Most families put off thinking about hospice care until the very end of life due to a common misconception that hospice is only for the last moments. In reality, its best to enter hospice as soon as eligible.
Caring for someone with a terminal illness is a challenging experience for both the patient and their loved ones, and providing comfort during this time can make a significant difference in their final days. When considering end-of-life care options for yourself or a loved one, consider these five benefits of beginning hospice care earlier.
1. Hospice improves quality of life: Hospice can greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life. It is designed to be comprehensive care addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Hospice helps manage chronic pain, difficulty breathing, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Since it may take time to control symptoms, starting hospice early is essential. Early enrollment can also reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays. Studies show that hospice patients who begin hospice earlier often live longer than those with similar conditions who do not.
2. Covered by Medicare and most insurances: Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran Affairs benefits, and most private insurance plans, which often include a wide range of services for patients and their families. Research shows that early hospice enrollment significantly reduces healthcare costs. Covered hospice services may include:
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- At-home medical care from hospice nurses
- Medication
- Social workers
- Home care aides
- Spiritual counselors and music ministry
- Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds
- Volunteers who provide companionship and support
- Veteran services
- Grief counselors
For those with gaps in coverage, CHP offers a hospice patient care fund for assistance and payment options to ensure everyone receives the care they need.
3. Hospice prioritizes the patient’s wishes: Care plans are tailored to meet the patient’s preferences and allow patients to continue living life – attending family events, writing letters, receiving visitors, practicing faith, engaging in hobbies, and planning instruction for end-of-life care. Starting hospice sooner allows patients more time to achieve their goals and express their desires.
4. Hospice helps patients make informed decisions: CHP Home Care & Hospice staff guide patients and their families as they navigate the often confusing end-of-life care process. This support empowers patients and caregivers to communicate more effectively with healthcare providers. The hospice team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide direction. CHP can also coordinate care with the patient’s existing healthcare providers to maintain continuity. Calling hospice earlier allows more time for planning, enabling patients and loved ones to focus on what matters most.
5. Hospice supports families and caregivers: Families and caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of providing care. The Four Seasons Hospice team—comprising doctors, nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), social workers, spiritual counselors, grief counselors, music therapists, and volunteers—offers not only patient care but also resources, support, and counseling for families. Four Seasons also provides up to five days of respite care, giving caregivers time to rest.
Establishing a relationship with the hospice team earlier creates a smoother, more comfortable caregiving experience for patients and their loved ones. During these emotional times, having strong support and professional medical guidance can help enforce decisions that best suit the patient’s needs.
Contact your local CHP Home Care & Hospice office. We’re happy to answer questions, provide information, and help anyway we can!
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