As a reminder from the last post, Hospice care is skilled nursing, social services and spiritual support for a terminally ill patient who is not seeking curative treatment for their admitting diagnosis. This care also helps support the patients family during, and after, the loss of their loved one.
A doctor must certify that, given the natural process of the illness, the patient's life expectancy is approximately 6 months. Many times there is not a terminal illness diagnosis but an elderly patient will still qualify under the Medicare guidelines for services. Caregivers may be so close to the situation that they do not see the subtle changes on a day to day basis but their loved one could be receiving services and the caregivers load could be lightened.
Here are some signs to watch for:
:
- Bathing
- Cooking
- Eating
- Dressing
- Getting out of bed
- Walking
If you answered "yes" to four or more of the questions above, your loved one could likely qualify for services. Remember that we will still need a Doctor's order for Hospice care but giving our company a call would get the ball rolling. We can, with your permission, contact your primary care physician and work hand in hand with him to get needed services started and help "make the most of every minute that is left."
Give our office staff a call at 801-225-3377 and let them help you get services started.
