Although the miracles of modern medicine are unparalleled, nature will eventually run its course. Other diseases today simply do not have cures yet, and more often than not, people suffer to their last breath. Thankfully 24/7 care is now an option available for many, making the end of their lives less terrifying to face. Hospice care, for instance, provides a smooth transition from painful healing treatments, making the entire process less challenging and distressing for both the patient and their families.
Hospice homes provide a comfortable environment for those suffering from incurable illnesses, ensuring that they can make the most of their remaining days. It’s important to note, however, that hospice care professionals cannot cure ailments. They target symptoms instead, with treatment plans designed to improve the quality of remaining life.
Hospice care can happen at homes, hospitals, and even nursing homes, all depending on the family’s choices and preferences. Its very nature is most often associated with cancer, but it can also benefit others suffering from late-stage conditions, which include neurological diseases, kidney damage, lung issues, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
To help you fully grasp the importance of hospice care, we’ve curated this simple guide for you. We hope that it helps you make a well-informed decision, especially when it comes to the care of your loved one:
When Should Hospice Care Begin?
Once a disease is deemed no longer curable, hospice care can become an option. It’s also important that the disease has become impossible to control and will need the sound judgment and expertise of a qualified hospice professional to make the final days easier. However, it’s always best to seek the certification of doctors first, which can usually be characterized by the following considerations:
- Your loved one only has fewer than six months to live
- There are no more improvements following aggressive treatments
- Your loved one’s quality of life is rapidly declining
- Your loved one has decided to stop treatments, effectively choosing not to prolong their life
Note: Should a person live beyond six months, a doctor may once again recertify the patient for extended hospice care.
Why Should Families Think About Hospice Care for Their Loved Ones?
Apart from the comfort and better quality of life hospice care can provide, your loved one will also have access to specific treatments, which include symptom management and control. They’ll also be helped with pain management, allowing them to live the rest of their lives pain-free. Battling with an incurable disease can also affect their mental health, but hospice care includes stress management, spiritual guidance, and even thorough family support.
Hospice care also transcends beyond just the patient in question—professionals also provide support to families who will be left behind. They’re to be kept updated on their loved one’s conditions, allowing them to remain prepared for what could happen.
24/7 support is also guaranteed, offering direct and organized care with the help of other medical health workers. They also maintain close coordination with clergy and other religious leaders, as well as funeral personnel when the time arrives.
Trust In The Most Reliable Hospice Care In Atlanta
If your loved one is facing the ends of their terminal disease, hospice care provides you the chance to help them become more comfortable. You’ll help ease their pain and other symptoms, allowing them a better quality of life for their remaining time.
Hospice care professionals have treatment plans available for targeting symptoms and will provide you with 24/7 support. For this reason, investing in such care is crucial to helping your loved one and the rest of the family come to terms with what’s to come. For the best hospice care in Atlanta, Golden Rule Hospice is the place to go.
We believe in a holistic approach, which is why we provide psychological, spiritual, nursing, and social care. Allow your family member to be cared for by dedicated professionals, ensuring that they live out the rest in comfort. To learn more about our services, contact us at (470) 395-6567.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.