When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, hospice care in Las Vegas may be the ideal route for providing compassionate care for the patient and family. It’s important to know how to make this experience as comfortable as possible for everyone involved. Here are five tips for hospice care in Las Vegas that can make the journey more manageable. 

1. Create a Support System

When a patient enters hospice care in Las Vegas, a network of support is essential to ensure that all their needs are met. This includes family and friends who are willing to assist with transportation, errands, and emotional support. Depending on the situation, some organizations also offer programs that allow volunteers to provide emotional and spiritual support. 

At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, volunteers have a wide range of opportunities to provide much-needed support and care. They can provide companionship and support to patients, as well as offer assistance with errands and light housekeeping. Volunteers also have the opportunity to provide administrative assistance with activities such as filing or sending magazines or even offer emotional support through card writing. 

Potential volunteers at ProCare Hospice of Nevada, must fill out an application and attend an information session. Once accepted, volunteers will be trained in order to provide the best quality care for their patients.

2. Set Up a Smooth Transition 

When making the transition to hospice care in Las Vegas, make sure that the patient’s doctor or care team is included. Ensure that all key information is passed on to the Las Vegas hospice team and any required transition paperwork is completed. 

ProCare Hospice of Nevada provides a dedicated transition coordinator to ensure that the transition from one form of care to another is smooth and seamless. The transition coordinator will work with the patient’s doctor or care team to ensure that all key information is passed on, and will ensure that all relevant forms and paperwork are completed. Additionally, ProCare Hospice of Nevada offers a comprehensive support system for both patients and family members through their social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.

3. Understand Hospice Benefits 

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the hospice services available, as well as the types of coverage that are offered by different organizations and health insurance plans. For example, Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance often cover Las Vegas hospice services, but these plans may differ from state to state. 

In addition to medical care, social services, and counseling services, Las Vegas hospice plans typically cover the cost of medical equipment and supplies that are necessary for end-of-life care, as well as bereavement services to provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for family and friends. Other services such as respite care may be available, which provides temporary relief for the patient’s primary family caregiver. 

In some cases, hospice services may also be covered by supplemental insurance plans or other third-party funding sources, such as charities or non-profits. When considering hospice care, it is important to review all available options to determine the best plan for your needs.

4. Consider Available Resources

Hospice care in Las Vegas often involves a variety of resources and treatments, so it’s important to research and consider these options. Pain management, palliative care, and spiritual care are just a few of the possible treatments available. It’s also useful to know about support communities for the patient and the family, as well as additional homecare services and financial resources. 

Other resources available in hospice care include home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors. Home health aides provide physical care and assist with everyday tasks such as meal preparation and feeding, bathing, and dressing. Social workers help with difficult conversations, financial issues, and other practical concerns. Chaplains provide emotional, spiritual, and psychological support. Bereavement counselors provide understanding and support to the family during the stressful weeks and months that follow a loved one’s death. 

Depending on the Las Vegas hospice provider, additional services such as massage therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and art therapy may also be available. In addition, financial aid may be available to families in need. Lastly, Las Vegas hospice facilities also often provide around-the-clock support and information to families so they can make the most of the time they have with their loved one.

5. Ask Questions 

Making the transition to hospice care can be a difficult process, so asking questions is essential. This is especially true if you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. The Las Vegas hospice team and your doctor should be able to provide any information you require on potential treatments, resources, and other pertinent topics. 

When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, hospice care offers a compassionate and supportive alternative to traditional care. Though the process can be overwhelming, following the tips for hospice care discussed above can help make it a smoother transition for all involved. Creating a support system, understanding benefits, considering available resources, and asking questions are key steps in helping make the experience as comfortable and manageable as possible.

Join ProCare Hospice of Nevada today and become part of a supportive network of volunteers to help those on the cusp of life-limiting illness. Offering your time, skill, and heart can bring light into someone’s life during a difficult time. You don’t have to do it alone; contact ProCare Hospice of Nevada and start making a difference. You can reach us at (702) 380-8300 or write to us using this online form.