If you have a terminal illness, or if your family member is suffering from a terminal condition, you might want to consider hospice care. Hospice and palliative care in Macon, GA, provides assistance for people who are nearing the end of their life.
What Hospice Care Involves
This type of care is provided by healthcare professionals to maximize comfort for a patient by reducing their level of pain and attending to their psychological and spiritual needs. This care also provides support in the form of counseling and respite care for family members of the patient.
Who Receives the Care?
While hospice and palliative care is designed for anyone who has six months or less to live, this does not mean that it is only offered for six months. The care is offered for as long as a patient’s doctor certifies that a condition is life-limiting. While some people believe hospice care is provided primarily for cancer patients, it also extends to patients with conditions such as heart disease, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney failure.
Venues for Care
By enrolling in a hospice and palliative care program, a patient can live a higher quality of life as well as a longer life because the care is focused on keeping a patient as comfortable as possible. In addition, this type of care allows family members to prepare for a loved one’s passing. Hospice care can be managed in a home or hospital environment, depending on the condition and treatment.
The Hospice Medical Team
A hospice and palliative care team usually include doctors, nurses, home health aides, spiritual counselors, social workers, pharmacists, and bereavement counselors. Volunteers also offer a variety of services, including transportation support or respite assistance for caregivers. Click here to find out more about this type of specialized medical care.
