The decision to put your loved one in hospice care is yours. It’s not easy, but it’s important to remember: hospice and palliative care were made to provide comfort. With home hospice care, your loved one will have each of their needs looked over by qualified caregivers. In the comfort of their own homes, your loved one will receive treatment for pain, assistance with daily tasks, and emotional support. The question remains, though, of when to make the call. Here are three signs to watch for.

1. Terminal Disease

Nobody wants to believe that their loved one may be heading into the last days of their life. If they have six months or less to live, though, home hospice care is the best way to make their remaining time as easy as possible. Their transition from hospital to hospice care is best done sooner rather than later. Early action helps hospice caregivers figure out and deliver the best quality care for your loved one.

2. Refusal of Care

Sometimes our loved ones don’t need to be told their condition is terminal. They may sense and make peace with it, deciding not to prolong the process. This is often the case with Parkinson’s disease or other age-related illnesses. You have the right to respect this wish and take them home—but refusing care doesn’t need to mean refusing comfort. Home hospice care will allow your loved one to live out the rest of their days to the fullest.

3. Progressive Decline

Despite physicians’ best efforts, your loved one might not be recovering. They might be losing weight fast, feel pain, or require repeat hospitalization. Your doctor might not sit you down to discuss their prospects until you ask them about it. Depending on their answer, you might consider switching your priority from cure to comfort.

Advantage Home Health & Hospice provides in-home hospice care to the LeFlore, OK, area. If you’re considering hospice care for your loved one, make sure to talk to their doctor about what options would be best. Call Advantage Home Health & Hospice at (918) 647-0653 or visit their website for more information.