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PALM TREE


Insight to Hospice Care


There are a number of myths that surround the hospice care community. As a result, people tend to avoid the subject until a situation arises where hospice care may be needed. This creates unnecessary stress due to not knowing exactly what hospice care is about, how to aff ord the cost, and where to fi nd it. This section will help clear up some of the main questions.


MYTH – A Hospice is where you go to die?


TRUTH – Whilst the care delivered in hospices is palliative – meaning given to the terminally ill and their families – not everyone who is cared for by hospice is at the very end of life.


There are many diff erent reasons why someone may choose hospice care: such as to ensure that their fi nal days are as comfortable as possible when there is no further aggressive treatment available or desired; to manage the symptoms of their life limiting illness; provide comfort and support to family members and caregivers.


What is hospice care?


Hospice care provides palliative care focused on relieving the pain caused by life limiting illnesses such as cancer, dementia, heart failure, COPD and Parkinsons disease.


Hospice care is a particularly helpful choice for residents who have an advanced illness or nearing the end of life and requires a higher level of care while residing in the comfort of their own home. Treatments are not focused on curing the life limiting illness, rather, managing the symptoms with medications, therapies, and medical equipment.


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ELDER LIVING GUIDE


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