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Patient Advocate vs Geriatric Care Manager
Caregiving

Patient Advocate vs Geriatric Care Manager

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

A few weeks ago, a reader asked, “Can you tell me the differences between a geriatric care manager and a patient advocate? I hear the two terms frequently and wonder if they are the same?” Here are the basic differences:

A Patient Advocate can assist anyone of any age – not limited to someone who is elderly, or at least over a ‘certain age,’ as a geriatric case manager would be.

A Geriatric Care Manager does not focus strictly on healthcare. Their work is broader with some emphasis on finances, housing, and other aspects of life that change as we age.

A Geriatric Care Manager serves as stand-in provider when families cannot be around.

The list of tasks include:

  • Conduct care-planning assessments to identify needs.
  • Put a care plan together; executing that plan.
  • Screen and monitor hired personal caregivers.
  • Act as a liaison to families.
  • Assist with moving clients to or from different care settings.
  • Review financial, legal, or medical issues and referring clients to experts.
  • Provide crisis intervention.–Provide client and family education.
  • Visit clients on a regular, routine basis to make sure they are safe, doing well, eating properly, and taking needed medications.
  • Make necessary medical appointments and assure client gets to them.
  • Identify agencies and/or social services and other programs that the client can use.
  • Monitor the elder’s finances and paying bills.

Patient advocates help navigate all areas of the healthcare industry including,

  • Help you research and select the best health insurance.
  • Track paperwork and records.
  • Review medical bills for accuracy.
  • Negotiate medical bills with your providers.
  • File insurance, social security, and disability claims.
  • Dispute and negotiate claim denials.
  • Research diagnosis and all treatment options.
  • Assist you in getting a second opinion.
  • Prepare and accompany you to doctor’s appointments.
  • Provide hospital bedside monitoring.
  • Review your medications.
  • Provide End of Life planning, and assist with the paperwork (i.e. living wills, POST, DNRs, Advance Directives, etc.)
  • Make recommendations for in-home care, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes.

 

The individuals who hire a geriatric care manager include families and adult children of relatives too far away, banks and trust officers, physicians, attorneys, hospitals, social service providers, gerontology professionals, and senior housing communities.

Individuals hire patient advocates when they want help finding a new doctor, in the hospital and have no one nearby to check on them, confused about the medications and concerned about allergic reactions, need help searching and selecting a specialist, need help navigating the clinical trial landscape, or need help securing financial resources for treatments.

Carol Marak, aging advocate, syndicated columnist, and editor at Seniorcare.com. She earned the Fundamentals of Gerontology Certificate from UC Davis, School of Gerontology.

Get on the waitlist for my Facebook subscription group or my weekly newsletter and learn how to plan for aging well. Send an email to carol@seniorcare.com and say you’re interested in the group or newsletter.

 

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Midsection of senior woman at home
Aging

Top Reasons Why Seniors Need A Medical Alert System

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Medical alert systems allow seniors to summon help, literally at the press of a button. This means that they are even easier to use than phones and also easier to carry. There are many reasons why seniors benefit from them. Most of these reasons hinge on three key points.

The elderly are at higher risk of medical emergencies

As the body ages, it slows down. Even the fittest seniors do not have the same reflexes as younger people. It becomes more fragile. In particular, bones become easily damaged. The immune system becomes less robust so even minor ailments like colds can become a major issue. Serious ailments, like COVID19, can be deadly.

Having a medical alert system does not replace the need for general healthcare. Seniors will still need routine checkups with medical professionals. It will, however, ensure that, in an emergency, they can get help immediately they need it.

The fact that the medical alert system goes through to a monitoring facility rather than 911 can encourage seniors to use it even if they’re not sure the situation is an emergency. A trained professional can then speak to the senior about the situation and either guide them to resolve the matter themselves or get them the help they need.

Safety has to be balanced with independence

Families want their seniors to be safe and taken good care of. They do, however, need to recognize and respect the fact that those seniors have, literally, spent their lives taking good care of themselves. Many of them will have taken good care of other people as well. They may very much still value their independence and not be at all ready to give it up just yet.

