A grim reality of the human life cycle is that everyone will get old. The body will decay and betray you, while the mind may confuse or mislead you. When that time comes, assistance is available in the form of various inpatient and outpatient medical treatments, as well as counseling services.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it is normal to want to throw in the towel. However, if it feels like you have exhausted all treatment options, hospice care may be your best last resort. Read on to find out how hospice care works and how it can provide comfort and support to you and the people in your life who matter most.
What is it?
Hospice care is a style of health care that is geared toward people nearing the end of their life, usually with some form of terminal illness. These types of care services are provided by a team of medical professionals who strive to maximize comfort for terminally ill patients by reducing pain. This is done by addressing the full spectrum of physical, psychological, social and spiritual concerns that a patient may have.
Hospice care significantly differs from that of standard medical care, because it is not attempting to cure the underlying condition or illness troubling a patient. The primary goal is to encourage the highest quality of life possible for the remainder of a patient’s time with their family.
Who can benefit?
This style of medical care is designed for a terminally ill individual whose remaining life expectancy is typically six months or less. Of course, care will continue to be provided if a patient’s life expectancy is longer than this, as long as the primary care physician is able to certify that the condition is still life-limiting.
Hospice care has been shown to help people with diseases like cancer, heart disease, dementia and kidney failure feel better and live longer.
Where can you find it?
Hospice is available with inpatient and outpatient care structures. Most hospice care is provided in the patient’s home as outpatient care. This form of hospice care is a pleasant option for a patient if he or she would prefer to receive care in the comfort of a familiar environment, with a family remember typically serving as the primary caregiver. Inpatient care, which is when the patient resides in a hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility, may be more ideal if committing to a full-time care schedule is out of the question.
No matter what option you and your family choose, remember to be flexible and remain realistic. Checking in to or out of different types of facilities may be necessary to maintain the extended health of you or your loved one.
If you feel hospice care is a good fit you you and your family, ProCare Hospice of Nevada may be the right choice. The nurses and staff are dedicated to providing comfort and support to all the patients. They strive to give patients the best experience possible. For more information about Las Vegas hospice services, contact 702.380.8300.
Back To Top
