Having a family member that has endured a terminal disease for a long time is not easy. Hospice care is an option if the person’s condition has reached a stage where a cure is no longer possible. Nevertheless, not all patients meet the criteria for this health service.
Common diseases for hospice eligibility
The most common disease for hospice eligibility are:
Who can enter a hospice program?
Patients are eligible for Hospice Care when they meet the following:
The illness is terminal, and the patient and their family have decided not to start or continue fighting.
The patient has a declining functional status. For example, they need assistance for three out of six daily activities.
The patient has lost more than 10% of their body weight over the last four to six months.
Observing a notable and documented deterioration in the patient’s overall clinical condition from the past 4 – 6 months.
The patient has had three or more hospitalizations or ER visits over the last four to six months.
These guidelines help physicians determine when their patients meet clinical guidelines for hospice eligibility for life-limiting illnesses.
What services are provided by a hospice care organization?
The following are some of the services offered through hospice:
The main goal of pain management is to help the patient feel comfortable while allowing them to stay in control of and enjoy the remainder of their life.
Help the patient and their family with emotional, psychological, and spiritual issues.
Different patients have different spiritual and religious needs and beliefs.
Most hospice care is home-centered; however, there may be a time when the patient should be temporarily admitted to a hospital or an extended-care facility.
Hospice might schedule regular information meetings, typically led by a social worker or the in-charge nurse, to keep family members informed about their patient’s condition.
Coordination of Care Services
The hospice team ensures that all providers share information to provide adequate care.
The hospice care team will work with loved ones to help them through the grieving process.
At Ascend Hospice Care, we can help you manage this challenging time with dignity and love. With attentive and individualized care, we embrace a personalized and holistic approach, caring for the whole person’s mind, body, and spirit.
