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Monday, February 25, 2013

In Home Hospice Care: How It Helps

By Sarah E Reilly

Hospice services may offer help in the form of medical care, assistance and safety, and often spiritual and emotional support for both the patient and the caregiver. This may also include the participation of other members of the family. Hospice care is offered by a lot of organizations, including hospitals and private practices. It provides the necessary help to manage the details and challenges of caring for a sick friend or member of the family.  Some of the most common hospice services may include:  - Medical care focusing on managing pain - Bringing medicines and equipment when needed - Counselling and Guidance on difficult issues like closure - Voluntary assistance for making meals or running errands - Counselling and support prior to death; and after death (for the family)  One reason to choose in home hospice care is that many patients would like to spend their final days at home. With this service, family members can stay close and take care of their loved one. A hospice team member will come by several times a week and see what is needed. These teams usually consist of a physician, nurses, a social worker, specialists in palliative medicine, a priest or spiritual advisor, nurse assistants and volunteers. The extended group would also include the pharmacist, psychiatric specialists and other therapists. They are available on call 24/7.  Hospice Services are available to almost anyone in need. To become eligible, however, a patient may fall under a certain medical condition category, such as an incurable or terminal illness, and diagnosed by a medical professional to have six months or less to live. A signed form from the primary physician and doctor on the hospice team is needed to start care. Of course, it is difficult to estimate life span - some people live longer than expected and continue receiving care. If people get better, they can stop getting this assistance. Hospice care is available to everyone regardless of religion, gender, diagnosis, sexual orientation, or even the ability to pay. These services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid programs. Quite a few private insurance companies also pay for these services - make sure to check if it will be covered and what services are included. Hospice programs will also be able to provide information on coverage.  The aim of in home hospice care is to bring palliative care to terminally ill people. It is a way to help those approaching death have confidence, dignity, and peace. Hospice care brings humane charity and compassion to those in need. Proper care usually helps people live longer and experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy and other medications. Other helpful activities like physiotherapy, art, music, and massage therapy, are offered to patients to keep them engaged. The attending physician or nurse will be able to help with finding in home care or a facility close by. You may also search online to find a reputable provider of hospice care.  Sarah Reilly provides in Home Hospice care and Hospice Services. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_E_Reilly Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7234832
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For more information, you might enjoy reading my book, More Than Meets the Eye True Stories about Death, Dying, and Afterlife. Purchase paperback on Amazon.com. It's also on Amazon as an e-book for those who have Kindle or Sony Readers. The audio book is now available!
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