This can create a challenge for families (and the seniors themselves). They need to find the right level of assistance at the right time and, of course, at the right cost. This last point is a senior’s need for care is likely to increase as they age. This means that making astute savings in a person’s early senior years can prove very useful later.

One way to keep costs down is to use technology as much as possible. Medical alert systems are a great example of this. The assistance they offer is available 24/7/365 but it is only accessed when the senior feels in need of it. That way the senior retains their independence and control, along with their privacy, but still has cost-effective support available to them.

Guaranteed assistance no matter what

Families might love to care for their seniors by themselves. The simple truth of the matter, however, is that most families will have other commitments that may get in the way. Even if they don’t, providing 24/7/365 support is a major logistical challenge.

With the best will in the world, the practicalities of life may end up meaning that the senior cannot get the emergency help they need when they really need it. For example, a person may forget to charge their phone or not wake up when it rings. Medical alert systems, however, are always active and always monitored.

About Suddenly Senior

Suddenly Senior is a top-ranked site with over 4,000 pages of humor, nostalgia, senior advocacy and useful information for seniors 50+. Updates weekly!

For more information, check out their guide and checklist to choosing the best medical alert systems.

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5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
Age-In-Place

5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

As the old saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” That saying holds true for most Americans, but it holds particular meaning for America’s seniors. According to data from the AARP, nearly 90% of American seniors wish to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Even when faced with significant age-related difficulties, most older adults believe that aging in place is important. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
At Visiting Angels, we’ve been helping American seniors age in place for nearly twenty years. Our experience as home care providers has given us unique insight into the reason why seniors prefer aging in place to alternatives like facility living, moving in with a child, or downsizing. Below, we’ve listed the five biggest reasons why our clients value aging in place.

1. Comfort & Familiarity 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

Like anyone else, American seniors feel most comfortable, most safe, and most secure in familiar surroundings. By the time most of us hit retirement age, we’ve been living in the same home and enjoying the same routines for years and years. Disrupting that sense of comfort and familiarity can be deeply disorienting and distressing — especially for seniors who want nothing more than the chance to settle down and enjoy their golden years. Aging in place allows these seniors to stay in the space where they are most able to enjoy their retirement, even when age starts to get in the way.

2. Difficulty of Moving

Moving is difficult, no matter the age of the person moving. Moving is a months-long process that includes finding a new place, selling your old home, sorting through your personal belongings, booking movers, packing, buying new furniture, and on, and on, and on… For many seniors, the time and energy that comes with a move simply isn’t worth the benefits. Even when day-to-day life gets a little bit difficult, aging in place is still the easier option. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

3. Don’t Know Where to Go

Before you move out from one home, you need to find a new one where you will be comfortable. Many seniors simply don’t believe they could find a new home that would be an improvement over their current living situation. In many cases, seniors are unsure whether it would be best to downsize, find a care facility, or move in with a child. While they may have misgivings about living independently through old age, they worry that a move could lower their quality of life.

4. Financial Considerations

Moving is an expensive proposition. Unsurprisingly, a large number of American seniors worry that they can’t afford the costs associated with a move to a new home. While many of these seniors may prefer a move elsewhere, their financial situation keeps them in place. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5. Friends & Family 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

For many seniors, aging in place means being near to friends and family. A move to a new home or a care facility could make it more difficult for these seniors to spend time with the people they care about most. In these cases, prioritizing interpersonal relationships can be a benefit for seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional health, as studies have shown that an active social life comes with a range of health benefits. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who wishes to age in place, but who is starting to struggle with independent living, Visiting Angels can help. Simply contact your local office today for a free consultation about how our caregivers can help your loved one age in place. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

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6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose
Age-In-Place

6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

After retirement, seniors often struggle to find purpose in their lives. Many are surprised at their lack of direction without a Monday-to-Friday job. This lack of motivation can have a damaging effect on seniors’ well-being. Without this sense of purpose, seniors often slip into a sedentary lifestyle. Others find themselves feeling listless, anxious, or depressed. 6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose
At Visiting Angels, we’ve seen how lack of purpose takes a toll on older adults, time and time again. When seniors first get started with a home care assessment, many report feeling a lack of energy, motivation, and direction. When designing a personalized care plan for a client, we often focus on how home care can assuage these feelings.
While there are many ways that home care services can help seniors re-discover purpose in their lives, here are six that we’ve seen work especially well.

1. Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give older adults a sense of purpose and meaning during retirement. However, some seniors feel intimidated if they’ve never volunteered before, or feel uncomfortable in social situations. Other seniors have physical difficulties and need assistance to attend volunteering events. A caregiver’s presence can be helpful in these situations.

2. Taking a Class

A lot of seniors find that retirement is a great time to further their education. Older adults can take the time to learn about subjects that have always held their interest, or can become fluent in a new language they’ve always wanted to learn. Home care services can make it easier for elderly adults to attend classes in person or online.

3. Learning a Skill

While some seniors prefer book learning, others enjoy developing new skills. Some get a kick out of building hands-on skills, like woodworking or refinishing furniture. Others learn computer skills, like coding or building websites. Seniors with creative streaks might find themselves picking up a paintbrush or flexing their writing skills. Whatever the activity, a caregiver’s support and encouragement can often be a crucial boost.

4. Reconnecting Online

Email and social media have made it easier than ever before to reconnect with long-lost friends and communicate across long distances. Unfortunately, many seniors find these tools difficult or intimidating to use. Home care services like Visiting Angels’ social care program connect seniors with caregivers who can help them navigate online spaces.

4. Telling Your Story

Retirement is a particularly ripe time for reflection. Many older adults find themselves with the urge to record their personal history. This creates a cherished document for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. Home care services can give seniors a partner for genealogical research, sorting through old photos, recording important memories, and compiling a personal history.

6. Meaningful Relationships

Sometimes, purpose comes from something as simple as social interaction. Companion care is a type of home care service that pairs seniors who feel lonely or isolated with friendly and compassionate care companions. The conversation, company, and face-to-face contact offered by this type of care can be vital for elderly adults, and caregivers can offer a helping hand when needed.
If you worry that your mom or dad is having trouble finding purpose in their golden years, we invite you to get in touch with your local Visiting Angels. We will be happy to discuss your options for home care services and provide a free, no-obligation assessment. Get started by contacting your local Visiting Angels or by calling 800-365-4189 today. 6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose

6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose

6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose 6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose 6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose 6 Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Rediscover Purpose
 
 

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7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers
Caregiving

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Writing about yourself in the form of a resume is never an easy task. However, it’s an essential part of the job-seeking process and always the first impression you’ll have with a future employer, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s perfect. 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers
The caregiver industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world so if you’re looking for your next job; there’s never been a better time to do so. So you don’t miss out on your next opportunity, here are seven tips you need to know about writing the best resume possible.

Start with Formatting

As with all resumes, the way you format your document is one of the most important aspects to consider, even more so when it comes to caregivers. In this profession, having an eye for detail is a key element that you’ll need to show you have, and what better way to show it than in your resume?
“Before you start writing, start by laying out your resume on your page, adding in the title, your contact details and subheadings for the sections that you’re going to be talking about,” shares Alan Thompson, a resume writer from Academized.

Always Be Honest

When writing your resume, it’s essential that you’re honest in everything you say. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to stretch the truth, so an employer is more likely to hire you, but this is only ever going to backfire in the long-term. As a caregiver, honesty is one of the most important traits you can possess.

Customise Your Resume for Each Job

There’s a standard rule in the world of resume writing that you have to write a new resume, or at least edit your resume, for every single job you apply for, and the same is true for a caregiver’s resume.
When you’re applying for a job, read through the job description and make sure you edit your resume, so the skills you’ve listed first are the closest match to the skills that the company is looking for to maximise your chances of securing an interview.

