When you and your family members are thinking about placing your father in hospice care, rely on the compassionate and experienced staff at Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Fremont to help get you the important information you need to make this difficult decision.
When a family member receives a terminal diagnosis, it’s hard on everyone. It’s hard on the spouse, children, other family members, friends and of course on the patient himself. As the son or daughter who must participate in making the decision to place your dad in hospice care, you must deal with more difficult emotions.
Sorting Through Feelings
We are used to our dads being strong — the family member you depend on for advice and help. Now, the roles are reversed, and your dad is depending on you and your mom (or his partner) for care. It’s hard for you, and it’s hard for him too. At Suncrest Home Health and Hospice, we understand.
You may wish you could take care of your dad yourself at home, but oftentimes this just isn’t possible for a number of reasons. You have job responsibilities and perhaps even children of your own you’re caring for.
Unfortunately, what can often happen when the family of a terminally ill patient attempts to care for them on their own at home is they can quickly get burned out, and even get sick themselves. Once your dad enters hospice care, each member of your family who was helping to provide care will get the respite they need.
Hospice Care at Home or a Facility
When you choose hospice for your dad, you can have him placed in a skilled facility, or you can keep him at home. If you opt for the latter, your dad will receive visits from a hospice nurse, home health aide, social workers, counselors and any needed therapists, right in his home.
It’s not always practical to keep a hospice patient at home, however, especially if a number of other people already live in the house, and in these instances, placement in a facility can be the better choice.
When you’re weighing this decision, you can meet with our hospice nurse and social worker to learn more details. If you decide to place your dad in hospice, we will meet with his doctors and develop a plan of care.
Your Dad in Hospice Care
Your dad may be capable of participating in this decision, but even if he is not, you are likely to notice once the process is underway that your dad may seem calmer and more relaxed. Entering hospice often brings patients peace, and it brings family members a sense of relief knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for.
When you’re considering hospice care for your dad, call Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Fremont. We’re here for you.
