
{"id":7311,"date":"2023-12-05T08:39:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T08:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/?p=7311"},"modified":"2024-09-21T09:55:10","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T09:55:10","slug":"is-hospice-care-the-right-choice-for-your-loved-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/is-hospice-care-the-right-choice-for-your-loved-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Hospice Care the Right Choice for Your Loved One?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When someone you hold dear is diagnosed with a terminal illness, making the most of the time they have left is of the utmost importance.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/hospice\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows for that, but in the minds of many people in Salt Lake City, Utah, entering hospice means giving up on life. This isn\u2019t the case at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice services <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the final stage of life, but they\u2019re designed to help people live as well as they can for as long as possible. Hospice is focused on comfort, and by choosing this type of care, terminally ill individuals can enjoy the end-of-life journey, living on their own terms. Getting your loved one to enter hospice at the right time can make all the difference \u2013 but how do you know when it\u2019s the right time? If you\u2019re unsure, reading the following may prove helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9088 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp\" alt=\"hospice care Salt Lake City, Utah\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1000w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-79x53.webp 79w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-900x600.webp 900w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-675x450.webp 675w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-24x16.webp 24w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-36x24.webp 36w, https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hospice-care-Salt-Lake-City-Utah-48x32.webp 48w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/b>Qualifications for Hospice Care in Salt Lake City<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice services are for individuals who are terminally ill and nearing the end of life. However, death doesn\u2019t need to be imminent \u2013 to qualify for hospice care, a patient must simply be expected to live for six months or less, as certified by a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since determining how long someone will survive can be quite difficult, Salt Lake City physicians consider other indicators that the end may be near. Hospice care is often deemed appropriate when a patient is experiencing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrollable pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing symptom flare-ups<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing weakness and fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent or recurring infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marked confusion or mental decline<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progressive unintentional weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospice may also be the right choice when a terminally ill individual is having trouble with everyday tasks. Heading to the emergency room or being hospitalized on a regular basis may also mean hospice is worth considering. However, to be eligible for hospice care, patients must agree to forgo further curative treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to hospice eligibility, age is never a factor. And while many people think this form of care is only for cancer patients, that isn\u2019t the case. Cancer is one of the more prevalent diagnoses among those in hospice care, but many other conditions qualify. In Salt Lake City, individuals coping with the following terminal illnesses find comfort through hospice services:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer\u2019s disease and advanced dementia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac disease and congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease and multiple sclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refractory lupus and other autoimmune disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This certainly isn\u2019t a complete list, as hospice care is beneficial for anyone who is terminally ill and has a projected lifespan of six months or less. But hospice is a choice \u2013 and quite often, families are left to bring up the topic.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Is Now the Right Time for Hospice Care?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s a question many people have, as physicians often hesitate to suggest hospice. Some assume that terminally ill patients want to continue searching for a cure, but in many cases, doctors aren\u2019t aware that the end is so near. After all, even the most skilled medical professionals in Salt Lake City have a limited ability to predict a patient\u2019s rate of decline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How, then, are <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supposed to know when it might be the right time for your loved one to enter hospice care?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the connection you share, you may notice changes in their health, habits or daily functioning that point to the need for extra support. If so, go ahead and contact a local hospice agency \u2013 anyone can make a referral, and the initial consultation is free. If your loved one meets the criteria for hospice care, the agency will obtain the required physician certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling torn about the decision? That\u2019s completely understandable, but considering a few questions may help. Has your loved one:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Been contacting their physician more often?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gone to the hospital multiple times in the last several months?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fallen more than once while going about their regular routine?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Started taking more medication to relieve physical pain?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taken to spending most of their time in a chair or bed?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needed assistance with bathing, dressing or using the toilet?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Become less interested in food or started refusing meals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seemed more restless, distressed or agitated than before?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developed new speech patterns or begun to have trouble communicating?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experienced labored breathing or shortness of breath, even when resting?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Made any out-of-character comments, requests or resolutions?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you answered yes to any of the questions above, hospice care may be the right choice for your loved one. In that case, a conversation with a hospice professional would be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Schedule a Hospice Care Consult Today<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Suncrest Hospice of Salt Lake City, we have a team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals, all of whom are passionate about helping people with the end-of-life journey. We\u2019re proud to be a trusted local hospice agency, and you can count on us to treat your loved one with the level of compassion, kindness and respect we\u2019d want for the people we hold dear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For details on the services we provide to terminally ill patients and their families, or to schedule a free, no-obligation<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/location\/salt-lake-city\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hospice care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consultation contact our office in Salt Lake City, Utah, today.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When someone you hold dear is diagnosed with a terminal illness, making the most of the time they have left is of the utmost importance. Hospice care allows for that,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":9088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7311","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\/7311","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=7311"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9138,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7311\/revisions\/9138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}