Hospice

What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Hospice?

By June 28, 2021 No Comments

In the Greater Detroit area, there are several different types of facilities and communities for older adults and those who need a little help here and there. Of course, the part where some people get confused is when it comes to the different types — there are several names used and each seems different, but some are the same. Others are, indeed, a different type of facility or service. Either way, it’s important for potential residents and their families to understand the options so that they can get everything that they need.

Assisted living facilities typically cater to various levels of care for people who have differing needs. Some will be divided into separate wings while others will have entirely separate buildings for the different residents. Still more may be dedicated to one type of care or another, such as assisted living that’s specifically for memory care and doesn’t provide any other services because of the specific nature of the care these people need.

Hospice, also similar to palliative care, is generally offered to people who are nearing the end of their life and need a place to be comfortable and have people keeping an eye on them.

 

Hospice care is also offered to family members and loved ones of those who are ill.  This care can consist of grief support resources and services.  There is a lot more to it than most people think, but the basic difference between this and assisted living is that hospice care is specifically focused on end-of-life services.

Assisted Living Comes in Many Forms

As mentioned, older adults and those who need assistance with daily living for other reasons can find several different options to choose from. There are programs like adult day care centers where people can spend a few hours a day or the entire day, and a lot of people even opt for in-home assistance of some kind.

People will also find assisted living apartment communities, where there is a manager and staff onsite at all times, and extra emergency and safety features are found in all of the units. Of course, for those who want a more close-knit community with lots of opportunities for socializing, or who need more attentive care, there is live-in assisted living that Bloomfield Hills residents can consider.

Choosing the right service is about figuring out what is going to be right for the individual in question. Again, it depends on the level of care and assistance they require, as well as their personal preferences. Some people, despite needing a lot of care, would rather hire in-home nursing services or assistance; others prefer the community of an assisted living facility in Bloomfield Hills.

The best thing that people can do is to discuss it with their loved ones, when possible, to determine the best course of action as a family. Usually, this will result in less stress for everyone and make sure that the person who needs it gets the best care, based on their situation and current state of health. In many cases, a little discussion can go a long way towards realizing that there are more options than initially thought.

When It’s Time for Hospice

Although there are certain criteria that facilities and hospice services will point to in reference to contacting them for assistance, there is really no right or wrong time to call in the assistance of hospice services in Bloomfield Hills. These services are available to anyone who needs them, and once people see just what kind of services they provide, they might realize it offers a more valuable solution than they anticipated. As mentioned, hospice can offer a lot of different services and assistance to patients and their families.

In addition to providing care for those who are dealing with end-stage diseases or nearing the end of their lives, they offer other care. Here are some important notes:

  • Hospice care can be used more than once by those who need it.
  • Hospice isn’t just for those who only have days or weeks to live.
  • Hospice can be provided to all ages, not just elderly patients.
  • Grief and bereavement support are part of this service.
  • They can also assist with funeral arrangements and other final arrangements or issues.

Another thing to note is that while hospice is sometimes considered a form of palliative care, it usually is engaged after the palliative care or ongoing treatment has ended. Some people seek out other palliative care from the time of diagnosis and eventually end up at hospice, while some may go straight there or never use hospice services at all.

Talk to the Professionals

Because of all these variables, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all that comes with deciding how to care for a loved one when they can no longer care for themselves. Fortunately, by taking the time to talk with a reputable assisted living facility in Bloomfield Hills, families will be able to discuss the needs of the individual in question and figure out what the best course of action will be. Sometimes, that will be assisted living. In some cases, they may need hospice care. Other people end up with other care options.

When families take the time to find the best assisted living care that Bloomfield Hills offers, they will be able to trust that the facility will help them come up with an effective plan to keep their loved one safe and help provide the loving care that they need. This will give everyone peace of mind about their care and make it easy to feel confident in the decision that was made. Remember, too, that education goes a long way in helping prepare for something like this.

Assisted living, hospice, and other services that cater to those who need help with daily living or care during the later stages of their life are all designed to provide a multitude of options so that everyone can get what they need. The reputable assisted living and hospice facilities available throughout Bloomfield Hills and the greater Oakland County area make this easy for family members as well as the individuals who need the care, so take advantage of their assistance.