Hospice to many people may seem like a very scary term to use when being applied towards their family member they care so dearly about. Others may not know what the term means, bringing further confusion to an already stressful and difficult time. Wherever you are in the understanding of Hospice care, this article should inform, break myths, and help ease the worry this program can cause.
For those who do not know what Hospice care is, it is a program which helps assist in almost all the needs associated with “end of life” care. This includes many services including social workers visitations, frequent check ups from nurses to monitor health, bathing services, emotional services such as spiritual counseling, fun activities such as the visitations from musicians of veterans, funeral advising, among many other services. For those who’s hearts dropped when they read the term “End of Life” care, please read further so I can help ease these fears.
Many people believe that once you are put on hospice care, you a guaranteed to pass away very shortly. In many cases, this is proven to be not true. The reason hospice exists is to ensure that those who are nearing the end stages of life receive the best care possible. In many ways hospice can be seen as a very good thing because it implies that a large number of people are personally caring about the health, happiness, comfort, and care of the individual admitted to this program. Quite frequently we have had patients in our home “graduate” from hospice and lead healthy lives for years following their departure from hospice care.
That leads me to the next question I hear often, which is “where can hospice be used?” Many people believe that hospice can only be provided in hospice facilities or hospitals. This is not true. Hospice, to anyone eligible, can come to a patient wherever they may be. This includes but is not limited to nursing homes, assisted living, adult family homes such as The Promised Land Adult Family Home, and even your own personal home. That being said, hospice often gauges visit frequency based on the need and often only make visits once per week or less (dependent on need). This is why hospice in tandem with a care giving provider such as The Promised Land Adult Family Home is the ideal combination for those nearing their passing because hospice provides some of the previously mentioned services, while we would provide their daily care.
As stated before, The Promised Land Adult Family Home can provide care to all the aging population, including those on hospice. If you have any further questions regarding hospice, or are searching for a new home for yourself or a loved on, please feel free to contact us! We will be happy to assist you in any needs you may have.
The Promised Land Adult Family Home
Bothell, Washington
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