Important Advice On Choosing Hospice Care

Hospice Care is end of life care given to a patient, who has six months or less to live, by a team of medical professionals. This group of people has a single purpose, allowing the patient to die in peace, comfort and dignity. Historically, patients were left to die in the sterile environments of hospitals or nursing homes with only minimal quality of life during their last days. If someone is choosing hospice in Dallas, they may want to gather all the information they need to assist their loved ones.

The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage in life. Today, hospice care provides compassionate care and helps the patient and their families in many important ways during the final stages of his or her life. This care does not hasten or prolong life. It treats the person rather than the disease.

Good hospice care enables the patient to continue living an alert, pain free life. The dying patient is able to manage their symptoms so that their last days can be spent with dignity and quality surrounded by loved ones.

In order for the patient to be eligible for hospice care, the patient's doctor must make the decision that the patient has six months or less to live. If they live longer, they may continue to receive care. If they get better, they can stop it altogether. Payment is made through Medicare, medicaid and most private insurance companies. It is important to find out from the insurance company whether or not hospice is covered.

Hospice care may be given in the home, at a special Hospice House, in a hospital or at a skilled nursing facility. Today, hospice is given mostly at home where the sick person is familiar with their surroundings. A team of doctors, nurses, spiritual advisers and volunteers are assigned to the care of the patient. Instruction is given to the caregiver, who is usually a member of the family, but hospice professionals are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support the family.

If there is need for respite care for the primary caregiver, a volunteer is assigned to give the family member some relief. Volunteers are trained by the organization; therefore they can be relied on to provide quality care. They can call the nurse in charge at any time assistance is needed.

Spiritual advisers, such as priests, ministers and rabbis, are available for spiritual guidance whenever the patient or family requests them. All aspects of the patient's mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs are satisfied by the trained team at this crucial time in their lives. The doctor in charge prescribes pain medication as needed so that the patient can have quality of life and not suffer needlessly.

Another benefit of hospice in Dallas is they provide grief counselors for the patients' families during these last few months and after the death of their loved ones. Specially trained counselors are also available for children. The benefits of this program are many and medical professionals continue to improve on this very important care.