Why it’s Important to Get an Early Start on Hospice

Why it’s Important to Get an Early Start on Hospice

Deciding to begin hospice care can be a big step for a patient and their family to make. It signals a big change, but also means that the patient will be getting the end-of-life care they require and deserve.

With that in mind, it’s incredibly beneficial that a patient in need of hospice care starts as soon as possible.

If you’re still wondering about specifics, we put together this article on how an early start to hospice can help patients.

Get a Head-Start on all that Hospice Provides

Naturally, one of the best reasons to start hospice as early as possible is to get early access to its many resources.

Among these resources are social workers, home aides, medications, medical equipment, spiritual care, medical specialists, dieticians, volunteers, grief support, and much more.

Of course, hospice care also means the patient is getting around-the-clock attention and personalized care for their individual condition.

Coming to Terms with Grief

Many times, patients and their families will want to hold off on hospice care, on account of it being an acceptance of terminal illness.

However, this acceptance is necessary in order to ensure the patient’s end-of-life process is as comfortable as possible.

Hospice care also provides grief counseling, which can help the patient through the acceptance process as they’re being treated. In addition to the patient, the hospice team can also help the patient’s family with their own acceptance process.

This is done by way of social workers, bereavement counselors, or chaplains, depending on the patient’s preferences.

When Should You Start Hospice Care?

Now that you’re familiar with the reasons to begin hospice care early, you’re probably wondering when the right time is exactly.

Whenever a patient is stricken with a life-limiting illness, it’s highly recommended to start hospice care. It’s typically when a patient has six months or fewer to live. However, it’s also important that the patient is mentally and emotionally ready for hospice.

It Doesn’t Hurt to Start Hospice Early

Despite the initial reluctance to accept the end-of-life process, it’s important to begin hospice care for terminal patients as early as possible.

By doing so, you’re taking the necessary steps to ensure their end of life is as comfortable and pain-free as it can be. Not only are patients set up with medical professionals, equipment, and personalized treatment, but also with grief counseling to ease their mind as well as body.

Although a patient shouldn’t begin hospice care until he or she is mentally ready to do so, the benefits are plentiful and are only more so if begun early.

Are you considering hospice care for your loved one? Reach out to Divinity Hospice online or by phone (281-339-7079). We’ll give your loved one the respect, attention, and personalized care they deserve.