If you're feeling overwhelmed and like there's no way you can make it through the illness or death of a loved one, then hospice may be the right choice for you. Hospice is a specialized form of palliative care that provides comfort and support to people who are facing a terminal illness.
Hospice is designed to help patients and their families deal with the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges of illness and death. It offers patients the opportunity to gradually adjust to their situation by focusing on relieving pain and symptoms, engaging in regular activities, and maintaining an adequate level of nutrition and hydration. Hospice also helps families prepare for the final stages of their loved one's illness.
The decision to choose hospice is ultimately up to each individual person, but if you're at all considering it, there are several things you should know:
- Hospice care generally lasts six months or longer, but it can vary depending on the individual patient's needs.
- There is no cost associated with receiving hospices services; they are funded by government agencies or private organizations.
- If you decide to pursue hospice care, be sure to discuss it with your doctor first in order to ensure that your condition qualifies as a terminal illness. Learn More: when to call hospice
