Starting hospice care at the right time makes the final chapter of life more relaxed and enjoyable. But in Cincinnati, the Medicare benefit is underutilized – and after seeing the positive impact hospice services have on incurably ill patients and their loved ones, many families end up wishing they’d considered the option sooner.
That said, aging adults often hide how they’re feeling because they don’t want to be a burden. As your grandparents, parents and other close relatives grow older, it may be up to you to detect the signs of declining health and the need for a different kind of care.
How do you know when it’s time to call a Cincinnati hospice agency? Answering the following questions can help you make the right decision.
Does Your Loved One Meet the Requirements?
Many families don’t even think about hospice care until the final days and weeks of a loved one’s life – but those who are eligible can received services months earlier.
Does your loved one qualify for hospice? The Medicare benefit has two main requirements:
- A doctor’s certification of a terminal condition, with a prognosis of six month or less to live if the illness progresses as expected
- The decision to forgo any further curative or life-prolonging treatment in favor of symptom management and comfort care
The six-month life expectancy rule gives you a guideline as to when it maybe the right time for your loved one to enter hospice care. And just so you’re aware, the Medicare benefit doesn’t limit people to six months of hospice services. After that point, if doctor determines that a patient’s prognosis hasn’t changed, Medicare continues to cover the full cost of hospice care.
Have You Noticed Signs of Physical or Mental Decline?
As we mentioned, many aging adults aren’t all that forthcoming about personal information. That being the case, familiarizing yourself with the signs of failing health is a good way to ensure that the people you hold dear get the care they need.
What should you watch for? Hospice care may be appropriate if you notice that a loved one is dealing with any of these physical issues:
- Recurrent infections
- Unintentional weight loss
- Uncontrollable pain or nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent symptom flare-ups
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
Hospice care might also worth considering if you pick up on any changes in a loved one’s mental and emotional health. Signs to look for include:
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- New speech patterns
- Shorter attention span
- Social withdrawal
- Restlessness
If you recognize any of the above in a loved one – or if you observe other troubling symptoms or behaviors, such as giving away treasured personal belongings or hallucinating – it may be the right time to call a Cincinnati hospice care agency. But first, there’s one more important question to consider.
How Does Your Loved One Feel About Hospice Care?
While hospice services are most beneficial when started early on, entering hospice is a personal choice. You may feel that hospice care is exactly what a loved one needs – but their opinion matters, too. And if you haven’t already discussed hospice, now’s the time to do so.
Given that many people have the wrong idea about hospice care, you’ll want to come to the conversation armed with information. In particular, you may need to explain that:
- Hospice services can be delivered at your loved one’s home or wherever they currently reside
- All of the medication, durable medical equipment and medical supplies they need will be provided
- A team of trained and dedicated professionals will develop a personalized plan of care and support
- Hospice can help your loved one enjoy their remaining in comfort, with their wishes respected
- The cost of hospice care is fully covered under Medicare, so there’s no need to worry about the expense
When you go to discuss the idea of entering hospice, be ready to listen without judgment. As the conversation moves along, you might want to ask questions like:
- What are your care preferences? What priorities and goals do you have?
- Would you wish to spend your final days in the comfort of your home?
- Does receiving in-home medical care and support services sound appealing?
- Do you think that now may be the right time to enter hospice care?
- Is there anything about hospice that makes you feel uncomfortable?
In regard to that last question, it’s quite possible that your loved one will be reluctant to consider hospice care at the present time. Arranging for a face-to-face chat with a hospice professional may help them come around to your way of thinking, but don’t make it a surprise – that could easily backfire. Instead, ask if they’d be willing to have a consultation, and get their input as to when to schedule the appointment.
Contact Suncrest to Schedule a Free In-Home Care Consultation
If you think that your loved one may be ready for hospice care – or ready to have a chat with a hospice professional – the Suncrest team is here to help.
At Suncrest, our focus is on improving quality of life and bringing comfort, peace and happiness to those facing terminal conditions. We’d be honored to be part of your family member’s end-of-life journey, and you can count on us to make the experience a positive one.
For more information, or to discuss hospice care for a loved one in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact Suncrest today.
