What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illness. Hospice care can be provided in the home, hospital, or nursing home setting.
Hospice care consists of a team approach addressing not only physical distress, but emotional and spiritual needs as well. Hospice care is patient –centered care, the patient and families needs drive the plan of care.
How do I know if I qualify for hospice services?
The following are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that an individual may qualify for hospice:
- Weight loss, not due to reversible conditions such as depression or use of diuretics.
- Pain requiring increasing doses of major analgesics more than briefly
- Nausea/vomiting that does not respond well to treatment
- Change in mental status
- Fluid retention/swelling of arms, legs, and/or abdomen
- Recurring infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and upper urinary tract infections
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Ill or loose fitting clothing
- Decreasing appetite
- Difficulty swallowing foods and fluids that leads to choking or aspirating and /or poor oral intake
- Increasing weakness and fatigue
- Sleeping more, needing increased periods of rest between activities
- Feeling short of breath with minimal movement or activity
- Needing more assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, meals, and getting dressed
Can I continue to take all of my current medications when I am receiving hospice services?
On admission, the nurse reviews all current medications with the physician. The physician may or may not continue medications depending upon the individuals needs. For example, medications that may be considered curative in nature may not be continued.
Can I continue to go to my physician office for visits?
Individuals may continue to see their primary care physician who will follow their care while on hospice service. In some instances patients are able to see other physicians unrelated to their hospice diagnosis. For example, if an individual is on hospice service for lung cancer, they may still see their cardiologist for heart related issues. Clients do not need to be home-bound to qualify for hospice services.
Please contact Meridian At Home Hospice at 732-751-3750 if you would like further information regarding hospice care.