Include as Much Detail as Possible

As we mentioned above, your resume is likely to be the first impression a company will ever have of you, so you’ll want to make sure that it counts. With this in mind, you need to make sure that you include as much detail as possible in all your sections.
This includes the experience and education sections, so you really highlight what makes you special and suitable for the job role that you’re applying for.

Writing the Perfect Resume

Not everybody is born to be a professional writer and, as a caregiver, the chances are that you probably don’t have time to learn. However, thanks to modern-day technology, there is a wealth of tools out there that can help. Here are a few to get you started;

  • Then VS Than & Grammarix: These are two online blogs you can use to improve your grammar skills for writing your resume.
  • Resume Writing Service: This is a resume-building service where you can use and download templates to follow while writing.
  • Boom Essays: This is an online writing agency with professional writers who can guide you through the resume writing process, as recommended by the HuffingtonPost in Write Me an Essay.
  • State of Writing & My Writing Way: These are online writing websites full of writing guides you can follow when writing your resume.
  • UKWritings: This is an online service you can use to help you improve your interview skills, as suggested by Best Essay Writing Services.
  • Cite It In: A free online tool you can use to add professionally formatted references and quotes to your resume.
  • Essayroo & Assignment Help: These are two custom writing services that can write your resume for you on your behalf.
  • Easy Word Count: A free online tool you can use to track and monitor the word count of your resume.

Include References

Since you’re working with other people and providing them with care, an employer will want to make sure they are getting the perfect person for the job. There’s no better way to prove that you’re capable than getting a reference from a previous employer.
This proves that you have the experience that you say you have and uses the credibility of the last company that you worked for to boost your chances of securing an interview.

Don’t Forget the Basics

There are a few basics you’ll want to remember when it comes to resume writing and it’s vital that you don’t forget them while trying to remember everything else. Firstly, check your contact details to make sure they’re right. You don’t want to have been selected for an interview, only for the employer to find it impossible to get in contact with you.
Secondly, try to keep your resume to a single page, so it’s not overwhelming to the recruiter. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your resume, so it’s free from spelling mistakes and typos.
Mary Walton is an editor at Australian Assignment Writing Service and BigAssignments, tutoring websites that help Aussie students. She blogs on Simple Grad, read her Best Essay Writing Services article there.

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

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Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?
Caregiving

Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

When given the option between convalescing at home and in a nursing home, most people prefer to remain at home and age in place. Besides the familiarity, home is the place where people have lived their lives and created memories with friends and family. Even the smallest house is often viewed by the senior as a comfortable setting that is well-suited for their personal belongings, pets and visitors. Many seniors create a support network of friends and family close to home, and aging in place makes it easier for beneficial bonds to remain strong. The positive emotional bond people have often helps speed their recovery, as long as they receive the therapeutic and support services they require. Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?
Both nursing homes and home care agencies provide the resources and services to increase comfort and assist recovery. They both have the common goal of helping your loved one with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and promoting healthy longevity.

Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical and non-medical care to a population that is primarily elderly or disabled. Facilities are staffed with aides, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs), along with others who provide emotional support, enrichment activities, physical and occupational therapy and pharmacy services. All nursing homes have immediate access to physicians though few have a physician in-house, around the clock. They have full-time kitchens and housekeeping staff, and some provide transportation with vans or buses. Institutional nursing homes normally have all their services under one roof or a short distance away. In-house social activities are planned for residents in all licensed nursing facilities. Many also have libraries, recreation areas and entertainment scheduled for holidays or special occasions.

Home Care

Licensed skilled nursing agencies care for home-bound individuals. They provide services ranging from companionship and cleaning to skilled nursing care. Visits to the home can be scheduled on an hourly basis, daily or overnight, as the need and budget allow. Most home care agencies also work to maintain consistent care and encourage bonding by scheduling the same nurses or caregivers with the same seniors whenever possible. Some seniors utilize these services immediately after discharge from the hospital, and many continue to access services on a longer-term basis once rehabilitation is complete. Families also benefit from homecare as it provides them with professional assistance called respite care so they can spend time away from their loved ones with confidence knowing the senior is in expert hands.

