It is crucial to be aware of the warning signals that your aging parent might need more in-depth assistance because most seniors hate raising the white flag on their independence.
Seniors have a strong desire to maintain complete control over their life for as long as feasible. But the fact is that your parents will need more and more assistance as time goes on, which is quite acceptable; it’s a natural part of life. Knowing these caution signals will help you not only safeguard your parents but also determine whether they truly require assistance. Let’s review some.
8 Signs Hospice Care Might Be The Happiest Option
- Treatment is No Longer Effective. If your senior parents are suffering from a terminal disease and the current treatment is not effective physically and emotionally, hospice care may be an alternative. Hospice care, rather than treating the illness, focuses on pain reduction and symptom control, allowing room for making the best memories with their loved ones with additional support.
- Their Symptoms are Getting More Difficult to Manage. According to research, pain becomes more acute in the final two years of life, peaking in the last four months. Uncontrolled pain can cause additional problems such as shortness of breath, restlessness, and anxiety. It can also delay the process of grief for loved ones. Hospice care may be beneficial if you observe an increase in pain or other unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or pressure ulcers that do not improve with therapy. Hospice creates personalized care plans for meeting their needs, creating optimal outcomes.
- They Require a Lot More Assistance Than They Used To. Your aging parents may no longer be able to do personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating as they once did. Perhaps they used to be able to move about independently but now rely on a wheelchair or walker. If they are experiencing this, an independent living facility or an assisted living facility may be an option along with additional support through hospice.
- They Frequently Appear Perplexed or Agitated. Aging people in their sunset years usually become confused or angry, even aggressive at times. No longer being able to communicate needs understandable can cause frustration. Hospice provides guidance with the individual’s voice at the forefront of all care involved.
- Their Communication Skills are Rapidly Deteriorating. Reduced circulation, hearing and vision difficulties, and other conditions may impair your elderly parents’ ability to speak and follow discussions. Consequently, they begin to recuse themselves from the usual hobbies and people they used to love. Hospice staff are skilled in monitoring declines and educating the family on how to meet their needs.
- They’re Sleeping a Whole Lot More. Aged people may spend more time sleeping as part of the body’s slowing down the process. However, you may observe that they spend most of the day sitting or sleeping. If this is a concern, speak with their physician about the eligibility for hospice.
- They Keep Having Infections. Disease progression is frequently manifested by increasing symptoms and recurrent infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, or urinary tract infections. Hospice will monitor the frequency of these and intervene with their nurses and medical director.
- You Find Yourself Unable to Address All Their Immediate Needs. As your aging parents or loved one requires more assistance, your stress levels rise. Admitting you need caregiver help and utilizing all available resources to offer the most excellent care is an outstanding act of love.
Conclusion
Learn everything you can about end-of-life care choices like hospice so you can answer concerns and reassure your elderly parents. You might wish to contact a home hospice in Atlanta to learn more about your options and qualifying requirements.
Contact Golden Rule Hospice Today!
If you’ve made this critical decision, we recommend dialing Golden Rule Hospice, one of the best hospice care in Atlanta, at (470) 395-6567.
