When an aging parent or loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it will be important for your family to decide on how future needs will be met and end-of-life care. Although this will undoubtedly be an emotional time for you, your loved one, and your family, knowing how to utilize valuable resources such as hospice care can bring peace of mind to everyone in an often difficult and emotional situation.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a family-centered approach to care that is administered during the end-of-life by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, physical and occupational therapists, and professional caregivers in Albuquerque. These professionals focus on meeting a senior’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The goal is to keep the senior as comfortable and pain-free as possible. The hospice team will also:
- Provide medication reminders, supplies, and equipment
- Arrange short-term hospital care if needed
- Coach family members on providing hands-on care
- Offer companionship and emotional support to the senior and his or her family
Counseling is also available to families for at least one year following a loved one’s passing. Services include telephone contact, visits, support groups, and providing written materials on grieving.
Paying for Hospice
Medicare pays for hospice as part of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Virtually all aspects of care are included, so there is little out-of-pocket expense for the patient or family. To be a recipient of the benefit, a patient must:
- Be eligible for Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance
- Receive certification by a physician or hospice medical director that the patient has a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less
- Sign a statement choosing hospice rather than routine Medicare-covered services
- Receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program
Obtaining Hospice Care
To locate a hospice in your area, you can contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The agency has a large database of providers which can be viewed here. Hospice care services provided under Medicare do not always include around-the-clock care, and oftentimes, a handful of rotating caregivers will be assigned to your loved one’s case. To help maximize continuity of care and caregiver consistency and to provide maximum comfort during a senior’s end of life, families often look into hospice support in Albuquerque. Hospice support from local home care agencies allows seniors to enjoy their final days in the comfort of home, while receiving help with any number of daily activities.
To learn more about hospice support in Albuquerque or to provide a senior loved one with personalized care at the end of life, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque today. We are at trusted and professional in-home care provider with a team of highly trained caregivers who provide care services with the utmost dignity and professionalism. Visit our website at www.homecareassistanceofalbuquerque.com for more information or call (505) 798-0800 and request a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
