Hospice Care Helps Patients and Families Focus on Living 

 

One of the most important things that people need to learn is that hospice helps patients and families focus on living.

 

This surprises some people! 

 

Many Americans mistakenly think that hospice is a place you go when there’s nothing left to be done to treat an illness. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

For well over 30 years, hospice care has improved the quality of life for people facing an illness that cannot be cured—and their family caregivers.

 

Palliative (comfort) care provides comfort and support at any stage of a serious illness, from diagnosis on.

 

The hospice care team, made up of skilled professionals and trained volunteers, provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to best enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

 

Research from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has found that families report a better quality of life for a loved one who received hospice care.

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There is additional research that further surprises people. Studies have shown that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care and research demonstrate that hospice saves Medicare money. But those are not the reasons for a family to choose hospice care services. With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what’s most important – enjoying life together and living as fully as possible. That’s why you choose hospice.

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If you or a loved one are facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now. There is more that can be done. For more information, contact the nearest location of BSA Hospice of the Southwest, visit www.caringinfo.org, or call the National HelpLine at 800-658-8898.

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This information is provided by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and BSA Hospice of the Southwest.