What Nurses Wish People Knew About Hospice Care
Many families, prior to signing on with a hospice agency, do not fully understand the benefits associated with having visits from a hospice care team. I am an Admission Registered Nurse with Unity. This means I am the first person to discuss hospice care with you and your family. My main priority when discussing hospice is to ensure you understand that enrolling in hospice does not mean you are giving up hope; hospice encourages you to focus on your quality of life rather than counting remaining days.
Hospice patients fill their days with visiting and relaxing instead of doctor appointments and hospital visits. We focus on what brings you joy, such as spending time with family and friends or going outside to enjoy the weather. Signing on with hospice care gives you better control over your own life. If you have been on a restricted diet and no longer wish to follow this diet, you have the support of hospice to eat and drink what you want. Hospice means so much more than just end-of-life support.
The Medicare Hospice benefit was created for people who have a life limiting illness or condition who likely have 6-months or less to live. Many people who sign on to hospice care continue to live independent and active lives. The benefit of hospice at this point is the availability of nursing support 24 hours of the day to assist with questions or changes in your how you are feeling. Hospice services include a team of healthcare professionals including a nurse, nursing assistant, social worker and chaplain assigned to guide you and your family through your end-of-life journey. We are available 24/7 to offer telephone support as well as face-to-face visits .
Unity hospice nurses are committed to proving patients and families with all the information they need to make informed medical decisions, while providing compassionate care and support.
Contact Unity 24/7 if you have any questions or call Unity Hospice at 800-990-9249 to learn more about how we can support you.
This blog post was shared by Hailie U., an Admission Registered Nurse at Unity Hospice.
If you found this information helpful, please share it with your network and community.