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What Makes

Hospice Different?

Hospice care can dramatically and positively impact quality of life, during end of life care. The goal of hospice care is to empower the individual by providing knowledge and information to facilitate decision-making and provide the individual assistance and support thus allowing them to live as fully as possible until the end of their life with minimal pain and discomfort.
Our clinical personnel are experts on pain control and symptom management. They are committed to both patient and caregiver education and support.
Counseling and spiritual support is available to the patient as well as the family member.
We provide tailored spiritual support that is based on the patient’s religion, values and beliefs.
Bereavement support for up to 12 months after a loved one passes.

Responsibility

We operate with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to value for customers, shareholders, communities, and future generations.

Integrity

We only make promises we can keep, and we back them with unwavering passion, high ethics, and professional standards.

Professionalism

We strive for excellence by fostering continuous improvement, professional growth, and a respectful work environment.

Respect

We appreciate diverse experts from various backgrounds to enhance our operational excellence and establish new quality standards.

Lets help you make the right decision

Is It Time For Hospice?

While it’s challenging to identify the exact decisions and commitments for your loved ones during their end-of-life process, certain factors can point you toward the need for hospice care. These signs and conditions include the following:

The rapid decline in health over the past 6-12 months, despite aggressive medical treatments.
Inability to perform activities of daily living; such as bathing, dressing, eating, ambulating and other day to day tasks.
Frequent hospitalizations or trips to the Emergency Department.
Physical symptoms such low appetite, significant weight loss, general weakness, gait issues, immobility
Signs of increasing illness such as uncontrolled pain and frequent infections, which cause further decline.
Desire to focus on the quality of life rather than continued treatments. Symptom management during end of life care.

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Interesting key-points on Hospice Care

Do Hospice patients live longer?

Hospice care focuses on pain and symptom management, including anxiety and depression, to improve quality of life for the patient and the whole family.

The truth about hospice care is that we are here to help patients live as well as possible for as long as possible. We might anticipate death as a reality but we are not here to hasten it. We can’t alter the fact that the patient is declining. It’s the disease that’s causing it, but there’s no reason for anyone to suffer in pain and in fear for too often and for too long.

People are most fearful about suffering at the end of life. They know they’re going to pass,, but they don’t want to suffer, and that’s why medications and support measures are provided to ensure that the patient’s pain and symptoms are managed at the end of life. Hospice care is designed to provide the support and care and therefore improve quality of life even during the last days.

Since patients are often referred to us late in their illness, many people assume that hospice care is only for the final days of life and that enrolling in hospice means death is imminent, occurring within a few days.

Hospice care benefits the patient and family. It gives them a dedicated care team consisting of a physician, skilled nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, and volunteer. The focus is on caring for the patient holistically. The team also provides education and support for the family. Assistance is available 24/7 – nights, weekends, and even on holidays.

End of life preparation and planning

Many people find it difficult to talk about or plan their end-of-life care, but most have strong opinions about how they would want to be treated and cared for in their final months, weeks and days.

The most reliable way to ensure your end-of-life wishes are honored by establishing an advance directive: An advance directive is a legal document that spells out for family members and healthcare providers the types of care and interventions the patient or the family prefers to be performed during a health crisis or incident. Not only will advance care planning legally define your end-of-life requests, but it will also avert crises and ease the decision-making burden for your family,caregivers, physicians and the rest of the healthcare team.

Living Wills
Advance Directives
DNR approvals
End of life conversations
Roles of caregivers and family members

A key factor that should guide decisions about particular procedures and services at the end of life, based on the patient’s wishes. Patients who desire quality end of life care often want to be freed by tubes and equipment in their final hours, allowing them to be naturally and physically intimate to their family members and able to receive the type of comfort they desire.

Family members and caregivers play an important role by supporting a loved one through the dying process:

If the patient can still eat or drink, offer small sips of water/liquids, ice chips, chopped or soft food in minimal amounts. Take cues from the patient when to stop and when to keep on feeding.
If the patient can no longer drink, keep the lips and mouth moist with swabs, cotton or even moisturizers..
If the patient can no longer eat or refuses to eat, provide alternative forms of nourishment: conversation, physical touch, music, singing, poetry, humor, gentle massage, reading, prayers or other acts of service and care.

Grief and Bereavement

What is Grief?

Grief is a normal reaction to losing someone you love. Each person grieves differently and there is no timeline for how long it takes before the hurt of loss lessens.

Five Stages of Grief

The stages of grief are commonly understood through the framework established by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. While not everyone experiences grief in a linear fashion or through all these stages, the model provides a useful framework for understanding the emotional journey that many people go through when dealing with loss

Stage 01

Denial

When you first hear the diagnosis, you may deny its accuracy, continue to expect your loved one to get better, or convince yourself that the symptoms you’re seeing are false and have no finality.

This stage involves disbelief and shock. Individuals may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss, often feeling numb or detached. Denial serves as a temporary defense mechanism that helps people cope with the immediate aftermath of loss.

Stage 02

Anger

You may be angry with the person or with the disease itself. You may easily become frustrated or feel abandoned and resentful. You may tend to blame other people, oneself and other circumstances that may be of a cause to the health condition or disease.

As the individual starts to recognize that the loss is real, feelings of frustration and helplessness can turn into anger. This anger may be directed at others, oneself, or even the person who has died. It can also be directed at the situation or at a higher power.

Stage 03

Guilt and Bargaining

If you are a caregiver, you may feel guilty about taking breaks. You may regret previous actions, or harbor negative thoughts about your loved one.

