Understanding Hospice Care

What do you think about when you hear “hospice care?” If you are like many people, you automatically assume death is imminent. In order to meet criteria for hospice care, a doctor must believe that without further treatment, you could pass within six months. What happens after six months if you are still hanging on? Most of the time nothing.

Typically, a patient will only be discharged from hospice care if they rallied, are stronger, and showing signs of improvement. Some patients can be on hospice for well over six months, especially people with terminal disease such as COPD, Congestive Heart Failure, or a form of Dementia.

Many people do not realize that someone with Dementia may qualify for hospice care at some point. Dementia in all its various forms, is progressive, degenerative, and terminal; there is no cure, and can be argued that medications do little slow down the memory loss.

There are also people that meet hospice criteria that have no terminal disease but may suffering from “failure to thrive.” The most common indicators that a person may potentially qualify are:

1. Weight loss: Steady or sudden, a significant amount.
2. Uncontrollable pain.
3. Uncontrollable vomiting.
4. Loss of mobility.
5. Unable to communicate their needs. Speaks five words or less at a time.

Unfortunately, most families wait until death is imminent to engage hospice thus why so many are apprehensive about considering or even discussing this type of care. Hospice care is not only for the patient, but also their family and friends.

In addition, hospice provides not only care but so much more in way durable medical equipment and of course medications. Here is what your family can expect when making the decision to engage hospice care.

1. A Social Worker to help with end of life planning.
2. A Chaplain to visit with the patient. The Chaplain is also available to family and friends for spiritual counseling and prayer.
3. An aide that will help with activities of daily living such as showering, grooming, dressing and changing bed linens.
4. A nurse that will see the patient regularly, answer any questions, make necessary updates or changes to medications, and offer coaching and education.
5. Supply durable medical equipment such as: Hospital Bed, Walker, Wheelchair, Shower Chair, Bedside Commode, Oxygen, Backup Generator, Adult Underpants, Bed Pads, Gloves, Wipes

In a nutshell, hospice care should not be only considered at the very end of life! The benefits for patient’s and their families are many! My own mother was on hospice care for six weeks prior to her passing. The love and care she and our entire family received is something we can never repay but will be forever grateful for.