. For more information on hospice care services in Tulsa – or to schedule an in-person consultation — contact us online or give our Tulsa office a call today.
