On this week’s episode of Caregiven, we are joined by special guest, Jennifer Schaffner of Encompass Health Hospice to discuss a topic that many initially associate with fear.
Hospice, when approached from the right perspective, can be a very beautiful thing. Jennifer Schaffner explains how it is simply providing the most pain-free, comfortable, and beautiful way to end your life. Throughout the episode, Schaffner brings so many important things about hospice to light that can make your decision to say “yes” to services for your loved one a little bit easier.
Hospice is all about providing for the best and longest remainder of life possible, while mitigating symptoms and pain. It is also important to know that hospice isn’t necessarily about being on your death bed. Around one in five people actually graduate from hospice care.
In order to receive this Medicare benefit, a doctor does have to declare that it is likely that you could pass within the next six months, per the normal bell curve for your case. With hospice care, it’s important to remember that with this particular benefit, the nurses actually come to you within your own home. By minimizing the amount of stress typically encountered from hospital visits, treatment from the comfort of your own home allows for more effective symptom management. Those who are caring for you are also able to see these problems first-hand and be there to help.
When the time does come, hospice providers have the responsibility to make you or your loved one more comfortable. Rather than being in a hospital with people constantly funneling in and out, you can be in your home or a facility who specializes in hospice. With hospice, there comes so many benefits that everyone can take advantage of, from spiritual care providers to social workers, who can help mediate these tough conversations and bring relief for family members and loved ones.
Hospice provides access to medical help at all times, even in the middle of the night. Whether over the phone or in person, you can get your loved one help, or be walked through trying moments in order to keep your loved ones feeling comfortable.
Don’t wait to explore your options with hospice.
It’s important to be educated on sensitive topics such as these before it’s too late. Make sure that you are doing your part to ensure a beautiful transition within those final stages of life.