When a patient is diagnosed with a life limiting illness, one question stands out above the others: Can a patient recover from hospice care? The answer can be somewhat complicated; however, the short answer is yes, it is possible.
We get it, no one wants to feel like they are left with no hope. It can certainly feel hopeless when a doctor says he has nothing left to try. Hospice offers the hope of comfort that traditional healthcare sometimes lacks. Although the goal of hospice is not curative treatment, hospice patients and their families are able to live life to the fullest through true patient-centered compassionate care.
It should be noted that it is very rare to fully recover to a complete state of health once you have received a terminal diagnosis. It is more common that a patient may gain back some strength and vitality that seems like they are getting better while on hospice service. Let’s further explore some common questions surrounding hospice and the benefits of hospice care to see if this might be the right choice for you or your family member.
Can A Patient Get Better In Hospice?
The simple answer here again is yes. Let’s discuss further how this can be true. Often, the physical stress of constant doctor visits, enduring frequent testing, and coping with medication/treatment side effects can take a huge toll on the mind and body. This stress can exacerbate symptoms such as pain, confusion, and shortness of breath.
In Home Care Saves Energy
So, what makes it better? While in hospice, care is provided to the patient in their own home. This means no more traveling, no more waiting rooms, no more exhaustive and unpleasant treatments. Often patients will gain back some strength and energy being in their own home, not having to expend time or energy on appointments.
No More Unwanted Medication And Treatment Side Effects
The Hospice Care Team develops a treatment plan that is centered around alleviating pain, stress, and any other symptoms the patient may experience. The hospice care plan is individually customized to maximize the health and comfort of each patient. This detailed care plan allows patients to remain as symptom free as possible and is one of the reasons why they may appear to improve during hospice service.
Often the patient was taking medications and treatments that may have caused intense side effects. Stopping those would alleviate discomfort. Patients who struggle with nausea and vomiting from medication or treatments may regain their appetite once those symptoms are controlled. To many, this is an improvement in health.
Hospice Support Provides Emotional Relief
While in hospice, the patient is no longer just struggling to survive, manage their pain, and deal with the emotional toll of their illness. They are free to live life to the fullest that they can. It releases them to spend their days at home with family, loved ones, and friends doing the activities they still enjoy.
When the mind is able to focus on things that bring joy such as family, pets, and hobbies, the body tends to be more stable. This stability can look like less pain, less confusion, and less agitation. It is different for each person; however, families who are in hospice service express a greater satisfaction than with traditional medical care. Read on to learn more about hospice care.
What Is The Purpose Of Hospice?
Hospice services are provided to patients who are unable to tolerate or no longer desire curative treatment for terminal illness. A doctor must certify that a patient has a prognosis of six months or less as the purpose of hospice is to provide compassionate care to comfort and support through the end of their life.
Families who choose hospice report that it’s not just physical comfort they seek, but they also want their emotional and spiritual needs met. With hospice, patients and their families have access to an entire care team of professionals such as a doctor, nurse, home health aide, social worker and chaplain. The dynamic team of hospice providers enables the patient to have the highest quality of life achievable during their last months through this high quality individualized care.
What Are The Benefits Of Hospice?
If you are weighing your options and trying to decide if hospice is the right decision, it can be helpful to know what sets it apart from other types of care. Here is a list of some of the main benefits of hospice.
- The focus of hospice is on managing pain and other symptoms because the patient will no longer be receiving treatment for their illness.
- Services are available for family members and loved ones in addition to the patient.
- Hospice care can include medical equipment the patient needs, such as hospital beds, oxygen equipment, or accessibility aids.
- Hospice works to support and empower the patient to live their remaining time as they wish.
- The patient and the family can receive support through the emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges that the end of life can bring.
If I Get Better, Do I Still Need Hospice?
You may be wondering what happens if your health does improve after choosing hospice services. Typically hospice patients have a prognosis of six months or less; however, it is possible for some to improve and even return to regular health care for a time. If intractable symptoms return or the patient’s health declines, they may re-certify and enter hospice again.
What If I Change My Mind About Hospice?
What happens if a new treatment is available? What if you change your mind and decide that you still want life saving measures? Can you stop hospice service? The simple answer is yes; however, you need to check with your specific insurance plan provider for details and benefit coverages just in case you would like to restart hospice at a later date.
How Can I Find More Information For Hospice In Las Vegas?
If you are searching for hospice care in Las Vegas for yourself or a family member, please contact us today so that we can assist you. Our dedicated team of professionals will answer any questions or concerns that you may have. A terminal diagnosis can be scary, but it is not a burden that must be carried alone. Siena Hospice is here to support you every step of the way.