Friday, January 29, 2010

Is it Time to Consider Hospice?

When your aging parent reaches a point at which he/she seems to be declining and not able to bounce back, it may be time to consider palliative care. Perhaps hospice is an option. Talk with the primary care practitioner and see if a hospice eval can be arranged. Hospice care can help all of you ease into the next phase and maintain a good quality of life and eventually achieve a peaceful passing for your loved one, with dignity and without pain or discomfort.

If your elder doesn't yet meet hospice criteria, the hospice nurse may be able to recommend other options such as home health care. Perhaps some PT to strengthen muscles and increase safety would be advised, or an OT eval for some assistance with energy conservation techniques.

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