Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
No doubt, the decisions that you make at the end of life are very difficult. Now COVID-19 has become the cause of many types of decisions. So, it is a difficult time for families because they need hospice care.
According to a report, it is estimated that almost 3,358,814 people will die in the US in 2020. Most of the deaths were just because of COVID-19. Further, due to COVID-19, there was much shortage of beds and pieces of equipment.
People were unable to plan hospice care because of the increased and unexpected death rate. It was also difficult because of no family trust and prolonged emotional health. It is also true that end-of-life decisions are based on financial abilities. Don’t think that it is only based on the needs of patients. You can get more information by checking the clinic services in detail.
Table of Contents
What Is End-of-Life Care?
End-of-life care is the care that is given to patients at the end of their lives. This end may be days, weeks, months, and even years.
This care is given to patients no matter whether their condition is better or not. It means during this period, the hospice team and support are always with the patient. Many patients get care at home, while some get in nursing homes or hospitals. Patients are given hospice care, and the cost of this care is given by insurance agencies. These may be Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance program.
It is true that Medicare can pay the full cost of hospice care if you take this care services. But many patients don’t take these care services. According to a report, it is suggested that almost 2,700 people in the US died. It was just because they did not get h-care. It means if you don’t think hospice care is the better option. Then you are on the wrong side.
Many searches proved that hospice care is the better option for mental health improvement. It also helps the patient to increase lifetime and reduce the stress of family members. It also helps the patient to be comfortable at the end of life.
Palliative Care
In palliative care, you can include emotional help. It also includes daily support for a patient who has life-threatening issues. At the same time, doctors and nurses help the patient to cure the disease. This care starts from the finding of disease, and it ends when the patient doesn’t have a chance to survive.
Read More: 5 Solid Benefits of Respite Care
Hospice
Hospice is the treatment that is given to the patient when he is ill. Many doctors, nurses, and volunteers work together to provide pain management.
This care is not similar to palliative care. In it, the patient has to stop the treatment to cure the illness. Doctors provide hospice care to give relief from disease symptoms. Don’t think that hospice care is given at a particular place. You can get it at home, in nursing homes, or in hospitals.
According to a hospice care organization, it is estimated that almost 1.5 million Medicare programs get hospice care. Now, it is seen that this number has dropped.
According to a report, almost 95% of patients who were taking hospice care refused to visit because of COVID-19. In 2018, there were almost 4,600 hospice care services that were covered by Medicare. Almost 55% of hospice services were certified by Medicare for almost ten years.
If you are using Medicare, then you must choose a certified hospice provider. But you must consider many other factors before choosing the provider. These are size, staff, services, and much more.
Respite Care
Respite care is the short period of care that is given to the patients. In this care, the patient has to stay in the hospital or nursing room for almost five days.
Final Verdict:
If you have decided to get hospice care, then you must consider its cost. Maybe you are wondering about the cost of providing care to loved ones. Now you have the option of insurance that the hospice care covers.
Medicare or Medicaid is the best insurance program that ensures your care is paid for. So contact us to discuss every health issue with the expert physicians and doctors to give you hospice care!