Hospice care is far more specific and complex than general eldercare. While general eldercare focuses on hospice brokers providing various care services for seniors at any stage in their life, hospice care focuses on caring for people who are in the final stages of an incurable illness. Since this disease has become untreatable, it is important to note that hospice care focuses on improving an individual’s quality of life rather than treating their illness.
However, hospice care is not only for people with incurable cancers, but can also help those with advanced neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, or late-stage heart, lung, and kidney disease. While the majority of people in hospice care is made up of elderly persons, children and young adults are also eligible.
When does hospice care begin?
Hospice care starts when disease in a person worsens to the point where any form of treatment can no longer cure or control it. Once a certified physician has determined that an individual’s life expectancy may be six months or less if the illness runs its usual course, they are immediately eligible for hospice care.
Additionally, this process can only begin if the individual has consented to forgo their existing treatments as it is no longer effective for them.
Other signs indicating that it may be time for hospice care include:
Recurring or frequent infections
Frequent hospitalisations or trips to the emergency room (ER)
Inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, toileting, eating, walking, and personal cleaning
Uncontrolled and frequent pain, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath
Loss of appetite and significant bodily changes like weight loss
Increased sleep or confusion
Wanting to focus on quality of life, instead of curative treatment
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