Palliative care is a specialized medical treatment that supports the quality of life of patients facing end-stage cancer, heart disease, and other terminal illnesses. Hospice carers offer solace and support to patients and families through difficult times.
There are many types of hospice care, including those specializing in cancer treatment and others focusing on providing end-of-life care. When looking for the best hospices in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand why this type of care is important.
How Hospice Care Benefits Patients and Their Families
Hospice care can improve the quality of life for people with expected life spans of less than six months.
Hospice services provide pain relief, emotional support, symptom management, and physical assistance. The goal of hospice care is not to cure illness but rather to provide comfort and support for patients and their families. Patients receive continuous monitoring of their medical condition so any changes in symptoms can be addressed immediately.
In-Home and Hospital-Centered Palliative Care
There are different ways to access pain management services. Patients may receive hospice care in a hospital, residential care facility, or even in the comfort of their own homes.
Many patients prefer the comfort and freedom provided by home-based palliative care. Patients can stay at home and enjoy more independence when they use these services.
Hospices in Los Angeles also offer hospice care on an outpatient basis. Instead of having caregivers come to their homes, patients receive palliative care services at a doctor’s office.
This arrangement is ideal for those whose medical conditions are in the early stages.
How to Find the Best Hospices in Los Angeles
If you want to find the best hospice in Los Angeles, you’ll need to work through the following steps to make the best choice for you or a loved one.
1) Research the hospice options available: Some hospices specialize in one area, such as cancer care, while others cover many conditions. Many palliative care services offer in-home care, while others work mostly in hospitals.
2) Consider whether the hospice offers respite care: Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take breaks away from home. For primary caregivers who work long hours or live far away from the patient, these services can provide welcome relief.
3) Set a budget: The cost of hospice varies depending on where you live and the level of care you receive. Smaller hospices focusing on basic care tend to have lower costs, but larger hospitals often provide more comprehensive services. Low-income patients may qualify for free hospice care through Medicare or other programs.
4) Look into the range of services each provider offers: Depending on the severity of the illness, hospices may use different levels of care. For example, a hospice specializing in treating Alzheimer’s disease might offer less intensive care than a hospice treating terminal cancers.
5) Talk to people who’ve used the hospice before: Friends and family members who have already had experience with the hospice may be able to recommend a company that provides the support, insight, and medical care their loved one needs. They can also provide insight into what the experience is really like.
6) Tap into government resources: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new tool called Medicare Compare Search that allows people to compare health coverage options across multiple carriers.
The California Department of Aging also provides tools that make it easy to find hospices in Los Angeles.
At Comforting Care Services, we take a compassionate approach to providing support and quality-of-life enhancements to those nearing the end of their lives. To learn more about our palliative care services and schedule a consultation, get in touch with a caregiver today.