Hospice is a positive, empowering form of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. The goal of hospice is to neither prolong life nor hasten death, but to help patients and their families live as dignified and pain-free as possible.
It is not uncommon for patients and their families to delay seeking hospice services until the last moment. Let's be honest, discussing hospice is a difficult topic for many people. However, there are compelling reasons to consider initiating hospice care sooner rather than later.
Five benefits of early hospice services for patients and their families:
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Symptom Management
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More Planning Time
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Emotional and Spiritual Support
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Reduced Hospitalization
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Access to Additional Services
Symptom Management. Hospice care focuses on effectively managing pain and other symptoms associated with the illness, trying to ease pain and discomfort for the patient.
More Planning Time. By choosing hospice care earlier, patients and their families gain valuable time to plan and make important decisions about end-of-life care. This allows for a more thoughtful and thorough approach to the patient's specific needs.
Emotional and Spiritual Support. Hospice care extends beyond the patient, providing emotional and spiritual support for both the individual and their family members. During this challenging time, the hospice team offers comfort, solace, and guidance.
Reduced Hospitalization. Enrolling in hospice care early can significantly reduce the need for hospitalization and emergency room visits. This decrease in medical interventions not only relieves stress but also maintains the patient's sense of stability and routine.
Access to Additional Services. Hospice care provides patients and their families with access to a variety of additional services, such as social work, chaplaincy, and bereavement support, which can assist patients and their families in navigating the challenges of end-of-life care.
Initiating hospice care sooner rather than later can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. Contact Aveanna Hospice today to learn more about the exceptional services and support we offer.