7 Signs Your Loved One Could Benefit from Hospice Support

For some families, the idea of hospice care is frightening, but having experts help manage the care of a loved one carries significant benefits. Both patients and caregivers receive support through what is often a difficult period.

Caring for someone you love as they approach the end of their life is often an overwhelming and emotional responsibility. Being there for someone during that important period may feel like both an honor and more than you can do.

The good news is that hospice care offers support that benefits everyone involved.

At Pinnacle Healthcare System, our primary care providers and specialists recommend hospice care when appropriate, and families are sometimes surprised by the recommendation.

Here, we’ve put together seven signs that often indicate hospice care will benefit the patient and their caregivers.

Frequent hospital visits

Often one of the first signs that hospice care could be beneficial is more frequent visits to the emergency department or more frequent hospital stays. Inpatient care is disruptive, expensive, and can be a clear indication that your loved one’s condition is becoming more difficult to manage.

Declining function (problems with ordinary daily tasks)

Activities of daily living are one of the ways providers assess a person’s overall health. They include things like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, walking, and eating.

When a person struggles with these kinds of normal day-to-day activities, caring for them becomes much more difficult.

Provider recommendation

Probably the most important sign that hospice care will be helpful is a recommendation from a care provider. Most family members don’t have the knowledge or experience to recognize the signs that suggest a person is nearing the end of their life, but care providers do.

Even if you’re not sure, when a care provider recommends hospice care, you should consider it. You may decide it’s not quite time, but you’ll be better informed and prepared when it is time.

Weight loss and decreased appetite

Perhaps your loved one seems OK, except they’re losing weight and aren’t interested in eating. Lack of nutrition can exacerbate other problems and can be a sign that it’s time to call hospice, or at least seek an assessment from a professional.

Changes in cognition — confusion, agitation, withdrawal

Sometimes caregivers, particularly if they are close to the patient, feel frustrated with what may seem like stubborn behavior or grumpiness. But changes in behavior and cognition could be an indication that their condition is worsening or progressing.

Symptoms are increasingly difficult to manage

The patient is our priority at Pinnacle Healthcare System, but we recognize that as a person nears the end of life, caring for them demands more from their caregivers in terms of time, effort, and emotion.

Hospice provides support in managing symptoms, offering some peace of mind and relief to the caregivers.

Noticeably lower quality of life

Families are often surprised to learn that hospice improves the quality of life for patients. From nursing care to access to social services, hospice care can make day-to-day living a little easier. The goal of hospice is to support patients and ensure they’re comfortable.

If you’ve noticed that your loved one is struggling with any of the issues we’ve discussed here, schedule an appointment at our office in Pembroke Pines or Hollywood, Florida, to discuss hospice care with our team.