Hospice is appropriate for people with progressive, life-limiting illnesses who want to focus on enjoying their remaining time with family and friends. To this end, hospice provides effective pain and symptom management.
Many people believe that hospice is to be called only when death is imminent Too often, patients are referred to hospice in their last weeks or days. These patients and their families can’t take full advantage of the care and support hospice can provide. When hospice is brought in as early as possible, the patient and the loved ones take greater advantage and benefit from New Madison Hospice’s support, education and care.
These are some indicators that it may be time for hospice care. Has your loved one:
- Become weaker and lost some physical abilities
- Had many illnesses or physical problems at the same time
- An increase in pain, nausea, breathing distress or other symptoms
- Repeated hospitalizations or trips to the emergency room
- Failure to “bounce back” after medical set-backs occur
- Decrease in function requiring assistance for walking, eating, bathing, dressing and/or going to the bathroom
- Decreasing alertness – patient is emotionally withdrawn, sleeping more or having increased difficulty with comprehension
- Significantly decreased appetite and weight loss
If these things are happening to your loved one, it may be the right time to begin hospice care. Don’t be concerned if you are incorrect, our helpful staff can answer your questions and help you decide if you are in need of hospice care. Calling isn’t a commitment, it’s an opportunity to learn about your options and become more prepared. Please let us discuss your concerns and the many ways New Madison Hospice can help. You can talk to one of our staff members by calling 626-703-4144.