It is never too early to think about end-of-life care.
This includes 24-hour elderly home care or hospice and palliative care.
“Learning about hospice care should happen long before there's a medical crisis,” said Jon Radulovic, Vice-President of Communications at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “There's a misconception that hospice is only 'brink-of-death' care and that's not the case at all. Hospice works to help people live as fully as possible.”
“Under hospice care, an extensive plan of care unique to every patient would be developed by the entire hospice team and would reflect a broad assessment of medical and psycho-social needs - the plan of care reflects the needs of the patient and of the family caregivers as well,” Radulovic said. “Palliative care provided prior to hospice admission is often directed by a palliative care physician, yet other members of the care team would contribute to the care plan.
What Is a Hospice Care Plan?
A hospice care plan coordinates family caregivers as well as medical professionals and other support services to ensure someone receives the best possible end-of-life care. The philosophy behind hospice care is for a pain-free and dignified death surrounded by a compassionate care team when someone is facing a life-limiting illness or injury. Hospice care might take place in someone’s home or at a hospice facility. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations. Palliative care is similar in philosophy to hospice care, but is for people who might still be in treatment for their illness.
Whether it is hospice or palliative care, there are many issues to consider ahead of time.
How to Plan for Hospice Care at Home
When making hospice care plans, it is not just between a patient and their doctor or a single caregiver, but rather a team that involves families and specialists as well as the patient.
“One of the most frequent things hospice professionals hear from the patients and families they serve is, ‘Why didn't we begin hospice care earlier?’” Radulovic said. “People often wait too long before starting hospice and when they begin care, they discover the vast array of services offered.”
Waiting too long to make plans that communicate one’s wishes can make an already difficult time more stressful.
Why Earlier Is Better When Making a Care Plan for Hospice
Logically, it makes sense to discuss palliative care and hospice care when one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Yet, just like advanced directives, funeral arrangements, and other issues surrounding mortality, it is wise for people to share their desires with loved ones at any time.
“In reality, talking about what's important and how hospice and palliative care might be something a person would want should be a discussion that can – and should – be held right now, and revisited frequently,” Radulovic said.
Planning for Hospice Care Costs
A major topic for discussion when planning for palliative care or hospice care is finances. Our Paying for Home Care guide can help you and your loved ones begin the planning for the financial aspects of care. Additionally, we encourage individuals to:
- Make a financial inventory list
- Allow others to handle their finances
- Research possible sources of financial assistance
- Verify the medical coverage for hospice or palliative care
Once all the plans are made, it is imperative they be shared with everyone from family members to health care providers and legal and financial advisors.
Certainly, the focus is on individuals who are well enough to make their own plans for hospice or palliative care. However, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization also provides advice to caregivers – from how they can help with planning to how to care for themselves.
“Also, all hospices have information about services they offer that they are happy to share at any time,” Radulovic said. “Learning what resources are available in a community can happen at any time."
Find Compassionate End of Life Care
If you are making a plan for end-of-life care for yourself or a loved one, get in touch with us. The compassionate caregivers at Homewatch CareGivers are standing by and ready to help make this stressful time a little easier, either by providing care services or respite care for family caregivers. Call 888-404-5191 or contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation.
