Things to Know about Hospice as a Part of End of Life Care Services in New Jersey

Many surveys have shown that a majority of terminally ill people want to live their last days according to their wishes but are apprehensive about discussing them with their family members. Talking about such matters with the family members is hard and therefore, often avoided. However, it is important to understand that making end of life decisions as early as possible would allow you to take full advantage of all the resources available for help. Hospice, an amalgamation of various care services, is provided to improve quality of life of the terminally ill patients in the last few months and to provide emotional support to their families.

To be able to receive hospice care, the recipient must be certified by a physician to have six months or less to live if the terminal illness follows its normal course. Though hospice services can be provided in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, etc. but many recipients opt to receive these services at home. Once an initial assessment is done by the hospice team taking into account the recipient's medical & financial condition, wishes, family, etc., a hospice care plan is created. This plan has various services that could help the recipients medically, emotionally, and spiritually. Other then basic services such as medical, nursing, medical social services, and counselling, the hospice care plan may also include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, spiritual care, etc.

It must be kept in mind that hospice care is not a full time care option as various members of the hospice team will only visit the terminally ill patient from time to time for a limited duration (1-2 hours). Hence, if there is a need to help the recipient with the basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL, then in-home senior care services can be used. Personal care services provide help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, maintaining hygiene, mobility assistance, transferring & positioning, toilet assistance, incontinence care, etc.

On the other hand, companionship provides help with instrumental ADL like meal preparation, transportation assistance, housekeeping, laundry, running errands, engaging recipients in mental activities, giving reminders to take medication, assisting with reading, etc. There are some well renowned in-home senior care providers in Montclair, Verona, & Union area that provide reliable end of life care services. These in-home care services assist the care plan made for the hospice recipients and provide much needed help to the family caregivers.

Comfort Keepers Montclair & Hasbrouck Heights can support you and your loved one, by working with a hospice agency or medical provider to fully meet the family's end of life care services needs. For more details Click Here