Hospice Care

Dear Linda:
       As a result of multiple strokes, my 92-year-old father is in a long-term care facility suffering with various challenges. He's beginning to lose weight, sleep more, and talk less. When he does talk, it's clear that he's suffering with uncontrolled pain and depression. Should I be considering Hospice care?
Sadie in Fort Worth

Dear Sadie:

       The symptoms you describe are sometimes indicators of the beginning of the end, but no one has a crystal ball, and doctors will be the first to say so. All the family can do is ensure that their loved one's health and comfort is optimum.

       Hospice is an excellent program that is under-utilized and often called so late in the process that many beneficial services go unused. Though the purpose of Hospice is to provide compassionate support and extraordinary care for people in the final phase of a terminal disease, the program's goal is to enhance the quality of life regardless of its duration.

       Subscribing to a holistic approach, a Hospice team includes a medical director, physician, nurse, certified nurse assistants (CNAs), social worker, spiritual care coordinator, therapists and counselors. Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support to the patient and respite services for the patient's caregiver, including shopping, errands, childcare, and light meals.

       Begin with discussing your dad's condition with his doctor, who must certify to Hospice that he is no longer thriving or that his disease is terminal. Ask your physician to recommend the best Hospice provider or call the National Hospice Organization at 800-658-8898 or visit www.nhpco.org for valuable information and recommendations.

       Once a patient has been examined, records reviewed and medications evaluated, a care plan is developed. Then Hospice will provide all necessary equipment, supplies and medicines, whether the patient is at home or in a facility, and the cost is covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

       The final phase of the journey need not be feared. With help and support, the last moments in our loved one's life can be peaceful and uplifting.