Is a loved one facing a terminal illness? Transitioning to hospice care may be in their best interests, but in Cleveland, Ohio, there seems to be a stigma attached to this type of care. Many people believe that entering hospice means relinquishing control and letting others make decisions regarding medical care. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Hospice is a philosophy of care that is built around the concept of individual choice. Patients have the power to live out their remaining time on their own terms and the freedom to die with dignity in the manner they prefer. In every respect, accepting hospice care can be viewed as taking control over the end of life.
Receiving Hospice Care at Home
One of the key ways in which hospice care celebrates the idea of independent choice involves the setting where services are provided. In Cleveland, Ohio, terminally ill individuals can receive hospice care at home – or wherever they call home – thereby avoiding a loss of independence.
Research shows that staying in a familiar environment, with their own personal belongings and loved ones nearby, can support hospice patients in maintaining their autonomy. People who opt for hospice care at home have access to a range of specialized services, but they also play a large role in the planning and decision-making processes. This being so, hospice allows the terminally ill to remain in control of their daily routine, living as independently as possible for as long as possible.
Respecting Personal Preferences
Starting at the initial consultation, Cleveland hospice care professionals acknowledge the importance of independent choice. Terminally ill individuals have different priorities and goals, and before establishing the plan of care for a patient, members of the hospice team want to know what’s most important.
Some questions focus on practicalities, including meal preferences and regular activities, while others gently explore more sensitive issues, such as concerns or fears the hospice patient has about their illness or impending death. There are no right or wrong answers – everyone has the freedom to live how they like, and that doesn’t change when the end draws near. The purpose of the questioning is merely to determine what the individual needs and wants, as this is what guides the plan of care.
Promoting Open Communication
Effective communication is essential for independence in hospice care. With that in mind, patients are equipped with the information they need about their medical condition and the available support. As such, terminally ill individuals who enter hospice are able to make their own decisions, staying in the driver’s seat for as long as possible.
That said, as a patient’s illness progresses, their needs and preferences may change. Hospice care professionals understand this, and the initial plan of care is never set in stone. At any point, if the individual develops different goals and priorities, the care plan is modified to reflect that. Hospice services are flexible, and when a change in approach is requested or warranted, the hospice team adapts. In doing so, they help the terminally ill maintain independence throughout the end-of-life journey.
Maintaining Quality of Life
Hospice care at home benefits terminally ill individuals in a number of ways. Skilled professionals assist in managing distressing symptoms, and with their pain and suffering relieved, patients are able to make the most of every moment. But, the hospice plan of care doesn’t just address physical needs.
In Cleveland, hospice care professionals offer emotional, psychological, social and spiritual support to improve the quality of life in the final chapter. These special services allow for a greater level of patient comfort in the midst of all the uncertainty, which helps ensure that the terminally ill can spend quality time with the people they love as the end of the road is near. With hospice care at home, promoting independence and dignity until the very last moment is of paramount importance.
Contact Suncrest Hospice of Cleveland Today
At Suncrest, we work with Cleveland families who want to help a loved one remain safe, comfortable and in control throughout the course of a terminal illness. Our hospice team takes care of everything from providing the necessary medication, medical supplies and medical equipment a patient needs to making arrangements for all sorts of supportive services.
We believe in respecting everyone’s end-of-life choices, and to that end, everyone has the right to choose the hospice care provider they prefer. What’s more, no one has to wait for a doctor to suggest hospice – while eligibility must be confirmed before services begin, anyone can contact the agency of their choice to request a consultation.
Why choose Suncrest? Simply put, we’re always ready to go the extra mile to help terminally ill individuals make the most of their remaining time. With us, your loved one can enjoy a peaceful, comfortable and meaningful end-of-life journey. And, we’re here to provide your family with support as well. For more information on the services we offer and how we work to preserve independence in hospice care, contact our office in Cleveland, Ohio, today.
