In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care month we want to raise awareness to our services and break the stigma around palliative and hospice care.
A common question we are asked is, “Why hospice?” Many people have very valid questions and concerns surrounding hospice care because there is simply not enough education surrounding it. People ask, “Why would I use hospice? That is giving up, isn’t it?” Or, “Why would I need hospice? My family can care for me.” Or, “Why would I want hospice in a nursing facility?”
We’re here to answer those questions!
Why would I use hospice? That is giving up, isn’t it?
Hospice IS NOT giving up! Hospice is simply another form of medical care focusing on treating symptoms instead of a terminal disease. We DO NOT “take away” everything, we ADD to the services you are entitled to through Medicare.
Why would I need hospice? My family can care for me.
Family members and caregivers do a fabulous job of caring for their loved ones. But, being a caregiver for a loved on is exceptionally difficult. Hospice helps caregivers by providing nursing and aide visits for medical care and bathing. Hospice provides social, mental, emotional and spiritual support by our trained social services and bereavement staff. Hospice care provides respite care to give caregivers a much-needed break for self-care and their own necessities. This is only a few things hospice can do!
Why would I want hospice in a nursing facility?
Often, people think once in a facility they no longer need any extra services. Our question to those individuals is “Why wouldn’t you want extra services?” On top of the care an individual receives from the facility staff, a hospice patient then receives all the other added benefits of a hospice patient: extra nursing visits, extra baths, extra support, 24/7 availability, ability to access the Lucy Smith King Care Center, and so much more! Medicare covers hospice at 100%! So why not?
If you have questions or would like to make a referral, please call 270-826-2326
