Do you know what hospice care in Salt Lake City has to offer?
When caring for loved ones with life-limiting conditions, families are often at a loss, unsure of what to expect from one day to the next. However, planning for the future is important for anyone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. And while the uncertainty of the situation can make this difficult, being informed helps ease the burden.
Hospice care is underutilized in Salt Lake City — yet after seeing firsthand how big of a difference it makes in the end-of-life experience, most people wish they would have called a local hospice agency sooner. As this type of care is often misunderstood, we’ve put together a guide outlining what everyone needs to know about hospice care.
Hospice Care Helps Makes the Most of Every Minute
Entering hospice doesn’t mean giving up on life – it’s about focusing on what’s more important as the end of life draws near.
When curative treatment is no longer available or the after-effects become unbearable, terminally ill patients want to live in comfort and enjoy the final chapter in the company of their loved ones. That’s the goal of hospice care, and by relieving symptoms and providing emotional, social and spiritual support, Salt Lake City hospice agencies help maximize the quality of life of those they serve.
Most Hospice Patients Have No Out-of-Pocket Costs
Terminally ill individuals and their families are often relieved to hear that they don’t have to worry about paying for hospice care.
For eligible patients – which is anyone with a life-limiting condition and a prognosis of six months or less – Medicare Part A typically covers all costs related to care, as do Medicaid and most private insurance plans. That said, treatments aimed at providing a cure aren’t covered, and people who don’t receive care at home may be responsible for room and board costs.
Medication and Medical Supplies may be Included
Everything a hospice patient needs may be covered – which may include all of their medication, supplies and equipment.
Medication for pain and symptom relief may be delivered to the patient’s home at no cost. Items that are medically necessary, such as disposable gloves, bandages, catheters and incontinence supplies, may also be provided by the hospice agency. The same is true for a hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, bedside commode and any other durable medical equipment the patient requires.
Hospice Services are Usually Provided at Home
Hospice isn’t a place — it’s comfort care for the terminally ill, and services can be provided anywhere in Salt Lake City.
At home is where most people want to be at the end of life, and that’s where most hospice patients receive the care they need. A team of skilled professionals comes out for scheduled visits, while family caregivers provide day-to-day care. Whether a patient is living in a nursing center, assisted living community, residential care facility or private dwelling, they can receive hospice care at home.
Hospice Care Can Benefit the Entire Family
Although the concept of hospice is centered on the terminally ill, family members also benefit from hospice care.
The support provided by a Salt Lake City hospice agency lessens the burden for a patient’s loved ones. Skilled nurses and other professionals offer advice on how to provide daily care, and trained volunteers provide practical assistance. Respite care is available for caregivers who need a break, too, and families have access to grief counselors, spiritual advisors and bereavement specialists.
Anyone Can Refer Someone to Hospice Care
While a physician must certify that a patient is eligible for hospice care, a medical professional doesn’t have to initiate the process.
A family member, close friend, pastor, business partner or anyone else who believes that someone is in decline and may be nearing the end of life can call a Salt Lake City hospice agency. All too often, people consider hospice only after a doctor makes the recommendation – and as a result, many patients end up missing out on months of benefits.
Hospice Isn’t Limited to Six Months of Care
Although hospice is for terminally ill patients with a limited life expectancy, services can be provided for as long as required.
Upon hearing that someone has entered hospice, people tend to think that death is imminent. This can be the case, since many patients are referred when they are actively dying, but patients are eligible as soon as they are diagnosed with a life-limiting condition and deemed to have six months or less to live. And if they live longer, they can continue to receive hospice care as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Suncrest Hospice provides support to patients and families in Salt Lake City, and our dedicated care team offers an array of services designed to ensure comfort and improve the end-of-life experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have – and remember, we’re here to help whenever you need us.
To learn more about what hospice care has to offer, contact Suncrest in Salt Lake City, Utah, today.
