Navigating the complexities of aging and severe illness requires education and support. Cheer Home Care was proud to partner with The Elizabeth Hospice to host a community-focused Lunch and Learn event.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care provides comfort and comprehensive support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life through holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Contrary to popular belief, hospice care isn’t confined to a facility; it can be delivered wherever a person feels most at home.
Elizabeth Hospice has been a trusted nonprofit leader in this field for over 45 years. They offer four distinct types of care: hospice care, palliative care, pediatric care, and grief support. They emphasize that “hospice is for the patient, but also for the family,” ensuring that all those involved receive counseling and resources throughout the end-of-life process.
Benefits of Hospice Care:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Preventing unnecessary hospitalizations
- Grief counseling for families
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: What is the Difference?
While hospice care is designed for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, palliative care is available to anyone managing a serious illness (regardless of prognosis). Palliative care often works alongside curative treatments, focusing on symptom relief and improving quality of life. Patients can transition from palliative to hospice care when curative options are no longer pursued.
Both types of care involved a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors. However, hospice care offers additional personal and practical support, particularly as patients approach the end of life.
Debunking Common Myths About Hospice Care
Misunderstandings about hospice care often prevent individuals from accessing these essential services. Here are some of that stood out to us:
- Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
- Fact: Hospice care is for all individuals with a life-limiting illness. It is not limited to a diagnosis.
- Myth: Hospice only lasts six months.
- Fact: Hospice is for patients who have six months or less, according to a doctor, but it can be extended depending on the course of the particular illness.
When is the Right Time for Hospice?
Choosing hospice care is a personal decision that depends on a patient’s needs and goals. Indicators that it is time to consider hospice includes frequent hospitalizations, difficulty managing symptoms, and a desire to prioritize comfort over curative treatment.
Financial accessibility was another concern for many families. Fortunately, hospice care is often covered 100% under Medicare Part A, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, or private insurance, ensuring services are accessible without additional financial burden.
A Special Emphasis on Grief Support
Elizabeth Hospice extended its services beyond patient care, offering grief support programs for children, adults, and families. These resources are open to the entire community, reflecting their holistic approach to healing and support. To learn more about this program and Elizabeth Hospice, click here.
How Cheer Home Care can provide Hospice Care
Cheer Home Cares hospice care services are designed for individuals with a health prognosis of months rather than years, offering compassionate assistance when curative treatments are no longer effective or have been declined. Whether you’re in independent living, assisted living, or the comfort of your own home, our caregivers are here to help. Learn more about our Hospice Care.
How Cheer Home Care Supports the Community
Cheer Home Care continues to be committed to education and awareness about aging, illness, and caregiving. Through partnerships with organizations like The Elizabeth Hospice, we provided opportunities for caregivers, health professionals, and families to learn about essential topics such as end-of-life care. Explore Cheer Home Care Events.
