“What are the benefits of hospice care?”
My mother's doctor is suggesting hospice care for my mother at her end of life. What are the benefits of hospice care?
2 Answers
Hospice has many benefits. Most importantly, their presence is a major source of support to the family. Hospice providers are trained to manage ALL symptoms that one might have to deal with at the end of life such as pain, depression, anxiety, fear, and many physical symptoms. Overall, I strongly recommend hospice care for those who may be within the last 6 months of their lives.
Hospice is a benefit offered by most health plans. It is focused comfort care for those that have less then 6 months to live if the disease progresses along its natural course.this benefit offers a hospice nurse at least weekly, 1.5 hours of an aide, all the medical equipment needed for the illness, all the medications needed for comfort a social worker, pastoral care, volunteers and a physician that oversees the patients care. The goal is comfort and dignity at the end of life. It allows for another layer of care for those with advanced disease. Theresa M. Redling DO, FACP Chief, Geriatric Health Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Director, Maida Geriatric Institute Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School
