Understanding hospice care and how it works is important for anyone looking after a loved one facing a terminal illness. Many people wonder, “Can you be in hospice and survive?” The answer to this question varies, but the ultimate goal of hospice care is to make the patient’s last days comfortable and provide emotional and spiritual support to them and their family.
Understanding the Role of Hospice Care
Hospice care provides comfort measures designed to control pain and allow for comfort rather than cure or extend life; however, these measures can still prolong life expectancy in some cases. A doctor must certify that the patient has six months or less to live before entering hospice care.
Patients may choose to enter hospice at any point during their illness, even if they have more than six months to live; however, they must agree not to pursue curative treatments while under hospice care.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is an end-of-life service provided by certified professionals such as nurses, doctors, counselors, and social workers. It focuses on the palliation or management of a patient’s symptoms so they can remain comfortable in their home or an inpatient facility.
Hospice professionals work with family members to create individualized plans tailored to each patient’s needs. They also provide emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families during this difficult time.
When Is Hospice Care Appropriate?
Hospice care is appropriate when a person has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness that cannot be cured. This includes cancer, heart failure, renal failure, Alzheimer’s disease, and other terminal conditions.
It is also important to note that patients can leave hospice at any time if they wish to seek treatment again or if their condition improves enough that they no longer require specialized palliative care services. This decision should always be discussed with the patient’s doctor or healthcare provider beforehand.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding what hospice care entails is important for anyone looking after a loved one facing a terminal illness.
While it does not necessarily mean that a person cannot survive it—some do—the ultimate goal of hospice care is providing comfort measures until the end of life so that individuals can remain comfortable in their own home or an inpatient facility surrounded by those who love them most.
Ultimately it is up to the individual whether or not they decide to enter into hospice services; however, it should always be discussed with your health professional beforehand, so all parties involved know what will happen next in terms of medical decisions.
