No one wants to bring up the idea of hospice. It’s uncomfortable, emotional, and challenging. When you watch your loved one dealing with deadly illnesses, you begin feeling helpless and it’s hard to think straight. And, of course, you’re still dealing with your daily responsibilities at the same time. Nonetheless, you can see the writing on the walls. The time is fast arriving when you will no longer be able to manage their care without professional support.
The medical visits increase, decisions have to be made, and paperwork threatens to bury you. Aurora’s Hospice Services are here for you, so we can work together to find a plan of care that’s personalized and inclusive of the whole family. At the start of your journey, there are 3 questions you should consider before making your decision.
Three Questions about Hospice Services Feasterville, PA
There are probably far more questions you have than these three, but you need to have peace of mind about taking the step toward hospice.
1) Life-Limiting Illnesses?
Has your loved one been diagnosed with less than 6 months to live? Commonly, people with cancer, heart disease, dementia, respiratory illnesses, or stroke are those for whom hospice is often recommended. Other conditions include chronic kidney disease, ALS, and end-stage liver disorders.
Hospice can offer support and comfort for all of these types of services, including from the comfort of their own home.
2) Signs of Decline?
Beyond an end-of-life prognosis, there are other signs that your loved one may require hospice. Ask yourself if they have specific signs of mental or physical decline like:
- Chronic pain that does not improve with medication
- Inability to accomplish daily tasks alone
- Loss of bowel or urinary control
- Mental alertness decreases
- Repeat hospitalizations or ER visits
- Saying goodbye or making their funeral plans
- Visions or hallucinations
- Withdrawal from people and hobbies
- Weight loss with nutritional deficiencies
At this juncture, you need to reach out to your loved one’s medical professionals for a consensus.
3) Your Loved One’s Wishes?
What are your loved one’s wishes about end-of-life care? Have you spoken to them about it? Do they have a living will?
While you may want to do everything medically possible for this individual, and those desires come from a place of love, there is still the question of life’s quality. Do they want to go the extra mile with other treatments, or would they prefer something more personal, like home care surrounded by loved ones?
Initiating a discussion about hospice isn’t easy. Your loved one may not understand what hospice provides, and how it can honor their personal wishes thereby maintaining integrity. If your loved one is mentally limited, this is still a discussion to have with the immediate family. Check for any documents they may have left detailing how they want matters handed. Honor those wishes.
Working with Aurora Care Hospice
We have a team of highly trained professionals who understand the sensitivity of hospice care. We can talk with everyone about the level of needs involved, and how best to make a smooth transition. Your loved one’s comfort is a priority. But easing the emotional stress on your family matters, too. You can contact our Feasterville, PA office with your questions and concerns in one of three ways. We have an online form, our email info@auroraathome.com, and by calling 215-354-4444.