In this stage, individuals may try to make deals or bargains with themselves or a higher power in an attempt to reverse or lessen the impact of the loss. This often involves thoughts of “if only” or “what if” scenarios.

Stage 04

Depression or sadness

Caregivers may lose hope, withhold their emotions or even withdraw from social activities.

This stage involves deep sadness and despair as the individual comes to terms with the finality of the loss. It may include feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and overwhelming sorrow. Depression during grief can be particularly intense and may affect one’s ability to function.

Stage 05

Acceptance

This occurs when the patient’s loved ones ultimately acknowledge the diagnosis. During the acceptance phase, it’s possible you can find meaning in caring for their loved one. You can learn to enjoy the remaining time you have together and make every single day worthwhile and memorable.

Acceptance is about coming to terms with the reality of the loss. It doesn’t mean that one is “over” the grief or that they no longer feel pain, but rather that they have reached a point of peace and can start to move forward. Acceptance often involves adjusting to life without the loved one or integrating the loss into one’s life.

Some Common Medical Conditions Under Hospice Care

In hospice care, patients are typically dealing with terminal illnesses where the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life. Common conditions include:

Cancer

Advanced stages of various cancers can lead to symptoms that are managed in hospice care.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Severe COPD can make breathing difficult, requiring palliative care.

Heart Failure

End-stage heart failure can lead to significant symptoms and complications managed in hospice.

Kidney Disease

Advanced chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease may require hospice care when treatment options are no longer viable.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can progress to a point where hospice care becomes appropriate.

Stroke

Severe strokes that result in significant disability or complications might lead to hospice care.

Liver Disease

End-stage liver disease or cirrhosis can require palliative care for symptom management.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions often referred to as psychotic disorders, are mental health problems characterized by a disconnection from reality. This can manifest in various ways, but typically involves symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs), and disorganized thinking or speech

Hospice care aims to provide support, manage symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with these and other terminal illnesses.

Why Do People Not Choose Hospice?

Because many misconceptions about hospice exist, as well as a general lack of awareness of its benefits and services, many patients fail to enter hospice at all, which leads to the underutilization of this specialized form of medical care.

Common misconceptions that stop people from referring themselves or a loved one to hospice include:

Hospice care is seen as giving up: Many people feel that hospice care is only about death and preparing to die. This belief causes many people to feel scared about hospice, as though it is a place where people are simply "waiting to die" rather than receiving palliative care to improve their quality of life.
Hospice is for people whose death is hours or days away: Hospice care can be accessed up to six months before a person is expected to die. Many hospices also provide opportunities for extended care. Also, research shows that hospice patients tend to live longer than patients with similar conditions who do not receive hospice care.1
Once a person enters hospice care, they cannot leave: Hospice care is entirely at will. If a patient decides that they no longer wish to receive hospice care, they are free to leave without penalty. Should they decide to re-admit themselves to hospice, re-enrollment is typically permitted so long as they are still medically eligible.
Hospice requires a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order: The goal of hospice is to provide patients with the comfort and care they need to experience a peaceful death. A DNR is the patient's decision. Even if you do not sign one, you can still receive hospice care.
Hospice care is only for the elderly: Hospice care is available for any person of any age who has received a prognosis of six months or less to live.

Summary
The pros and cons of entering hospice can vary for you or a loved one depending on your unique needs and/or situation. When considering hospice, keep in mind that hospice does not include treatments aimed at curing an illness or prolonging life. The focus of hospice care is to provide pain and symptom management, allowing patients to experience a comfortable, peaceful death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers you are looking for

What is hospice care?

Hospice care is specialized medical care designed to provide comfort and support for people who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. It focuses on improving the quality of life rather than curing the illness. The care is typically provided at home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital.

Who is eligible for hospice care?

Hospice care is generally available for individuals with a terminal illness who are expected to have six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course. Eligibility is determined based on medical assessments by healthcare professionals.

What services are provided in hospice care?

Hospice care includes a range of services such as:

Pain and symptom management
Emotional and psychological support
Spiritual care
Assistance with daily activities
Support for family members and caregivers
Bereavement support

How is hospice care paid for?

Hospice care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. Coverage typically includes all services related to hospice care, including medical equipment, medications for symptom relief, and support services.

Can hospice care be stopped or resumed?

Yes, hospice care can be stopped and resumed. If a patient’s condition improves or if the patient and family decide to seek curative treatments, hospice care can be discontinued. Conversely, if the patient’s condition worsens, hospice care can be resumed or re-evaluated.

What role do family members play in hospice care?

Family members are crucial in hospice care. They are often involved in providing daily care, making decisions about the patient’s preferences, and receiving support from the hospice team. The hospice team provides education and guidance to help family members care for their loved one.

Is there a difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Yes, there is a difference. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and is focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, regardless of the prognosis. Hospice care, on the other hand, is specifically for individuals who are nearing the end of life and have decided to focus solely on comfort rather than curative treatments.

What should I do if I think hospice care might be appropriate?

If you believe hospice care might be appropriate, talk to the patient’s primary care physician or specialist. They can help assess the patient’s condition and discuss hospice options. Additionally, you can reach out to local hospice organizations for more information and guidance.

How can I find a hospice provider?

You can find a hospice provider through:

Referrals from healthcare professionals
Local hospitals or healthcare facilities
Recommendations from friends, family, or community groups

Feel free to message us at https://memorialfamilyhospice.com/ for your questions and inquiries. We will be happy to assist you.