Benefits of Accessing Hospice Sooner Rather than Later
One of the most common things we hear from families and patients across Mcintosh County is that they wish they had started hospice care sooner. Too often, there’s a misconception that hospice care is reserved for the last few days of life, but the truth is that working with a hospice provider can enhance the quality of life and make the last months more enjoyable while relieving much of the stress, pain, and suffering for both the patient and the family.
According to the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, when patients get hospice care and receive the support, care, and symptom management they need, they often live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.
We believe that the right time to begin hospice care is when an illness has progressed to a point where recovery is no longer an option. However, that doesn’t mean giving up, and hospice care can be discontinued if a physician’s prognosis changes.
Another myth we’d like to dispel about hospice is that it’s only about managing pain and symptoms for the end of life. While that is one aspect of what hospice provides, it is far from the only benefit. By working with a hospice facility, patients are able to make a plan and express what they really want. They can be proactive and take control, instead of just reacting to the latest crisis or emergency.
For example, it’s not unusual for a patient to have a “bucket list” of things they want to accomplish before the end of their journey. Our team can work with the family to cross as many items off the list as possible, helping to give a patient closure and a sense of accomplishment.
Support for Families
Family members caring for a patient with an advanced or terminal illness can feel overwhelmed and alone. We offer practical help, including instructions about medications and how to care for your loved ones.
You can think of us as always being by your side. If you need help in the middle of the night, you can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Our objective is to work together as a team to give the patient and the family the support they need. One of the main things we do is find out what their goals are and what they want to get out of this experience.”
Susan Conway, Chief Clinical Officer
We understand that many families are reluctant to seek hospice care because they’re worried about cost. However, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers cover a wide variety of both hospice patient and family-oriented services. Further, as a non-profit organization, Hospice of the Golden Isles is committed to serving the Mcintosh County community, regardless of ability to pay.
Palliative Care
At Hospice of the Golden Isles, we are experts at pain and symptom management, also referred to as palliative care.
The goal of palliative care is to improve a patient’s quality of life while also easing the stress and emotional pain of family members.
Some of the most common illnesses palliative care is for are cancer, congestive heart failure, and dementia, though this list is not exhaustive. Palliative care can also begin sooner than hospice care, while the treatment plan is still active.
Our palliative care team works in a hospital setting and at an outpatient clinic, and they also provide services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
We know that you have a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a hospice care provider, and we’re here to help. Please feel free to get to know us better by visiting our About Us page. You’ll learn more about the services we provide and what makes us different.
Do you have questions about hospice care in McIntosh County? We would be honored to provide you with more information. Call Hospice of the Golden Isles at 912.265.4735 or toll-free at 866.275.6801.
