It’s never easy to think about losing someone you love, and this leads to many families delaying the uncomfortable conversation about Hospice and end-of-life care. However, the sooner you get your parent or elderly loved one under Hospice care, the sooner they can feel comfortable and relaxed during their final stages of life.

If you’re not sure when the right time is to put your parents or elderly loved one in Hospice, here are a few warning signs to be aware of:

1. They can no longer drive.
2. They can no longer do simple tasks around the house (check the mail, cook for themselves, etc.).
3. They have fallen in their home more than once.
4. They have had a significant weight loss.
5. It is difficult for them to eat or digest solid food.
6. They can no longer bathe or use the bathroom themselves.
7. They are experiencing changes in mental abilities. (Loss of memory, dementia)
8. They have been hospitalized or have visited the ER several times in the past 6 months.
9. Hospital bills are becoming financially overwhelming
10. They have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with limited life expectancy. (Typically six months or less).
11. They choose to refrain from any form of curative treatment.
12. They are eligible for Hospice services through Medicaid or Medicare.

 

If your parent or elderly loved one has difficulty living on their own due to any of these symptoms, in-home care might be a good option. However, if your loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis, they could benefit greatly from Hospice care. Calling Hospice is extremely painful because it means coming to terms with the death of a loved one. Ultimately though, it can be the right decision. The sooner the decision is made, the sooner your loved one can be comfortable and at peace during their final months.

For more information on whether or not Hospice care is right for your parent or loved one, call the team at ViaQuest at 855.289.1722. We are dedicated to answering any questions and supporting you through this difficult transition.

ViaQuest also offers grief counseling for every member of the family during this difficult period. We have a support team of counselors, chaplains, nurses, and medical directors that will be there for physical, emotional, and spiritual support for both the patient and their family.