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Taking care of an ill person can be overwhelmingly difficult, especially if you do it alone. It’s even more complicated when the care is to an aging parent or loved one. It leaves you drained, and burn out can easily catch up with you.
This is the time you need to seek hospice care. It provides a more convenient approach to taking care of the patient/your loved one, while also being mindful about your wellbeing.
Hospice refers to specialized care for people living with a terminal illness. It incorporates more than just treatment and takes into account the emotional and spiritual wellness of the patient.
The primary caregivers and family are also incorporated into the care, so they can receive psychological support. The overall goal is to help patients and their loved ones have the best possible quality of life, despite the terminal illness. How can you tell if a patient is eligible for hospice?
Eligibility for Hospice Care:
You don’t have to wait until the last days of a loved one’s life before enrolling them to a hospice center. Check these few signs and take the necessary steps.
The Symptoms Are Harder to Manage Than Before
Uncontrolled pain can be the source of a myriad of complications, including shortness of breath, anxiety, and restlessness. It also takes a toll on the mental wellbeing of the caregivers. If your patient has increased pain bouts, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and trouble swallowing, hospice care may help.
Unresponsive Treatment Methods and Decreased Interest in Intervention
If a patient is at the point where they no longer desire to pursue aggressive treatment interventions, hospice care can help relieve pain and discomfort. You’ll notice that the goals of the patient at this point revolves around spending time with loved ones.
The patients/loved ones start mentioning subtle things to their families; it’s crucial to start paying attention to all their comments. This is also the time to be considerate of their wishes and what matters to them.
The Patient is Restless or Confused
When people feel like they’re coming to their end due to aterminal illness, they may feel agitated at the slightest provocation. Confusion seems to be the order of the day, not knowing what is happening around them or where they are.
The patients may perceive things that aren’t real and hold on to false beliefs. They alight also believe that someone is out to harm them (paranoia).
Communication Becomes Less Effective
If your loved one develops hearing and vision problems, decreased circulation, and slurred speech, consider taking up hospice care. They may also start withdrawing from activities and people they love.
Frequent Visits to the Doctor
Multiple visits to the doctor may be a subtle sign that your loved one’s health is on a decline. This is especially common in adults aged 75 years or older.
Final Thoughts:
Don’t let the task of taking care of a terminally ill parent or loved one overwhelm you. Let hospice care providers help you carry the burden. Learn more about how to go about it from https://serenitycares.com/hutchinson/
Personal Note: If you’re in a position where you have to put a loved one into hospice care, I am really sorry for this difficult time your family is experiencing. My grandpa was put into hospice shortly before he died; it was extremely hard for my family. You have my deepest condolences.
Thank you for reading!
