There’s no easy way to face a terminal illness, but for your senior loved one, hospice care could lighten the burden. Defined as health care tailored to ease suffering and pain, hospice helps seniors feel comfortable and peaceful in the last stages of their lives. If you’re wondering whether it’s a good choice for your loved one, consult the frequently asked questions below.

What to Know About Hospice Care

Who can get hospice care?

Your senior loved one can get hospice care if they’ve developed a terminal illness and expect to pass away within six months. They may also qualify if they want to stop treating or trying to cure a serious illness, such as kidney failure.

What can your senior loved one expect during their stay?

A home health care agency will create a plan of care designed to alleviate symptoms of the illness and help your loved one with everyday tasks. Doctors and nurses will provide medical care, including prescribed medications and speech or physical therapy. 

A plan of care will include provisions for emotional and spiritual wellness as well. For example, chaplains, social workers, and counselors may assist with helping you and your loved one make peace with the situation. Caregivers also act as companions to ease loneliness or stress.

How can you support them?

If you can afford time away from work and other responsibilities, stay home part-time or full-time with your senior loved one and help with carrying out the plan of care.

If possible, invest in supplies that may help them, such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, ventilators, blood pressure monitors, and bedside commodes. Most importantly, boost your loved one’s emotional state and create precious memories by spending as much quality time together as you can.

What particular services do hospice caregivers provide?

Although a medical team provides medications and equipment intended to relieve pain and enhance mobility, hospice caregivers focus on palliative care. They’ll be available 24/7 to help with errands, do chores, cook meals, assist with bathing and grooming, address any problems that arise, and generally keep your loved one comfortable. If you’ve been caring for your loved one, they can also offer respite care so that you can get a few days of rest.

Following your loved one’s passing, they’ll provide assistance with funeral arrangements and bereavement counseling. When necessary, they’ll refer you to medical professions to help you cope with the grieving process.

Your loved one can enjoy peaceful hospice care at Central Illinois Care Services. Based in Glen Carbon, IL, their compassionate and diligent staff undergo thorough training with the Care Academy. They formulate personalized treatment plans for every situation, prioritizing their patients’ happiness, dignity, and satisfaction above all else. To learn about details about their services, call (618) 391-7138 or explore their website.