Hospice care helps those living with an advanced illness make the most of every moment. Rather than lengthening life, it provides guidance, comfort, and support to help you live your best life with the time you have left.
Accepting that it’s time to begin hospice care services can be difficult, but starting care sooner rather than later is crucial to the work we do. It allows us to get to know the patient and their loved ones and to get physical symptoms under control. It provides time for our social workers to assist with emotional support and offer resources. It gives our chaplains the opportunity to address any spiritual needs or suffering. This holistic approach helps patients be as comfortable as possible and allows family members and loved ones to focus on enjoying more moments together.
Waiting until the last minute to begin hospice care makes it difficult for our team to fully address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. When someone is in a crisis, managing symptoms and providing comfort becomes increasingly more challenging. Beginning care during a crisis also prevents our team from fully getting to know the patient, their history, their caregivers, and their loved ones.
An individual qualifies for hospice care when a physician has determined that their life expectancy is six months or less. This does not necessarily mean that death will happen within six months; we have patients who are on our services for anywhere from days to years. If you aren’t sure whether it’s time for you to start hospice care, you can always schedule a consultation with our care team. Our compassionate nurses will meet with you to discuss hospice and answer questions.
We recognize the challenges of beginning hospice care services and stepping into the final phase of life. But beginning hospice care does not mean giving up. Hospice care means redefining hope – the hope of fulfilling wishes, spending more time with people you cherish, and the chance to say “I love you”. Hospice care is a way to give yourself and your loved ones comfort and quality of life. It means living your best life for every second, even – and especially – up until the last breath.
Anyone can start a referral to hospice care, and you do not need to visit your primary care doctor to begin a referral. We are available any time, 24/7, at (509) 783-7416.