When you have a loved one that suffers from a terminal illness, it is a vast understatement to say that things are just difficult.
Sometimes you’re the only person available to help them. While looking after a family member can be rewarding, it requires careful assistance, especially if the patient is a senior.
Seniors often need a caregiver to help them with specific tasks, such as getting to places, remembering to take their medication, and eating a meal.
If you’ve assumed the role of caregiver for someone, then we want to say: thank you! Not only are you helping a person that dearly needs it; but, by being with a patient, you have the ability to make them happier and healthier.
We understand that a person must take on the caregiver role for multiple reasons. For example, you may not have an available person to offer care at home, or you're the only one who can financially support the patient.
Whatever your case may be, one common theme that ties many family caregivers is the overwhelming feeling of not having the proper tools or qualifications.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources that can help in your caregiving journey! Hospice care is a special care plan that focuses on the quality of life for a terminally ill patient and their caregiver.
Hospice care assists the patient and caregiver by giving them access to multiple services, allowing the patient to receive proper care, so the family caregiver does not have to perform much strenuous work.
You probably have a long list of questions and don’t even know where to start in your journey to finding hospice care. Don’t worry. After reading this, you should feel more prepared and comfortable to find support.
1. What is Hospice Care at Home?
Some see hospice care as “giving up.” Yet, this idea couldn’t be further from the truth.
Hospice care seeks to improve the patient and caregiver’s quality of life, but there is more to this service than that. The hospice philosophy does not give up on life. Instead, hospice strongly asserts the value of life without hastening or postponing death.
2. Different Forms of Care
A hospice team addresses any physical, psychosocial, and spiritual distress from the patient, caregiver, and other family members.
For instance, a hospice nurse or social worker holds regularly scheduled meetings for family and friends of the patient. These meetings give each person a chance to share their feelings and ask questions.
Hospice services give friends and family a break from caregiving, as well. Taking care of a terminally ill patient can be a physically and mentally draining task. So, hospice allows everyone to have up to five days of relaxation. The patient is cared for in either the hospice facility, a nursing home, or a hospital. Meanwhile, the patient’s family and friends are free to relax and plan activities until the respite care period is over.
3. Home Hospice
We understand if you feel anxious by the thought of your loved one being surrounded by other people in a nursing home. In order to ease your mind, hospice patients can be treated in the comfort of your home and regularly scheduled meetings can be held at the caregiver’s house.
When you want to see your loved one but are too busy with work around the house, hospice can help with that! The hospice team enlists passionate volunteers to assist you with light chores, like cooking, cleaning, or picking up dry cleaning. Domestic duties are, ultimately, your responsibility; but hospice is always willing to take some of the “weight” off your shoulders, so you can have time to focus on the patient.
4. Palliative Care vs Hospice Care
One common misconception is the idea that palliative care and hospice care are the same. Though palliative care is often included in hospice services, these care plans are different. So, what is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Hospice care is reserved for patients who have six months or less to live. These patients’ illnesses cannot be cured or treated. On the other hand, palliative care can be provided during any stage of a person’s illness and the patient receives active treatment.
5. Who Pays for Hospice Care at Home?
Medicare, Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits, and Medicaid cover hospice care. If you are with a private health insurance company, it’s best to talk with them since their plans vary in terms of coverage. People –– who are uninsured or do not have a sufficient coverage plan –– can receive help from some hospice organizations. Due to money from donations, grants, or other sources, certain organizations can offer hospice care at no cost or a reduced rate.
Hospice is Here to Help!
Taking the time to assist your loved one every day is a noble, challenging, and rewarding task. Not only are you spending long hours looking after them, but you’re also allowing the patient to experience a sense of tranquility. Caregiving can be a physically and mentally draining task, so asking for help is encouraged!
Multiple qualified workers, like a hospice team, provide an efficient way to take care of the patient, your family, and yourself. With this in mind, we advise you to consider what your friends, family, and the patient have to say about hospice care. Feel free to research a care plan and to find any local hospice help in your area, too.
Show Your Support
Finding something for your loved one to eat can be tough. Often times, seniors are not hungry or are unable to eat much. Even children find it hard to stomach something during their hospice treatment. This is where the EATBar comes in. The EATBar is delicious and simple comfort food, which is designed to melt in your mouth.
When you’re struggling to find food for your loved one, theEATBar serves as a pleasurable treat for everyone. It also gives your patient an easy-to-eat snack with delicious flavors, like dark chocolate, strawberry, vanilla chocolate, and lemon. What makes theEATBar perfect is its nut-free and made with gluten-free ingredients!
Pro-Tip: Use the discount code BLOG15 for a 15% off your next order!
Learn about theEATBar through our blog. Don’t forget to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding our product.