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Last Updated on May 29, 2024
Hospice care is a vital service for individuals facing a life-threatening illness. It’s just as crucial for the person’s family members to have support services when trying to deal with the reality that their loved one is at the end of their life. Yet not everyone knows about hospice care and its benefits; only seven out of 10 people know a little about the topic.
Hospice care is typically centered around caring for patients during the last six months of their lives. It may occur in the home or a dedicated facility. A team of professionals provides medical, emotional, and spiritual health support. They also assist with medication, pain management, and round-the-clock needs. We all want our loved ones to receive the best care possible and have the ability to make a peaceful transition. Let’s explore what to look for in a hospice facility for your loved one.
1. Accreditation
While it is not mandatory and doesn’t necessarily make a facility substandard, being accredited by state agencies is something to look for. It means that an outside, objective party has determined the hospice center meets or exceeds the basic standards of care.
2. Proper Staff
You’ll want to ensure that the hospice facility always has at least one physician on duty. The nurses and other support staff should have specialized training and experience in hospice care. Don’t be afraid to pose questions and ask for credentials.
3. Quality Facilities
Be sure to tour the facility, look for the obvious, like cleanliness and safety, and ensure a warm and welcoming environment. Your loved one should be as comfortable and content as possible. Look for cheery rooms that have plenty of windows for sunlight to pour through and that they can look out of, as windows should occupy about 15% of wall space. It would be nice if your loved one’s room had large windows to complement their living space.
Check to see if residents have a recreation room and patio for social time and fresh air. Speaking of fresh air, ask them about the air purifiers they use. According to WebMD, three things – odors, particulates, and VOCs (vapor from various chemicals) – are all reduced by quality air filters.
5. A Focus on Life
A good hospice facility will be focused on life, not death. Though the reality is there, and preparations must be made, hospice should be focused on providing the best quality of life for your loved one. To the greatest extent possible, they should have opportunities for social interaction and entertainment, hosting family gatherings, and making it possible for you to take your loved one out on excursions like a beach trip, shopping, a theater play, or whatever they want to do. The hospice facility can provide you with all the necessary equipment to go out for a few hours and have a great time together.
6. Support for Family
Knowing that your loved one is receiving the best care can be a significant weight on your shoulders, but it’s not enough. The fact is, you’re still dealing with the impending loss of someone who’s been a massive part of your life, and their presence is irreplaceable. A good hospice facility will offer counseling to your loved one. An incredible hospice will offer it to the rest of your family.
They’ll help you work through the emotions and stages of grief. Many offer specially trained therapists to help with children, and they will offer their services up to a year after your loved one has passed. You must maintain your physical and mental health during this most difficult time.
Hospice care is never a pleasant experience to plan. However, it’s often the best decision you can make for your loved one and your family. Good hospice care will provide your sick family member with the supportive, round-the-clock care they need while freeing you up to spend time with them in a safe, calm environment.
