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.
On the other hand, palliative care is given to anyone who needs it, but the condition it is helping is not necessarily life threatening. It could be a life altering condition though, which is why doctors and nursing staff are usually needed. Some patients are only temporary in this kind of facility, and could go home if their doctor allows it. They may be in and out of the program as needed, depending on what disease they have.
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.
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.
There is also long-term plans provided for people who are not in recovery and do not have a fatal condition. A good example is dementia, which is a troubling condition since it makes life quite difficult on the loved ones. Many hospices offer specialized care for people with dementia to make things easier on them and their families.
If a doctor has recommended this type of facility, then most insurance plans will foot at least part, if not all, of the bill. However, there may be deductibles or co-pays involved as well. Call your plan provider and make sure that all of this is covered that way there are no surprises later on.
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.
On the other hand, palliative care is given to anyone who needs it, but the condition it is helping is not necessarily life threatening. It could be a life altering condition though, which is why doctors and nursing staff are usually needed. Some patients are only temporary in this kind of facility, and could go home if their doctor allows it. They may be in and out of the program as needed, depending on what disease they have.
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.
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.
There is also long-term plans provided for people who are not in recovery and do not have a fatal condition. A good example is dementia, which is a troubling condition since it makes life quite difficult on the loved ones. Many hospices offer specialized care for people with dementia to make things easier on them and their families.
If a doctor has recommended this type of facility, then most insurance plans will foot at least part, if not all, of the bill. However, there may be deductibles or co-pays involved as well. Call your plan provider and make sure that all of this is covered that way there are no surprises later on.
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 intersted in learning more about Top Carrolltown Hospice Care Services he recommends you check out 365hospice.com.
