{"id":7019,"date":"2023-10-26T02:16:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T02:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/?p=7019"},"modified":"2024-09-21T11:21:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T11:21:57","slug":"when-is-the-right-time-for-hospice-care-questions-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/when-is-the-right-time-for-hospice-care-questions-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"When Is the Right Time for Hospice Care? Questions to Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/location\/cincinnati-oh\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hospice care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the right time makes the final chapter of life more relaxed and enjoyable. But in Cincinnati, the Medicare benefit is underutilized \u2013 and after seeing the positive impact hospice services have on incurably ill patients and their loved ones, many families end up wishing they\u2019d considered the option sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, aging adults often hide how they\u2019re feeling because they don\u2019t want to be a burden. As your grandparents, parents and other close relatives grow older, it may be up to you to detect the signs of declining health and the need for a different kind of care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you know when it\u2019s time to call a Cincinnati hospice agency? Answering the following questions can help you make the right decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9151 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati.webp\" alt=\"hospice care Cincinnati, Ohio\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati.webp 1000w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-79x53.webp 79w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-900x600.webp 900w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-675x450.webp 675w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-24x16.webp 24w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-36x24.webp 36w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hospice-care-Cincinnati-48x32.webp 48w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/b>Does Your Loved One Meet the Requirements?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many families don\u2019t even think about hospice care until the final days and weeks of a loved one\u2019s life \u2013 but those who are eligible can received services months earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your loved one qualify for hospice? The Medicare benefit has two main requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A doctor\u2019s certification of a terminal condition, with a prognosis of six month or less to live if the illness progresses as expected<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The decision to forgo any further curative or life-prolonging treatment in favor of symptom management and comfort care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The six-month life expectancy rule gives you a guideline as to when it maybe the right time for your loved one to enter hospice care. And just so you\u2019re aware, the Medicare benefit doesn\u2019t limit people to six months of hospice services. After that point, if doctor determines that a patient\u2019s prognosis hasn\u2019t changed, Medicare continues to cover the full cost of hospice care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Have You Noticed Signs of Physical or Mental Decline?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we mentioned, many aging adults aren\u2019t all that forthcoming about personal information. That being the case, familiarizing yourself with the signs of failing health is a good way to ensure that the people you hold dear get the care they need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should you watch for? Hospice care may be appropriate if you notice that a loved one is dealing with any of these physical issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recurrent infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unintentional weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrollable pain or nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent symptom flare-ups<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinary or fecal incontinence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice care might also worth considering if you pick up on any changes in a loved one\u2019s mental and emotional health. Signs to look for include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New speech patterns<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shorter attention span<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social withdrawal<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you recognize any of the above in a loved one \u2013 or if you observe other troubling symptoms or behaviors, such as giving away treasured personal belongings or hallucinating \u2013 it may be the right time to call a Cincinnati hospice care agency. But first, there\u2019s one more important question to consider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Your Loved One Feel About Hospice Care?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While hospice services are most beneficial when started early on, entering hospice is a personal choice. You may feel that hospice care is exactly what a loved one needs \u2013 but their opinion matters, too. And if you haven\u2019t already discussed hospice, now\u2019s the time to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given that many people have the wrong idea about hospice care, you\u2019ll want to come to the conversation armed with information. In particular, you may need to explain that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice services can be delivered at your loved one\u2019s home or wherever they currently reside<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of the medication, durable medical equipment and medical supplies they need will be provided<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A team of trained and dedicated professionals will develop a personalized plan of care and support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice can help your loved one enjoy their remaining in comfort, with their wishes respected<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of hospice care is fully covered under Medicare, so there\u2019s no need to worry about the expense\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you go to discuss the idea of entering hospice, be ready to listen without judgment. As the conversation moves along, you might want to ask questions like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are your care preferences? What priorities and goals do you have?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would you wish to spend your final days in the comfort of your home?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does receiving in-home medical care and support services sound appealing?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you think that now may be the right time to enter hospice care?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there anything about hospice that makes you feel uncomfortable?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In regard to that last question, it\u2019s quite possible that your loved one will be reluctant to consider hospice care at the present time. Arranging for a face-to-face chat with a hospice professional may help them come around to your way of thinking, but don\u2019t make it a surprise \u2013 that could easily backfire. Instead, ask if they\u2019d be willing to have a consultation, and get their input as to when to schedule the appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Contact Suncrest to Schedule a Free In-Home Care Consultation<\/h2>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think that your loved one may be ready for hospice care \u2013 or ready to have a chat with a hospice professional \u2013 the Suncrest team is here to help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Suncrest, our focus is on improving quality of life and bringing comfort, peace and happiness to those facing terminal conditions. We\u2019d be honored to be part of your family member\u2019s end-of-life journey, and you can count on us to make the experience a positive one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information, or to discuss<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/hospice\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hospice care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a loved one in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact Suncrest today.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting hospice care at the right time makes the final chapter of life more relaxed and enjoyable. But in Cincinnati, the Medicare benefit is underutilized \u2013 and after seeing the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":9151,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7019","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-blog"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7019"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9171,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7019\/revisions\/9171"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9151"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}