Pasadena Hospice And End Of Life Care

Hospice care is a special service that can benefit a person suffering from an incurable illness. It is unique because it is a type of care that does not promise to delay death or hasten death, as commonly misconstrued. Instead, it helps the patient manage pain and other symptoms brought about by continued invasive medication or cessation altogether.

The thought of knowing there is no cure for your condition, which will lead to a life cut short, is a very bitter pill to swallow as it is. After all, death is a sensitive subject; hence some would prefer not to talk about it, let alone prepare for when the time comes. Unfortunately, it is a natural occurrence that no one will be spared from.

People dread contracting a disease in which they will be told that the situation is irreversible and they only got a few months to live. And it does not discriminate. Men, women, young, and old are all vulnerable to this possibility. Hence there may come the point that all attempts at finding a cure would seem eventually futile, which leaves you having to deal with your illness in agonizing pain not just physically, but emotionally, psychologically, and even spiritually.

Pain management is just one of several aspects that hospice care tries to address. Beyond the physicality, hospice aims to add more quality to one’s remaining moments. One important part of this endeavor is encouraging the patients and their families to spend those last days meaningfully together.

Getting hospice care in Pasadena

Pasadena has been a go-to place to recharge and unplug with its laid-back pace that easily puts one’s mind into a relaxed state. Inevitably, most patients in critical condition often die in a community medical center such as Huntington Hospital, 15 minutes from downtown Pasadena. But those who choose to be in the comfort of their homes can seek hospice in the area.

New Vision Hospice in Pasadena provides inclusive hospice care carried out by compassionate yet highly skilled hospice personnel. It is developed to recognize the special needs of terminally ill patients facing aggressive diseases and medical conditions alongside their accompanying symptoms and treatment side effects. The qualified individual can begin receiving hospice care as soon as they are ready (or the person acting on their behalf), usually after being discharged from the hospital.

Things to remember about hospice care

The following information must be considered before seeking the services of a hospice and end of life care practitioner:

1. Hospice care is not mandatory

While hospice care can only be good to the individual receiving it, it is not a medical requirement or an alternative treatment for the patient. If the person has subscribed to such care, they can stop the service anytime they wish, regardless of the reason. Similarly, they can go back to it whenever they please.

2. Hospice is only for the terminally ill

The hospice concept is reserved for those with deadly conditions that are incurable. People of any age, gender, or culture can find themselves in such dire health situations; hence hospice care can be administered to anyone. If the illness is severe but treatable, palliative care is their option.

3. Hospice is provided at any location

Seeking hospice and end of life care services for a dying individual at home or inpatient at a hospice care facility is available. In-home hospice requires the provider to make routine visits; the frequency will depend on the patient’s needs. On the other hand, inpatient hospice care offers temporary relocation of the patient, often requested by the family member who, for some reason, is unable to care for the patient for the time being.

4. Hospice may come at no extra cost

Medicare usually covers hospice costs in full without needing a copayment. However, health coverage will still depend on insurance, especially if your employer made this arrangement for you.

5. Hospice care has no time limit

There is no such thing as too late, too short, or too long as far as hospice care is concerned. Although, it is always better to maximize the time the patient can spend with their loved ones to interact comfortably socially and experience manageable or less pain.

6. Hospice care extends to family members

Sometimes, it is doubly hard for loved ones to deal with a dying family member. As such, a hospice team does not only provide comfort for the terminally ill but also for their inner family circle. It is a practice for those in an assisted living setup to work with the facility staff when giving hospice.