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The decisions regarding a loved one who is ill can be very taxing and stressful. There are so many issues to consider, and so much for the caretaker to learn. That is where an Altoona hospice and palliative care facility can help. The doctors, nurses and other staff at these facilities know what you are going through and know what to expect when these tragic things happen. Let them be your guide so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is in good hands.
Though hospices and palliative care centers are sometimes combined, they are two different kinds of programs. Hospices are generally for someone who has a life-ending illness, so the focus is one making them comfortable rather than treatment. They may still get medications and treatments, but they are in the service of making them feel better.
Palliative care is a bit different from a hospice, though many times they are both done under the same roof. Palliative patients may not have a fatal disease at all. In fact, they might just be recovering from something that requires a nurse or doctor to help them along. They may have a long-term illness where they or their future caretaker need training, which most palliative centers can provide as an alternative to hiring a home nurse. Many patients eventually return home, though they may have to come back on occasion.
With either of these choices, the main thing is that the patient feels safe and secure. The facilities provide 24 hour staffing, even on holidays and weekends. There is always medical staff available to make them as comfortable as possible. They may even be offered alternatives like having a priest or chaplain or a therapist to help them psychologically.
Another focus after the patient is the family or friends. They may be going through quite an emotional upheaval, and may need the help of a support group or therapist, which some centers provide. In fact, many bereavement groups are open to the public, and not just for people who have a loved one in the facility.
This type of specialized care can also be extended to patients with conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia, which requires a whole new set of skills. In fact, many places offer a separate wing or ward just for these cases, so if this is what your family member has, then rest assured they will be well cared for at all times.
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.
One of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make is whether to admit a person you love to this type of program. Thankfully, there are plenty of good Altoona facilities that can provide the best care possible and make the most of a stressful situation.
Though hospices and palliative care centers are sometimes combined, they are two different kinds of programs. Hospices are generally for someone who has a life-ending illness, so the focus is one making them comfortable rather than treatment. They may still get medications and treatments, but they are in the service of making them feel better.
Palliative care is a bit different from a hospice, though many times they are both done under the same roof. Palliative patients may not have a fatal disease at all. In fact, they might just be recovering from something that requires a nurse or doctor to help them along. They may have a long-term illness where they or their future caretaker need training, which most palliative centers can provide as an alternative to hiring a home nurse. Many patients eventually return home, though they may have to come back on occasion.
With either of these choices, the main thing is that the patient feels safe and secure. The facilities provide 24 hour staffing, even on holidays and weekends. There is always medical staff available to make them as comfortable as possible. They may even be offered alternatives like having a priest or chaplain or a therapist to help them psychologically.
Another focus after the patient is the family or friends. They may be going through quite an emotional upheaval, and may need the help of a support group or therapist, which some centers provide. In fact, many bereavement groups are open to the public, and not just for people who have a loved one in the facility.
This type of specialized care can also be extended to patients with conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia, which requires a whole new set of skills. In fact, many places offer a separate wing or ward just for these cases, so if this is what your family member has, then rest assured they will be well cared for at all times.
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.
One of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make is whether to admit a person you love to this type of program. Thankfully, there are plenty of good Altoona facilities that can provide the best care possible and make the most of a stressful situation.
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 Harrisburg Hospice and Palliative care he recommends you check out 365hospice.com/.
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