When you or a loved one is facing a life-threatening disease, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed as you are required to know more about the illness and still be present at all doctor appointment. Your physician or caseworker usually refers patients to hospice care or palliative care after diagnosis and reports that indicate that is the best care he or she receives. Moreover, your friends or relatives can also offer referrals to hospice or palliative care provider with the intention to assist. Despite that, it can still be a formidable feat trying to locate the most suitable hospice home care for you or a loved one as you have to think through so many factors and you are picking from a broad selection of providers.
So what is hospice or palliative care all about? While hospice care has been largely associated with the elderly, it is not a place solely reserved for the old. Hospice offers courage, security, and care for individuals facing a life-threatening ailment. Hospice is is suitable for those anticipated to live for six months or less. With hospice, patients as well as their families experience a much-improved life quality and find a conducive setting to spend more time together. However, no two hospices offer the same care. Read on and learn more about the critical factors to look at when picking a hospice and palliative care program and ensure you are opting for the right option.
To begin with, check whether the hospice care program involves a board-certified medical director and full-time doctors. You want to be sure that you or your loved one is getting the best care because not all programs will offer such specialists. A majority of hospices work closely with medical professionals, but some don’t have around the clock physician on staff. A hospice with permanent physician and board-certified medical director because you have a guarantee of superior quality and training.
On top of that, figure out from the clinical staff members whether hold professional training as well as certifications in hospice care. This designation signifies guarantee to an advance level of care both for you and your family. The certification shows that the providers have in-depth knowledge and skills in palliative care and medicine making them proficient at offering care.
A good hospice provider offers multiple aspects of support. In addition to addressing your physical needs, the hospice ought to have adequate resources to cater for your spiritual needs as well. If it is general inpatient care, ensure that they can also offer psychological support not only to you but to the loved one as well.