The transition into hospice care may feel like an intimidating decision. However, when you’re fully informed and have all your resources, the move to hospice can be an easy and smooth process. Most people prefer to stay at home as their health is failing. This makes sense since many fear the transition into a medical center and would rather be surrounded by their loved ones. Fortunately, many family caregivers find that hospice is able to help in the last few months of their loved one’s life, even if they opt for home care. As acute medical events occur and family caregivers feel overwhelmed, hospice is truly the best option for those who need help.
One of the most common myths about hospice care is that a family and their loved one have given up hope. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hospice is called upon as a way for families to provide their loved one with specialized care that will ease and comfort the patient, while also providing the family with the highest level of support that is needed during this time.
How to Receive Hospice Care
Transitioning a loved one into hospice care is not nearly as difficult as one may suspect. The transition requires effective communication between the patient, family, doctors, and hospice to get the patient settled and ready to obtain the highest level of quality care. The first thing to do is to speak with your loved one’s doctor about hospice care. To receive hospice care, you’ll need a referral from the doctor who agrees that hospice is appropriate and that the patient has 6 months or less left to live.
The next step is to speak with your insurance provider. During this time, the hospice of your choice can help you take the next steps in securing payment from your insurance company. Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and most private insurance plans will fully pay for hospice care. Speaking with your insurance provider to find out the terms is important for making a smooth transition.
Your hospice care provider will talk to you about the best options for your loved one. Hospice can include care in the patient’s home, in a nursing home, at a hospital, or even at a private hospice facility. For the most part, patients may be able to receive complete hospice care in their home, still surrounded by family and friends. For a smooth hospice transition, it’s important that the patient and family talk to their hospice provider about the setting that best fits their needs. In-patient care is often provided around the clock, where at-home care is usually arranged for a certain amount of time during the day. Hospice care is individualized for each patient.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Transition to Hospice Care
Hospice care gives patients and their families peace of mind by knowing that they are not alone during this trying time and that assistance is available whenever it is needed. Transitioning to hospice allows patients to receive medication, medical supplies, equipment, and other medical services at a moment’s notice so they’ll always receive the very best in comfort.
If your loved one chooses to receive hospice care in their home, Hospice of South Louisiana delivers all of the needed care supplies directly to the patient’s home. Most, if not all, of the cost of these supplies and medications, will be covered by insurance or Medicare. Family members should choose a room that is most appropriate for their loved one to be comfortable if equipment is needed such as a hospital bed or oxygen. Hospice also provides medication at home to provide comfort for the patient as extra support. If your loved one will be moving into a facility, make sure you tour the facility to see exactly where your loved one is staying. Hospice staff are always available to help you with any questions to make this transition as easy as possible.
Contact Hospice of South Louisiana
At Hospice of South Louisiana, we want to help create a peaceful and easy transition into hospice care for both the patient and family. We have a large staff waiting to help families out during this challenging time. To learn more, contact Hospice of South Louisiana today.