By Robert Bruce Dalglish of Philadelphia, PA
Generally, hospice care is reserved for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six or less months to live. At this point, patients stop undergoing aggressive therapies, and their health care shifts toward the focus on the quality of life and comfort.
Patients can receive Hospice care at home, at an assisted-living facility or a specialized hospice care center. Rather than administering curative treatment, hospice care is centered on managing pain, controlling symptoms, providing emotional support and assuring a comfortable way of life during a person’s last days. Doctors and nurses are available to hospice care patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and special grief and bereavement counseling is provided to the patients’ families.
The decision on whether to move a loved one into hospice care can be difficult and is often determined by a number of emotional, financial and practical factors. Although you need a doctor’s written approval to qualify for hospice care, it is recommended that families do their research in advance. Since different hospices may function a bit differently, it may be worth to visit several local centers and find a provider that feels right for your family.
Since 2005, Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice have been leading providers of comprehensive competent hospice care in the United States. With corporate headquarters in the Philadelphia suburb of Ambler, PA., All Caring Hospice and Alliance Hospice have conveniently located hospice centers in South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio. Both providers accept most private insurance and are licensed by Medicare and Medicaid.
To learn more about Alliance Hospice, visit: http://alliancehospice.com
To learn more about All Caring Hospice, go to: http://allcaringhospice.com
About the Author
A resident of Philadelphia, Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).
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Disclaimer: Blogs by R. Bruce Dalglish provide educational information, not medical advice. Please consult with your medical providers when making end-of-life care decisions.