Final Considerations

Choosing between a nursing home and home care services can be a matter of physical needs or personal preference. The goal of each is to better the patient’s comfort level, and when possible, achieve independent living. Which you choose for yourself or a loved one needs to be thought through carefully based on physical and emotional needs as well as both short term and long term goals.

By Christine Day – While Christine’s main passion is nursing, on her off days she enjoys writing for Salus Homecare. Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference? Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference? Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference? Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

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Senior woman with tender caregiver
Caregiving

What Are the Responsibilities of a Caregiver?

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

When people get sick, become aged or disabled, and can’t help themselves, there is a need to provide them with proper medical care. However, the right medication is not enough to care either at home or at the hospital.

Whether it’s respite services or an emotional support companion, caregivers with the best understanding of caregiving practices will use their skills to offer extra support. They work with the agency’s standards to ensure clients get excellent care.

Who is a Caregiver?

A caregiver helps the sick, the elderly, the disabled, or children by giving care. A care provider ensures that clients get help during daily activities.

Responsibilities of a Caregiver

Caregivers have many duties to perform when caring for patients. They ensure a client’s comfort and a great feeling about life.

1. Personal Care

Whether you are elderly, sick, or disabled, a caregiver will offer excellent personal care when changing clothes, brushing teeth, taking baths, writing a memoir, etc. Some patients may find it tiresome to do the activities themselves. A caregiver prepares patients to face their days with confidence and comfort.

2. Food Preparation

Caregivers plan and prepare meals for their patients. In their sick or old days, many patients find difficulty in following their diets. In their positions, they can’t create tasty and nutritious meals.

Caregivers have enough training in meal planning and food preparation depending on every client’s needs. They handle interactions that certain foods may have with the patient’s medication. Also, they observe allergies and plan highly nutritious meals for their patients.

3. Offering Companionship

Caregivers ensure patients stay happy during their sick or old days. Even though patients may get family visits, they may need someone by their sides all the time.

Caregivers are more than helpers. They offer reliable, excellent, and constant companionship to their patients. Also, they provide more fun ideas to refresh patients’ minds by organizing great activities. This way, patients get all the emotional help they need leading to a great life experience.

4. Providing Medication Management

As the elderly continue to age, they need someone to help them with their medications. Because they can easily forget when and how to consume their pills, caregivers come in handy to help.

Care providers assist in monitoring medications. A home caregiver works diligently with medical personnel to ensure that patients take each medication properly. Moreover, caregivers help their clients take their medicines by providing the prescribed pills at the required times.

5. Providing Transportation

A qualified caregiver with a driver’s license takes care of the patient’s transportation needs. Whether the patients are going for hospital appointments or other important outgoing activities, care providers will drive them safely.

Additionally, a caregiver helps patients who use wheelchairs. A care provider has to push the sick and help them get off and on their wheelchair safely.

6. Running Errands

Because the elderly and the sick cannot handle most daily activities, they need help from care providers. Caregivers perform all other operations, such as going shopping, doing house chores, etc.

7. Offering General Health Care

Qualified caregivers perform primary care and health monitoring. They follow a health plan to observe any changes in the patients’ health, document, and report. They consult with the medical team to decide on a course of action.

8. Offering Family Support

During sickness and aging times, family members find difficulty in accepting the situation. Caregivers give support to patients and their families. A care provider offers excellent ideas on how to make family life better.

Conclusion

While caring for patients, a caregiver maintains personal and professional boundaries. It helps in strengthening the relationship with the patient.

 

Author bio:

Hayden Smith is a competent SEO content writer specializing in blog writing, ghostwriting, and copywriting services. He takes pride in providing SEO optimized, engaging, and high-quality digital marketing content for both B2B and B2C clients. His content writing strategy will increase your blog or website’s attention on social media and search engine ranking. He can do it all, from SEO blog writing, writing a memoir, and health/wellness articles.

