Funeral Planning Guide - Hospice

Hospice Care Provides Caring Comfort for Both Patient and Family

Hospice care facilities provide medical care for individuals who are terminally ill. These facilities are geared to provide a more intimate and appealing setting. Hospice care is to help individuals deal with death in comfortable surroundings. The main treatment is to help alleviate pain and keep the patient comfortable. Cures are no longer the issue; comfort and peace of mind are the dominant factors.

Funeral planning should definitely include information about Hospice Care. This is obviously a very difficult time for the family and the person who is in the process of dying. While seeing to the persons comfort in their final days the family may not want to face the inevitable. At some point the family most deal with impending burial costs and funeral arrangements. Planning ahead is about preparing for the future today.

If the person has made prearrangements this will make it all the easier. All the family has to do is carry out their loved ones final wishes. There are a host of other issues the family will need to handle such as the terminally ills estate, insurance, social security, medicare, will or trust. This would be a good time for the family to try to determine the location of these documents before the person dies. Often times, these documents are found accidentally months of even years after the person dies; by then it’s too late!

Hospice facilities are designed for these instances. Many people choose a home or home-inspired environment for their final days. If a home setting is not possible these work well and families can know that their family member is being treated with love, compassion and care. 24 hour nursing and psychological care is available and death is handled in an open and understanding manner. These facilities provide the next closest thing to a home setting for many of their patients.Many patients and families are relieved that these emotional times can be spent in a warm and nurturing facility as opposed to the sterile and uncaring feel of many hospital wards.

There are a number of needed services provided by Hospice staff members. These include pain management and control as well as assistance with feeding, bathing, and ambulating. These hospice based services also meet many other needs. Chaplains and psychologists are always at hand. There are grief counselors and others who can help both patient and family deal with the numerous emotional issues that are present. Families are welcome and are expected to be members of the team to any degree that they wish.

Open visitation is part of the policy at many hospice centers and family members can stay at the bedside as often and as long as they want. They are welcome to share in any aspect of family care if they choose. This helps make many families feel that they are contributing. Some families live too far away to visit often and the staff will keep in touch through emails and phone calls and provide frequent updates on condition and outlook.Many people often wonder how the costs and expenses of hospice care for their loved ones are paid for. Most hospice services and facility costs are paid for through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances. There are even some facilities that will provide this care based on need and income only. A social worker is at the facility and can help with any questions or concerns about cost.

When selecting an appropriate facility you will want to check on the state certification as well as the payment methods the facility uses. Also ask about the services that are available for the patient and the family. Most Hospice care facilities have open visitation policies. Hospice facilities encourage family and friends to continue to play active parts in their loved one’s lives. You will find that some of the hospices even accommodate family members for overnight and extended stays. This is vital in helping maintain a normal atmosphere for each patient.

Whether choosing Hospice care and facilities for your loved one you are helping create a peaceful end of life transition. This is one of the best ways for the entire family to come to terms With what is happening. Having the staff at hand to talk openly and honestly about both life and death allows everyone to discuss their feelings and to begin the process of letting go. Knowing that this final life process is occurring in a natural and painless way gives strength to many.

Have you designated an executor of your estate? Many times your deceased loved ones estate ends up in probate, which can be a long and drawn out process. With so many people dying without a will or trust it has become a big problem as the American population ages. Without a will, families often times get in major fights over the smallest things and go years never speaking again. This would be a tragedy if you allow it to happen. It doesn’t have to be that way. Plan ahead! Do it now! Remember, even if it is handwritten and signed by your loved one most judges will consider this a letter of intent that can offer you and your family protection. It is best however to seek legal counsel from an attorney who specializes in wills and probate. Do it! You’ll be glad you did!

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