The idea around hospice care is a tough one, and for most people, death is a very uncomfortable topic. Choosing hospice care can be a difficult decision for people to make for their loved one, posing questions of whether it’s the right option.
Could it be possible that the reason hospice care is so difficult is because people may have the wrong idea about it? According to the National Hospice and Palliative Home Care Organization, the answer is yes.
Ten Facts About Hospice Home Care
The NHPCO’s mission is to lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the end of life. In order to teach people more about hospice care, they created a list of ten facts about hospice care, in an effort to educate people on the subject.
1. Hospice is not a place—it’s high-quality care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
2. Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans. Fear of costs should never prevent a person from accessing hospice care.
3. Hospice serves anyone with a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or type of illness.
4. Hospice provides expert medical care as well as spiritual and emotional support to patients and families.
5. Research has shown that the majority of Americans would prefer to be at home at the end of life—hospice makes this possible for most people.
6. Hospice serves people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
7. Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer.
8. A person may keep his or her referring physician involved while receiving hospice care.
9. Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members to help them adjust to the loss in their lives.
10. Research has shown people receiving hospice care can live longer than similar patients who do not opt for hospice.
Some of these facts might be surprising to some, and it’s important that we all educate ourselves to understand that hospice care brings comfort, dignity, and peace to those faced with a terminal illness.
Do you think your loved one is needing hospice care? Read Cooperative Home Care’s hospice guide to see how we can help.