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Hospice is a service that helps individuals in the end stages of terminal conditions maintain quality of life. For HIV-positive patients, this service provides comfort and helps ease the severity of symptoms. If you have a loved one with this illness who isn’t responding well to treatment, find out more information about this option with the helpful guide below.

4 Common Questions About Hospice for HIV

When is the right time to consider this option?

Every patient is unique, and doctors often help families decide when the service should be introduced.

In general, this is recommended for those with life expectancies of up to six months. This determination may be based on low CD4, or white blood cell, counts which indicate the person’s immune system isn’t improving with antiviral treatments. Multiple medical emergencies or hospitalizations, and the development of secondary life-threatening conditions, such as certain types of cancer or heart disease, may also lead to a need for hospice.

What services are provided?

hospiceHospice providers oversee the control of symptoms and pain levels. They provide hands-on assistance around the clock and will tailor their services to the unique needs and expectations of the patient and their family. Plus, they can advocate on the patient’s behalf to ensure they get the help they need from physicians, and may also offer emotional and spiritual support if desired.

How is this helpful to the patient?

Hospice ensures a high quality of care in a person’s home, which is where they’ll be most comfortable. This also helps prevent pain, and ensures the patient has access to all of the medications, devices, and supplies they need at all times.

How will this benefit the family?

Caregivers offer emotional support to family members of the affected person, and may also help them navigate challenging decisions by providing information about their loved one’s condition. They can also provide respite care, ensuring someone is always available to oversee their family member’s needs when they can’t be there or need a break.

 

If you have a loved one with a terminal illness, turn to Lifetime Care to discuss hospice care options. With five locations, this organization serves Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties in New York. Their hospice service includes nursing care for pain and symptom management, 24-hour emergency on-call support for patients and families, and education for primary caregivers. They’re committed to finding the best caregiver to meet the unique needs of each of their clients. Learn more about hospice care online or call (585) 214-1000 to discuss your loved one’s needs.

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