Hospice is about how you live

Angelic Health Hospice is By Your Side

It is uncomfortable for people to talk about death and dying issues, but it is something we all will face. Having a plan for care in the event of a life-altering diagnosis will reduce the stress of learning about options when the patient or family is least prepared to cope.

Yes indeed, hospice is about living and quality of life. While having a serious illness is not your choice, but how you live is. Hospice is about living life to its fullest. It’s about receiving comfort and care, even when a cure is no longer possible. It’s about surrounding yourself and your loved ones with medical, emotional and spiritual support.

According to Angelic Health CEO Dan Mikus, MSW, MBA, a person experiencing failing health and a life-altering diagnosis may qualify for the hospice benefit from Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances. “Hospice care is not giving up,” he explained. “In fact, those receiving hospice services have an improved quality of life and are better able to enjoy time with family and friends than those not receiving care.”

Some misconceptions of hospice include that one must be nearing death to receive hospice care. “You do not have to be dying or have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order to get hospice care,” Mikus explained. Additionally, hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home. No need to go to a facility. Patients are cared for in their homes or in long-term, assisted living or other facilities, wherever they call home. 

Mikus recommends that the conversation about hospice care should start long before it is needed. “It is uncomfortable for people to talk about death and dying issues, but it is something we all will face. Having a plan for care in the event of a life-altering diagnosis will reduce the stress of learning about options when the patient or family is least prepared to cope.”  It also should be noted that hospice care includes bereavement care and support of family members for 13 months after the passing of the patient.  “Anticipatory grief starts at diagnosis which is why hospice support is so important to guide both patient and family in the transition through the process,” said Mikus. The hospice team includes the patient’s physician, hospice nurse, social workers, spiritual and bereavement care coordinators, volunteer services and various therapies such as music and massage. 

Hospice is not what you think

 The following are indicators that may signify that hospice care is an appropriate healthcare choice.

•  Unintentional weight loss

•  Frequent visits to the hospital

•  Recurrent infections

•  Increasing shortness of breath

•  Difficulty walking

•  Difficulty managing pain

•  Increasing need for help with bathing, dressing, food preparation

•  Swelling of legs or arms

•  No longer eligible for treatments chemo, radiation, etc.)

•  Frequent medication changes

If you checked off any of above indicators you may be eligible for hospice care services and support for you and your family.

Do you have questions? Let’s talk. Call Angelic Health at toll free anytime at 609-844-948-0645, or visit www.angelic.health for more information.

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