{"id":8379,"date":"2024-04-25T08:16:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T08:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/?p=8379"},"modified":"2024-09-21T06:09:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T06:09:57","slug":"hospice-care-at-home-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/hospice-care-at-home-the-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Hospice Care at Home \u2013 The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does a loved one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have a terminal condition? Is their health rapidly getting worse? Are you feeling overwhelmed tending to their needs? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions,<\/span> hospice care<\/span><\/a> at home may be the solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hospice is a comprehensive program of care that helps the incurably ill have a dignified death at home, in the company of family and friends. Although services are fully covered by Medicare, the Oklahoma Medicaid program, military benefits and most private health insurance plans, many people who qualify don\u2019t take advantage of the benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your loved one doesn\u2019t need to be in that group. Read the following, and you\u2019ll understand how hospice care at home works.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hospiceWhat is Hospice Care?<\/h2>\n

Essentially, hospice care is support for incurably ill individuals. The primary goals are to maintain comfort and improve quality of life, and an interdisciplinary team of trained professionals works together in providing care. Many hospice agencies, including Suncrest, have skilled staff available 24\/7 to meet the needs of patients, families and caregivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

In hospice, the approach to care is holistic, with the aim of treating the whole individual rather than focusing on their condition. Every patient has a personalized care plan, with services designed to address medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of hospice is to help the incurably ill live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible. To that end, for the vast majority, hospice care is provided at home \u2013 whether that\u2019s a private dwelling, skilled nursing facility or a residential care center \u2013 as home is where people are the most comfortable. The patient\u2019s goals for the end of life become the goals of the interdisciplinary team, and achieving those objectives is a top priority. With support for family caregivers and grieving loved ones, hospice care can be invaluable.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Hospice Care Isn\u2019t<\/h2>\n

As so many people have the wrong idea about hospice, it\u2019s worthwhile to take a look at the myths surrounding this approach to care. After all, knowing more will allow you to help your loved one have a meaningful and fulfilling end-of-life experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hospice isn\u2019t about giving up on life<\/span><\/i>. It\u2019s about giving people what they need to make the final days, weeks and months of life comfortable. Arranging for services doesn\u2019t hasten death — according to research through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), incurably ill individuals who choose hospice live for an average of 29 days longer than those who don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hospice isn\u2019t a place.<\/span><\/i> Services can be provided wherever a patient calls home \u2013 their own house, apartment or duplex, a family member\u2019s home, an assisted living center or a nursing home. And for anyone currently staying at a Tulsa hospital, care can be provided at that location.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hospice isn\u2019t always a permanent choice. <\/span><\/i>Sometimes, the care provided by the interdisciplinary team leads to a patient\u2019s health improving. When that happens \u2013 or if the individual changes their mind \u2013 services can be discontinued. However, if a doctor recertifies their eligibility, the patient can return to hospice care.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Should Hospice Care Be Considered?<\/h2>\n

Hospice care is for anyone who has a terminal condition and is ready to stop treatment to cure their illness. For services to begin, a patient must have a projected six months or less to live, as certified by a physician. But while care is provided during the final days, weeks and months, it can be extended as needed if the patient remains eligible.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the right time for hospice care? If you\u2019re not sure when to bring up the topic with your loved one, look for the following signs:<\/span><\/p>\n