When a close friend or family member has a terminal illness, helping them enjoy their remaining time to the fullest is the priority. That’s what hospice care is all about – but in Salt Lake City, many people don’t see hospice as a positive.
Some think that accepting hospice care is akin to giving up on life. Others are convinced that services are far too expensive or that patients have no control. All of this is untrue, and after seeing how this approach to care benefits terminally ill individuals and their loved ones, that becomes obvious. But because the word “hospice” has negative connotations, those who qualify often miss out on months of care.
Here at Suncrest of Salt Lake City, we believe that needs to change. With that in mind, we’re sharing several good reasons for the terminally ill to consider hospice care.
Hospice Care Typically Takes Place at Home
As the end of life draws near, most people prefer to remain in familiar surroundings – and contrary to what many people think, entering hospice doesn’t mean moving elsewhere. The vast majority of patients in Salt Lake City receive hospice care at home, wherever that may be. Short-term in-patient care is available should the need arise, but most people are able to spend their final days at home, where they feel most comfortable.
Hospice Provides Personalized Support
In hospice, the plan of care is tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient and the family. A multidisciplinary team – comprised of doctors, nurses, therapists and other skilled professionals – works to deliver services that allow the terminally ill individual to enjoy their remaining time with no stresses or concerns. With the personalized support of the hospice team, patients and their families are better prepared to deal with one of life’s most difficult situations.
Hospice Support Goes Beyond Medical Care
In Salt Lake City, hospice agencies provide patients with medication, medical equipment and medical supplies. Skilled nursing care, physical therapy and a number of other medically beneficial services are also provided. But it’s not all about physical care – special services like massage, art and pet therapy may be included, and patients have access to social workers, grief counselors, chaplains and others who are ready to assist with any emotional and spiritual needs.
Hospice Patients Make the Decisions on Care
The idea that entering hospice care means giving up control is prevalent among people in Salt Lake City, and we’re not quite sure why. Hospice patients are encouraged to make their needs, wishes and priorities known, and should there be any changes, the plan of care can be amended. Plus, hospice is always a choice – patients are free to leave at any time, and if they want to return to hospice care later on, they can do so as long as they meet the criteria for eligibility.
Hospice Services Improve Quality of Life
With a terminal illness, there often comes a time when curative therapies and aggressive treatments do more harm than good. When the quality of life suffers, hospice care offers satisfaction. Services are designed to make patients comfortable and content throughout the final chapter, and Salt Lake City hospice agencies make every effort to honor each patient’s wishes. As such, entering hospice allows for a better quality of life as the end draws near.
Hospice Assists Patients in Achieving Goals
Many terminally ill individuals have an item or two on their bucket list, things they’d like to achieve before they pass away. Maybe it’s reconnecting with an old friend or having an important conversation with a loved one. Or it could be attending a special event, indulging in a cultural experience, making a family scrapbook or visiting a local tourist attraction. In any case, hospice agencies are ready to help patients accomplish their end-of-life goals.
Hospice Care Helps Alleviate Financial Strain
Receiving care at a Salt Lake City hospital or nursing facility for a long period of time isn’t always financially viable. Not everyone has sufficient insurance coverage, and the family may be seriously stressed by the financial burden of medical bills. Hospice care at home offers a solution – with a terminal diagnosis, an expected prognosis of six months or less and a willingness to forgo curative treatment, services are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, military benefits and most private insurance policies.
Hospice Care Offers Dignity at the End of Life
Given the option, most people who are terminally ill would rather not spend their final days going through painful medical procedures or being constantly prodded by doctors and nurses. Choosing hospice care means not having that sort of end-of-life experience. The services provided are designed to allow patients to enjoy the time they have left, and to Salt Lake City hospice agencies, maintaining patient dignity is of paramount importance.
Hopefully, the information above has given you a better understanding of what hospice care has to offer. But if you have any questions – or if you’d like to arrange for a consultation for a terminally ill loved one – Suncrest of Salt Lake City is happy to help. Contact us online or give us a call today.
