Too many people in Tulsa associate hospice care with the final few days or hours of life. Because of this, many terminally ill patients miss out on months of supportive services that make the end-of-life journey easier to bear.
Obviously, that’s not ideal. However, deciding when to contact a Tulsa hospice care agency can be difficult.
Medicare offers coverage for hospice services when a physician determines that a patient has six months or less to live, provided the patient is no longer seeking curative treatment. The same is true for Oklahoma’s SoonerCare Medicaid program and most private insurance plans. But the rate of progression with a terminal illness can vary, so the timing for contacting a hospice care agency isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Why Would Someone Want to Enter Hospice Care?
Hospice care is all about providing terminally ill patients with a superior quality of life when the end is drawing near.
Entering hospice doesn’t mean going to a special place – the vast majority of Tulsa hospice patients receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes or wherever they reside. Services are provided by a team of professionals, and the goal is to help the patient live as actively as possible for as long as possible.
When someone is in hospice care, they’re better able to enjoy the time they have left. Doctors, nurses and therapists do all that they can to keep pain and other troubling symptoms at bay, and families have access to chaplains, social workers and bereavement counselors, who can provide emotional and spiritual support. Plus, hospice aides, and trained volunteers are available to provide companionship and to assist patients with personal care tasks and household chores.
At the final stages of a terminal illness, the priority shifts – rather than continuing to seek a cure, patients look to live more comfortably. Hospice care allows for that, and the many services offered can make all the difference at the end of life.
Won’t a Doctor Recommend Hospice at the Right Time?
While this sounds like a reasonable bet, physicians are often hesitant to bring up the topic of hospice care.
Sometimes, doctors continue to suggest treatment options because they assume that’s what a patient wants. In other cases, they don’t realize death is so near – with dementia disorders, COPD, congestive heart failure and many other diseases, it’s difficult for a physician to predict the rate of a patient’s decline. And with patients who are suffering from more than one serious illness, predicting when the end is near can be even more of a challenge.
For these reasons, it’s often up to a patient or their family to initiate the hospice conversation. Furthermore, the discussion doesn’t have to start at the doctor’s office. Anyone can reach out to a Tulsa hospice care agency, as no physician referral is needed for a hospice consult. Afterwards, if it’s believed that the patient meets the criteria for hospice services, the agency will contact their doctor to get the necessary certification.
How Will You Know It’s the Right Time for Hospice Care?
If a close relative or friend has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, calling a Tulsa hospice care agency now would be wise. Exploring the option early on, before services are needed, can help with the decision-making when the time comes.
Scheduling a hospice consult might also be a good idea if someone you hold dear has been declining in health. End-of-life signs to watch for include:
- Worsening symptoms and more frequent pain flare-ups
- Numerous hospital stays and emergency room visits
- Not responding to current treatments or medications
- Difficulty completing self-care tasks without assistance
- Incontinence, or the loss of urinary or bowel control
- Weight loss attributable to a lack of interest in eating
- Issues with insomnia due to pain or shortness of breath
- Spending more time sleeping throughout the day
- Acting confused and having trouble following conversations
- Withdrawing from family, friends and the outside world
Getting in touch with a Tulsa hospice care agency doesn’t mean you’re giving up on your loved one – the call is an opportunity to learn about eligibility for hospice and the services available. With that information, you’ll be prepared to help your friend or family member take full advantage of the comfort hospice brings.
How Do You Choose the Right Hospice Care Agency?
If you’re thinking that a loved one may be eligible for hospice services soon, you’ll need to look for a Tulsa hospice care agency that is Medicare-approved and licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. But that’s not all that matters – you’re going to want to find a team of compassionate, caring professionals who are well-trained and highly skilled.
Suncrest Hospice has all of that, and we’re committed to providing terminally ill individuals and their families with an exceptional level of support. Coping with the end of life can be challenging for everyone involved, but you can count on us to be there as your loved one approaches the final chapter. For more information on the services we offer to Tulsa patients – and to see why Suncrest is a top-rated Oklahoma hospice care agency – contact us today.
