Caring for a loved one with a terminal diagnosis can be challenging. There may come a time when you can no longer do this without the guidance of professionals due to the level of care they require. Hospice care is for individuals facing a life-limiting illness or health condition who may be close to the end of their life. Hospice care provides a multi-professional approach to caring for your loved one, ensuring that all their needs are met holistically.
You – or your loved one – may be wondering when the right time might be to choose hospice care. The following article will highlight 10 signs to pay attention to which may indicate that your loved one requires hospice care.
1. Treatment is no longer working, or they do not wish to continue with their treatment.
Suppose somebody has been having aggressive treatment for some time with no improvement in their condition. In that case, there may come a time when they decide they do not wish to continue with treatment. Hospice care may be indicated as it focuses on managing symptoms and pain relief. This allows the person to spend more time with their loved ones as they approach the end of their life.
Although it can be tough to hear, it is important to talk openly with your loved one if you notice subtle comments such as “I just want to be out of pain” or “I just want a break; I’m tired.” This may suggest that they are considering alternative treatment options, such as hospice care.
2. Symptoms are becoming more difficult to manage.
During the latter stages of terminal illness, it may be that your loved one is unable to manage their symptoms alone or with support from friends or family. You may notice your loved one experiencing increased nausea, vomiting, or pain. If pain is not well controlled, it can lead to anxiety, agitation, and breathlessness. This may indicate a need for hospice care where a team of professionals can monitor and manage symptoms and pain.
3. There have been multiple ER or hospital admissions.
It may be that your loved one has required multiple ER visits and hospital admissions due to severe or recurrent infections. This may indicate declining health and a need for hospice care where a specialist team can monitor and treat the person more regularly.
Multiple admissions in and out of the hospital can also be exhausting for somebody experiencing a decline in their health. Hospice care means that individuals can spend more time at home, or in a more comfortable place, such as a hospice, with the assurance that a nurse is available 24/7 during a crisis.
4. They spend more time in a bed or chair, sleeping, or appearing less alert.
As a person’s body begins to slow, they may experience increased pain or other symptoms. You may have noticed that your loved one appears less alert or spends much of their time in a bed or chair, which may indicate a slowing body. Hospice care can ensure that these symptoms are managed and that your loved one is comfortable.
5. They require significantly more help to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs).
You, or your loved one, may have noticed that it is becoming more difficult to carry out daily tasks, such as showering, getting dressed, or eating. These tasks can feel exhausting for somebody who is terminally ill or reaching the end of their life. Hospice care may be beneficial in supporting your loved one to continue attending to their ADLs with the support of professionals. This gives them more energy to do things they enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones.
6. They are experiencing a decline in mental function.
Symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, or agitation may indicate a decline in mental function. This can be distressing for the sufferers and their families or friends. Hospice care may be indicated at this time as it means that an individual’s mental function can be assessed thoroughly, and symptoms can be managed accordingly.
7. They are experiencing shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath can occur for several reasons, such as pain, infection, or illness progression. Experiencing shortness of breath can significantly decrease quality of life. It can be an indicator for hospice care where specialist treatment, such as oxygen and breathing aids, can be considered by the multi-professional team. This can support your loved one to feel more comfortable and regain quality of life.
8. They are experiencing frequent nausea/vomiting.
Not only can frequent nausea and vomiting be an unpleasant and distressing symptom for your loved one, but it can also cause nutrient deficiencies which can worsen their condition. Hospice care can provide specialist dietetic input and management of these symptoms.
9. They are not able to mobilize safely and are having more frequent falls.
You may have noticed that your loved one can no longer mobilize well, and they may be frightened to move or have experienced more frequent falls. Hospice care will enable your loved one to have an assessment of their mobility, and appropriate input can be put into place, such as walking or mobilizing aids.
10. You, as the carer, are feeling exhausted or displaying symptoms of burnout.
Caring for a loved one with a terminal illness can be mentally and physically challenging. Without breaks, it can lead to caregiver burnout. There is tremendous courage in accepting that you cannot manage alone and need help from professionals. It is also an act of love for the person you are caring for. Hospice care does not necessarily mean that you will hand over all the care of your loved one to professionals. It can come in varying forms and means that you can stay well, avoid caregiver burnout, and maintain your role in providing care.
Conclusion
Caring for somebody with a terminal illness can be challenging, and input from professionals through hospice care may be required to support the management of symptoms and pain. Several signs may indicate a need for hospice care to facilitate a better quality of life for somebody in the latter stages of a terminal illness.