What Does It Mean To Be In Hospice Care?

By: Tom Gallagher
Sunday, February 28, 2021

Hospices are medical organizations dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to terminally ill patients. They focus on improving a patient's quality of life instead of trying to cure their ailment. At Gallagher Funeral Home, we believe that hospices serve a very important purpose and can help patients spend their final days in peace.

What Does It Mean to Be in Hospice Care?

Most patients switch to hospice care when doctors confirm a terminal diagnosis and say they have less than six months to live. The focus shifts from providing curative care that aims at removing the illness to palliative care, which is focused on managing symptoms, reducing pain, and keeping the patient comfortable. A team of doctors, nurses, psychologists or counselors, and caretakers manage the patient under a hospice care arrangement.

What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?

Hospices aim to provide all-around medical and therapeutic aid to terminally ill patients. These patients have a nurse or caretaker looking after them 24/7, making sure they eat, sleep, engaging in stimulating activities, and receive some counseling. Hospice patients often experience the stages of grief during their stay and need consistent mental health support to overcome their pain.

Focus on improving a patient’s quality of life also reduces the physical and mental strain caused by curative procedures. While it is rare, some patients respond positively to hospice care and actually live for a few more years. The focus on managing their pain and stress levels aids in their recovery significantly.

People who don’t recover find hospice care more comfortable than curative care. They are less worried and more focused on ensuring their final days are peaceful, happy, and full of love.

If you need help on funeral-related matters or want to know more about our services here at Gallagher Funeral Home, contact us or give us a call at (318) 640-1375 today.

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