hospice and palliative carehospice and palliative care

End-Of-Life Care Options

Too many Americans die without receiving the type of care they want. It’s your life, shouldn’t it end with the way you want it to?

No, we’re not talking that you get to choose what illnesses or ailments you suffer from, but rather, you should be able to choose where you’d be the most comfortable and happy. For some, this could be in a facility, while others prefer the comforts of their home.  Whatever it is, your wishes should be followed. To ensure this, you need to understand what options you have for end-of-life care.

Hospice and Palliative Care Month is this month. Not sure what these are? Or worse– maybe you have a false stereotype of what these are… Let’s clear up any rumors for you:

HOSPICE VS. PALLIATIVE CARE

Hospice and palliative care are similar but are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences.

Hospice is an end-of-life care option for those with serious illnesses and has less than six months to live. Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy. Both strive to relieve any symptoms or pain in order to help the patient feel as comfortable as possible. However, hospice will not perform any treatments to help cure your illness, but palliative will.

Someone may transition over to hospice care if the palliative care team believes that the treatment is no longer helping (either curing the illness or slowing the progression), and the patient is expected to pass on within six months.

IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Depending on your private insurance plan, it may cover either care option. Medicare, on the other hand, covers all hospice charges. Depending on your benefits and treatment plan, palliative may also be covered by Medicare.

WHERE CAN MY LOVED ONE RECEIVE PALLIATIVE OR HOSPICE CARE?

Those receiving palliative or hospice care can be treated at home, in an assisted living facility, a nursing home, or a hospital. Both care options aim to improve the comfort and quality of life for both the patient and his/ her family. There are also several hospice facilities that hospice patients can receive care at.

HOW AEGIS CAN HELP

Almost 1.4 million Americans receive care annually from a hospice and palliative care provider where care is provided to relieve pain and manage symptoms, and family support and bereavement services are provided.  Let Aegis provide you, your loved one, and your family, with the support you need during a most difficult journey. No matter the life-limiting illness, Aegis’ team of experts and highly trained professionals are there to help ensure that patients and families receive the utmost care, respect, and love during such a difficult time. Our patients always come first.

Don’t be like many families who regret or delay their decisions to choose hospice care. The patient suffering from an illness deserves the highest quality of life, and hospice and palliative care can offer that. Contact us today to learn more about what Aegis can offer your loved one.

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