Once a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness, making the appropriate accommodations can be overwhelming. A hospice program is a wonderful way to strengthen support and employ expert care for the loved one during this difficult time, but choosing one from a list of many is no simple task. If you’re searching for the right hospice program for your loved ones, these are a few things to consider before choosing.
Characteristics of a Great Hospice Program
A reputable hospice program will be characterized by a number of services and features. For example, a hospice care patient should receive regular physician services, ongoing visits from home care nurses and home health aides, homemaker services, chaplain services, counseling and social work services, medications, appropriate therapies, and more. Hospice care can also be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies. In essence, a hospice care program helps a patient to be as comfortable and pain-free as possible in their final life stages.
Hospice Care Will Extend to the Family
A great hospice care provider won’t close their support off only to the patient; they will also work closely with the family to ensure needs and priorities are acknowledged. Family members of a loved one in hospice care might receive regular phone calls, visits, or counseling from the care provider. After the patient has deceased, the family generally receives bereavement support for a time.
Pain Management as the Top Priority
As serious illnesses and conditions progress, pain and discomfort typically elevate. A specialist from Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care says a well-trained hospice staff will know how to prevent, anticipate, and treat various types of pain and discomfort. The staff will often use studies, surveys, and physician help to determine the best course of pain management for the patient. A great hospice program will be on call at all times for emergency situations.
Ask About State, Federal, and Professional Organization Reports
Any hospice care program is heavily scrutinized by many types of organizations to inform potential patients and their families about the quality of care they can expect. Each hospice program is expected to meet a stringent set of standards. Before choosing a program, ask a representative for the survey report from these organizations, and don’t shy away from asking any questions you might have.
If you’re unsure about whether your loved one is ready for hospice care, the least you can do is begin educating yourself. By familiarizing yourself with hospice care programs in your area, you’ll have the knowledge to take action once the time comes to select a program.
