Talking to a senior parent about hospice care at home can be challenging, but it’s important that your parent know what to expect. Hospice care at home can help seniors and their families through a difficult time, but your parent may be anxious about hospice care because they don’t know what to expect.
If you have a difficult time talking to your parent about their end of life wishes, or if your parent is difficult to communicate with, a social worker that is part of the hospice care team may be able to help you talk to your parent about hospice care.
When you’re explaining hospice care to your parent, or opening up a conversation with them about it, some of the most important things for your parent to know about hospice care at home are:
Hospice focuses on comfort
One of the biggest differences with hospice care is the goal. Instead of trying to cure the illness, hospice care focuses on keeping your parent comfortable. This includes managing pain, easing breathing problems, and reducing stress.
The care team works to make each day as comfortable as possible. This shift in focus can help your parent feel more at peace.
Your parent should now that medical staff will be available to them around the clock, so they won’t have to wait to get care if their condition changes and they need more pain medication or other supportive care.
All care is provided at home
Hospice care at home allows your parent to stay in a familiar place. Instead of going back and forth to the hospital, care is brought into the home. Your parent will not have to leave home for medical appointments, to get medical equipment, or to get any kind of medication.
Nurses, aides, and other professionals visit regularly to provide support. Your parent can stay in their own bed in the home they love without the stress of having to get up and leave the house for any kind of medical care.
Care is provided by a team of compassionate professionals
Hospice care is not just one person helping out your parent or your family. It includes a team of trained professionals who work together. This may include nurses, doctors, home health aides, social workers, and chaplains. Each person has a role in supporting your parent’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This team approach makes sure no part of care is overlooked.
It also means your parent and your family will never be alone. Support is around the clock for as long as needed. When your parent is struggling, anxious, or needs help someone will always be there to help.
Pain and symptom management are top priorities
Hospice teams are experts in managing pain and other symptoms. This can include shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
The goal is to keep your parent as comfortable as possible at all times. Medications, therapies, and simple comfort measures are all used to improve how they feel day to day. If your parent is currently dealing with a painful illness, they should know that their comfort is the top priority.
Family members also receive support
Hospice care is not only for the patient. It also supports family members and caregivers. The team can provide guidance, answer questions, and help with difficult decisions. They may also offer emotional support and counseling. This can be very helpful during a stressful and emotional time.
Your parent may find it reassuring to know that you and your other family members will also have support during this difficult time.
It helps maintain dignity and quality of life
Hospice care at home respects your parent’s wishes and choices. They have a say in how they want to be cared for. The focus is on helping them live as fully and comfortably as possible.
This might include spending time with loved ones, enjoying favorite activities, or simply resting in a peaceful setting. Maintaining dignity is a key part of hospice care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hospice care at home in Beaver County, PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
