Hospice and assisted living are very different from one another, but there is sometimes confusion surrounding these terms. It’s important to have at least a basic understanding of these differences to better understand when each is appropriate and how they can help patients and families alike. In some cases, hospice in Oakland County might be the best choice. Other times, patients and families will want to consider an assisted living community in Oakland County.
When is Hospice in Oakland County the Right Choice?
Hospice care is specifically for patients that have a terminal diagnosis and who have only a few months to live. The patients are often at the point where they cannot provide proper care for themselves. Hospice can help to improve the quality of life for the patient when they are nearing the end. The care can provide them with the dignity and comfort that they need, while still helping them to maintain as much activity as possible.
When patients are at the point where they are going to the hospital often, or when they have problems controlling their bowels, it could be time for hospice. If they are still healthy and merely need some help with things around the house, assisted living is a better solution.
It is important to realize that it’s not only physical changes that could indicate that it’s time for hospice services in Oakland County. Sometimes, there will be differences in the way the loved one behaves. They might make strange requests that indicate they are nearing the end of their life. They also might withdraw. Other times, there could be health problems coupled with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, which could indicate that hospice is the right solution.
Families will find that they typically have some choices when it comes to hospice care. Patients can opt to go to a facility if that is the better or easier solution in many cases. However, most patients will feel more comfortable living out their remaining days in their homes. It’s a place they know and love. Hospice care is often provided right in the patient’s home.
Hospice Care and Alzheimer’s
As mentioned, hospice care is focused on providing patients with comfort and dignity at the end of life. It provides care and support to patients who are suffering from any number of debilitating diseases such as lung disease or heart disease. It can also be a major benefit to those patients that are suffering from Alzheimer’s or other types of memory loss. It can also provide help for their family, as well.
After all, it can be difficult for the family members to go through the final stages of a loved one’s life when they have Alzheimer’s disease. Not only is it more difficult to provide care, but it can take an emotional toll. Having caring professionals available, whether they are at the patient’s home or in a facility, can make things feel at least a little less chaotic.
Hospice Provides Needed Help
Hospice in Oakland County can provide patients and families with a range of benefits. One of the first of those benefits is that Medicare can cover it. Beneficiaries that have been diagnosed as having six months or less to live can receive hospice care thanks to Medicare. They can receive the treatment they need for other health issues, but they are required to stop getting treatment for their terminal illness. This is for those who have reached a point where they do not want to receive any more care for their terminal illness.
Quality hospice can provide patients with care that helps not only the physical aspects and needs of the patient but also the mental and emotional needs. The care often includes pain medication, but it can include more. High-quality facilities offering hospice care can provide other types of therapy. This could include music and physical therapy, for example. This is good for the body, the mind, and the memory. The belief is that patients should have the end of their life be as pleasant as possible.
When to Consider an Assisted Living Community
Of course, hospice care is only needed when a patient has a terminal diagnosis. Many people could benefit from the use of an assisted living facility in Troy instead. These facilities have some differences from hospice care, although the quality and level of care are often the same.
With an assisted living facility, people will move into a residence. These could be shared rooms, or private rooms. They will generally have all of the typical comforts of home available for residents. This helps to ensure that the residents still have a sense of freedom, even though they can get all the help they need with the little daily chores. Some people have trouble when it comes to things like dressing or bathing themselves, for example. They might need to have some help remembering when to take their medications. Regardless, an assisted living community in could be a good solution.
Finding the Right Community
Those who are searching for an assisted living facility will want to be sure they are choosing correctly. This means taking the time to read more about the facility online and getting out to visit the location. This can give them a better idea of what to expect from the rooms, the other people at the facility, and the staff. It is important to take the time to choose a location that will provide the proper care that’s needed.
Does the facility offer memory care, which can help to keep the residents’ minds active? Does it provide games and entertainment for the residents? What about meals or transportation to and from appointments? It is important to realize that different facilities have different features and offerings. Not all will be a good solution, so it is important to take the time to learn as much as possible about them before committing.
