Hospice: What You Need to Know

What you need to know about hospice careDeciding on what is best for an elderly loved one or family member is tough. Know the options.

Age and death are morbid topics that have become taboo to talk about openly. With that said, it’s no surprise that many people lack basic knowledge about hospice care. While many people said that they would prefer to die in the comfort of their own homes, three out of four Americans don’t realize that hospice care offers that option.

The idea of hospice is often misunderstood. Take a look at the facts below:

  • Hospice is not a place – It is an approach to caring for someone nearing the end of life. While hospice care can be provided in a freestanding facility, hospital, or nursing home, it’s often offered in the person’s home. Essentially, a hospice ‘team’ comes to you.
  • Entering hospice does not mean that medical care stops – It is medical treatment! Hospice isn’t intended to cure, rather just manage pain or relieve symptoms.
  • Hospice is open to people of any age or condition – People with diseases from Alzheimer’s to AIDs can receive hospice care, as can children. It’s not just for the elderly and cancer patients.
  • Hospice can even accommodate high-level care patients who live alone – The hospice team can arrange home delivery of a hospital bed, oxygen tank, remote monitoring tools, or other needed equipment!
  • A referral to hospice should not be seen as a last resort – When a terminal illness is no longer responding to medical treatment, continuing aggressive care can deplete someone even more. Hospice allows people to choose how they spend their remaining time and pass with dignity, in peace.

Hospice care is a great option for those in need of care and comfort through their final days. Whether you or your loved one needs help, be sure to consider hospice a viable opportunity.

In order to protect your financial future during hospice care or otherwise, be sure to contact Martplan Insurance Agency, serving La Habra and the surrounding areas in California!