Making the decision to pursue hospice care for a family member can be overwhelming and emotional. At Orange Hospice in Orange County, CA, we want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice about whether hospice is the best option for your loved one. Below, we’ll explore what hospice care entails and how it may help your family focus on comfort and quality of life during a critical time.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a specialized, compassionate form of medical care designed for individuals facing advanced illness. It shifts the focus from curative treatments to comfort care, acknowledging that some medical interventions—such as hospitalizations or aggressive treatments—may do more harm than good, sometimes even hastening death. However, it’s important to understand that choosing hospice does not mean your loved one is left without medical care. Hospice services are prescribed by a physician, and all care is managed and overseen by healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.
Flexibility in Hospice Care
Choosing hospice doesn’t mean you are locked into this decision forever. If your loved one shows significant improvement and gains strength, you can choose to revoke hospice care and pursue curative treatments again. You also have the option to return to hospice later if necessary. Hospice care is available for as long as a physician certifies that the patient qualifies, and the benefits do not expire.
What You Can Expect from Orange Hospice
At Orange Hospice, our care services are designed to ensure that both the patient and their family are fully supported during this time. Here are some of the key services we offer:
- Prescription Drugs: All medications required for pain and symptom management related to the terminal condition are covered, with minimal pharmacy copays.
- Medical Equipment: Hospice can provide necessary medical equipment, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen machines, and more.
- Medical Supplies: Monthly shipments of supplies, including wound care items, personal care products, and oxygen accessories, are provided.
- Physician Oversight: A hospice physician works with the patient’s primary doctor to develop a personalized care plan, focusing on comfort.
- Registered Nurses: Nurses visit regularly to provide care, monitor symptoms, and educate the family on how to support the patient’s well-being.
- Social Workers: Offering emotional support and resources for financial and end-of-life planning, social workers help guide families through the difficult decisions ahead.
- Hospice Aides: Aides assist with personal care tasks like bathing, hygiene, and ensuring the patient is comfortable.
- Chaplain: For families seeking spiritual or emotional support, a hospice chaplain is available to work alongside the patient’s own clergy or provide additional guidance.
- Community Volunteers: Trained volunteers offer companionship and provide family caregivers with much-needed breaks for rest, errands, or socialization.
- Bereavement Support: Our team of specialists is here to offer grief and loss support to the family after their loved one’s passing.
When to Consider Hospice
Hospice becomes a valuable option when it’s time to prioritize quality of life over curative treatment. To determine if hospice might be right for your loved one, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is their medical condition worsening despite treatment?
- Are they frequently visiting the hospital or emergency room?
- Has their doctor said the illness is incurable and that treatments aren’t slowing down the disease?
- Are they experiencing side effects from treatments that outweigh the benefits?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, hospice care could improve your loved one’s comfort and help manage symptoms more effectively. It’s also important to note that hospice can provide months or even years of supportive care, maximizing comfort and quality of life.
Our Commitment to Your Family
At Orange Hospice, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that our patients are comfortable, and supporting families every step of the way. We strive to keep our patients in their homes, where they feel most at peace, while helping families manage their loved one’s symptoms and reduce hospital visits.
If you have questions about hospice care or are considering it for a family member, please reach out at (741) 790-0594. We are here to help guide you through this difficult time with compassion and expert care.