When a loved one becomes ill and needs assistance, it can be very taxing on the family. If everyone works, there might be nobody home to take care of the sick person. In some cases, the help they need is so involved that only medical professionals are really qualified to do it. In these cases, an Altoona hospice and palliative care center can help you by taking care of the sick person while also providing other much-needed services.
Hospices are not quite the same thing as palliative care, though the two are often confused. Hospices may have several uses, but the most common is as a place for someone with a debilitating disease to live out their days. Since they can't be cure, the focus is no longer on curing them, but instead on making them as comfortable as possible for their remaining time.
Palliative care is somewhat similar to hospices, but the patient does not necessarily have a fatal disease or condition to contend with. Instead, they may have a life changing condition that is treatable or at the very least manageable. Of course, treatment or management means a lot of medical procedures, so they need to stay in a palliative medical facility. Eventually they may be able to return home, though a return trip may also be necessary at some point.
In both cases, the focus is on the patient's needs to make the transition from either home or hospital as easy as possible. This comfort may be provided in the form of pain medications as prescribed by a doctor, but other alternatives may be used. Some people request spiritual guides such as priests or pastors, while others seek psychological help from a therapist.
There are a lot of emotions that goes with having a family member or friend in one of these facilities, and that is not something that should be ignored. That is why many centers offer additional group or individual therapy for loved ones. Some even have these sessions open to the public, so anyone who needs help can get it.
Not all conditions need the same level or type of care, especially when the disease or injury has to do with the brain. This is especially true in the case of dementia or similar conditions where specialized treatment is an absolute must. Since many places have a special unit for these patients, ask if that would be appropriate for your situation.
Depending on the situation, many insurance companies will cover at least part of the facility costs, provided a doctor recommended it. In some cases, palliative care is done in a hospital, so the cost is automatically absorbed as part of the hospital stay. Talk to your plan administrator if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.
Altoona is home to some of the best programs for long term care in the area, which will make this transition and all the change that comes with it much easier. Rest easy knowing that dedicated medical professional are there to help you through this trying time.
Hospices are not quite the same thing as palliative care, though the two are often confused. Hospices may have several uses, but the most common is as a place for someone with a debilitating disease to live out their days. Since they can't be cure, the focus is no longer on curing them, but instead on making them as comfortable as possible for their remaining time.
Palliative care is somewhat similar to hospices, but the patient does not necessarily have a fatal disease or condition to contend with. Instead, they may have a life changing condition that is treatable or at the very least manageable. Of course, treatment or management means a lot of medical procedures, so they need to stay in a palliative medical facility. Eventually they may be able to return home, though a return trip may also be necessary at some point.
In both cases, the focus is on the patient's needs to make the transition from either home or hospital as easy as possible. This comfort may be provided in the form of pain medications as prescribed by a doctor, but other alternatives may be used. Some people request spiritual guides such as priests or pastors, while others seek psychological help from a therapist.
There are a lot of emotions that goes with having a family member or friend in one of these facilities, and that is not something that should be ignored. That is why many centers offer additional group or individual therapy for loved ones. Some even have these sessions open to the public, so anyone who needs help can get it.
Not all conditions need the same level or type of care, especially when the disease or injury has to do with the brain. This is especially true in the case of dementia or similar conditions where specialized treatment is an absolute must. Since many places have a special unit for these patients, ask if that would be appropriate for your situation.
Depending on the situation, many insurance companies will cover at least part of the facility costs, provided a doctor recommended it. In some cases, palliative care is done in a hospital, so the cost is automatically absorbed as part of the hospital stay. Talk to your plan administrator if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.
Altoona is home to some of the best programs for long term care in the area, which will make this transition and all the change that comes with it much easier. Rest easy knowing that dedicated medical professional are there to help you through this trying time.
About the Author:
Gannon G. Hollick is a healthcare specialist who has helped hundreds of families to plan for the end of the lives of their old-loved ones. He understands the care needed for this service, if you are interested in learning more about Hospice Harrisburg Area he recommends you check out 365hospice.com/.
0 comments:
Post a Comment