Helping a parent with their end-of-life decisions and caregiving responsibilities can be a challenging experience even for the closest of family members. Yet this reality is something more families are facing everyday.
Families have many decisions to make when faced with terminal illness. For many, it is the first time they have explored hospice care. Some wonder about cost or where their loved one will receive care. They may ask, “is hospice a place?” The answer is yes and no. While there are inpatient locations where hospice care can be administered, hospice is much more than a place. It’s a philosophy of care.
Bathing has important physical and mental health benefits. Unfortunately, for older adults or people facing a serious illness or injury, it can be a difficult task to undertake on their own. While some may be able to shower with assistance, people with limited or no mobility will need to have a bed bath.
When a family member or loved one is terminally ill and considering hospice, the decision comes with a great deal of emotion. One thing that should never be a concern is the ability to pay.
When dealing with a serious illness, it is important for families to be on the same page about the patient’s plan of care. Palliative care family meetings are an important tool in identifying the patient’s wishes, guiding decision making, and creating patient-centered goals.
Most older adults and people facing serious illness are using medication of some kind to manage symptoms, treat their illness, and address other chronic health issues. With so much affecting their loved one’s health, family caregivers often ask about the difference between symptoms and side effects of the medication.