 

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Granddaughter Visiting Grandparents In Lounge Of Retirement Home
Housing Tips

Moving Aging Parents into Your House

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Are you considering moving an aging parent into your home? For some, moving parents into an adult child’s home is an optimal solution for everyone involved, but there are things to keep in mind to secure a smooth transition.

Benefits of Living with Your Elderly Parents

Some families find living with multiple generations is beneficial for everyone. For an aging parent, it can help to decrease feelings of isolation. And adult children can welcome the support of another adult while raising their own young children.

Even if you are looking forward to transitioning your parents from their own home into yours, remember to think of others involved. The move will have an impact on your spouse and children as well. It might also bring up issues with your siblings. Talk the transition through with everyone who is impacted.

Finances Are Part of the Equation

When we are dealing with our families and our emotions, often people ignore financial aspects to a decision. And finances when moving aging parents can mean a lot of different things, from adjusting work schedules to remodeling your home.

Do you have enough space for your parents to move into your home? Will you need to add an additional bedroom or bathroom? When thinking of questions like these, calculate what the costs will be and if you can afford the expenses. From there, discuss with your parent (and your siblings, when applicable) if a portion of their income will be added to your household budget. In fact, you may need to help your parent with their finances.

Once you begin this discussion, you can add other thoughts that weigh on your mind, too. From if your parent is anticipating joining you and your spouse on vacations and what the rules of the house will be.

Home Renovations When Moving Aging Parents

For aging adults, certain home items are needed to be comfortable and safe. For example, if a wheelchair is needed (either immediately or if it is an anticipated need in the next six months to a year), ramps and expanded doorways may be a necessity. Senior.com can help you find the right equipment to make your home safe for seniors.

Some adjustments won’t need a renovation but will need an experienced handyman who knows what is needed, from grab bars in bathrooms to adjusting light fixtures to be accessible for everyone in the family.

There are a lot of factors that go into making a big decision such as deciding it’s time for moving your aging parent into your home. Talk through your concerns with a professional.

Discussing your fears can also bring new things to light you hadn’t considered. Some find there is stress involved with day-to-day care. Grocery shopping, cooking, washing clothes, cutting hair, watching over decisions and possibly managing medications can take a toll.

Multigenerational families can be a wonderful experience, but there are stresses involved. Go into the agreement with your parents honestly. Talk through the decision with your spouse and your children. Be sure your siblings are on board, too.

Shop Senior.com for Aging at Home Products

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Caregiving

Does Going on Hospice Mean Giving Up?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Hospice is a special kind of care focused on providing patients with a terminal illness comfort and dignity as their disease takes its course. Because hospice means that treatment will no longer be focused on curing the disease, many families feel that they are giving up on their loved one. While it may be easy to think that, understanding what hospice provides in the context of the patient, their family, and the overall disease progression can provide a new perspective on choosing hospice.

Things to consider about hospice:

A doctor will only place an order for hospice care when they believe curative programs have done all they can. In some cases providing curative treatments to terminal patients can bring added stress and discomfort while hospice will ensure a more comfortable path to the disease’s eventual conclusion.

In some cases, the reduction of stress and strain can actually give patients more time.*

Hospice provides extra help and resources to the family, allowing them to better use the time they have with their loved one and reduce some financial burdens of care.

Many special hospice programs are focused on dignity in death, meaning that the last memories of a loved one can be much happier.

There are many positive reasons for accepting a suggestion of hospice care. To hear a doctor discuss why choosing hospice does not mean giving up, visit this page.

* A 2007 study that looked at Medicare beneficiaries with some of the most common diagnoses leading to death, found that patients who received hospice services lived on average, 29 days longer than those who did not receive hospice care. This study, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (March 2007) looked at 4,493 terminally ill patients with either congestive heart failure or cancer of the breast, colon, lung, pancreas, or prostate.

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