How To Know When The Time Is Right For Hospice
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How To Know When The Time Is Right For Hospice

Families have to make one of the hardest and most emotional decisions when they decide when to think about hospice care. It frequently happens at a time when you are worried, unsure, and really want to do what is best for someone you care about. There is no one moment that looks the same for everyone, but there are signals that families can watch for to help them decide when hospice may be the best option for them. Read on to learn more.

Understanding What Hospice Care Really Means

Hospice care doesn’t mean giving up hope. It is not about shifting the focus of care. When therapies that are supposed to help stop working or make things worse, hospice focuses on improving quality of life, relieving symptoms, and providing emotional support. 

Frequent Hospital Visits and Medical Setbacks

If you keep having to go to the hospital or emergency room, it might be time to look into hospice. If your loved one has been in the hospital a lot lately or has had a lot of medical emergencies, this could mean that their disease is getting difficult to cure with vigorous treatment. Hospice care can help make these difficult changes easier by offering regular care and symptom management in a more comfortable and familiar location.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Changes in mood or behavior can also mean that hospice care might be right for you. Someone you care about may start sleeping a lot more, pulling away from social situations, feeling confused, or saying they want to cease intensive medical procedures. These changes frequently show that people are naturally moving away from desiring more interventions and toward wanting quiet, comfort, and reassurance.

Support for Both Seniors and Families

A lot of families are afraid that selecting hospice means getting less care.  Nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers are all typical members of hospice teams. Families also get help, information, and emotional support along the whole process.

When to Ask for Guidance

You can always ask questions. Families can learn about their options and feel more sure about what to do next by talking to healthcare specialists or professionals who work with older people. Talking about things early on can help make the change go more smoothly and less stressfully.

At Desert Winds Retirement, we know that these choices can be hard and make you feel a lot of things. Our caring staff is available to help you if you are thinking about hospice care or just want to learn more about your options. Call Desert Winds Retirement now to find out more about the supportive care services we offer and how we can assist you and your family move forward with clarity, dignity, and peace of mind.

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