Texas residents who are terminally ill or who have a loved one who is may wonder what hospice care involves. The goal of hospice care is to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Comparison to palliative care
Some people assume that hospice care and palliative care are interchangeable, but hospice care is specifically for people who are at the end of their life. However, that does not necessarily mean that hospice care is permanent. A person may refuse treatment and be on hospice care and then change their mind and opt for treatment after all.
Where it happens
“Where will I be cared for?” is another common question. Hospice can mean going into a facility for short- or long-term care, but hospice care happens at home as well. When making a decision, it is important to consider the capabilities of the caregiver and the wants and needs of the patient, including whether their pain and any other issues can be managed at home.
Selecting a program
What exactly is involved in hospice care? To some extent, it is up to the individual. Services offered may include medical equipment, counseling for the individual and their family, spiritual guidance and pain medication. Before choosing a program, people may want to find out what role their current medical team will have and if the program is licensed and certified in accordance with hospice law in Texas. They may also want to find out how staff will respond in an emergency, cost and what training workers have.
Hospice care can be important in helping individuals at the end of life and their families focus on what is important. However, people who are contemplating it should first get answers to all the questions they have to help ensure they are making the right choice.