If a loved one is nearing the end of life, hospice care may be the right choice. This service can make a positive impact on your family member’s level of comfort and the quality time you can spend with them. Whether you are curious about the differences between hospice and a hospital or want to know how to help a loved one make the transition, the information below will help you know what to expect. 

Guide to Hospice Care for Families 

Definition 

While hospitals, medical facilities, and senior assisted living centers provide treatment-based care, hospice care is designed to manage pain and other symptoms. Services are usually provided in the person’s home or a home-like senior care setting. Instead of trying to cure an illness or condition, hospice doctors and nurses focus on addressing seniors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs at the end of life.

Care is available 24/7 and may include medicines to control pain. It is also common for hospice care teams to use medical equipment like oxygen tanks and catheters to make the patient more comfortable. Caregivers and their families may also receive support from social workers, clergy, and counselors. Depending on the senior’s needs, physical therapy, home health aides, and dietary counseling could be an additional part of their care plan. 

Benefits

No matter what conditions or needs a patient has, the hospice approach helps them enjoy the best quality of life possible. It also helps meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the family. The assistance of counselors and social workers allows caregivers and their loved ones to manage the difficult challenges of the end of life stage.

Deciding on the right care for a loved one can be a challenging process. BeeHive Homes of Columbia Falls in Montana is an assisted living home with a compassionate and experienced caregiving team. To discuss your options for hospice care or senior assisted living, call them at (406) 270-0513. For information about their home’s services and amenities, visit their website. Learn about residences, daily activities, and additional benefits of senior care by following them on Facebook.