hospice services

First and foremost, it is important to understand what hospice care is. The purpose of hospice is to provide the highest quality of care and comfort to those who are chronically ill, terminally ill, or seriously ill and to relieve or lessen the discomfort they may experience. 

Bonnie B. and Diana C. with Elevation Hospice

For those wondering if their loved one could benefit from hospice, Bonnie Bechek, an experienced hospice RN with Elevation Hospice, suggests to look for the following signs:

1. Health changes, including incontinence
2. Increased frequency and severity of falls
3. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
4. Loss of strength
5. Increase in sleep
6. Mental changes
7. Requiring more assistance in activities of daily living
8. Increased need for medication to control pain and discomfort

Did you know?

The hospice benefits, which are covered 100% by Medicare, include:

1. On-call nurse available 24 hours a day
2. Management of pain and other symptoms
3. Personal care, homemaker services, companion care
4. Spiritual and emotional support – Social Work and Chaplain
5. Incontinence and catheter care and medical supplies (briefs, wipes, etc.)
6. Durable Medical equipment (wheelchair, etc.)
7. Medications for pain and discomfort
8. Respite care, wound care, and bereavement support

Bonnie also recommends the book Being Mortal by Atul Gwande to all family caregivers who have a loved one needing hospice care. This book is Atul’s personal meditation on how we can better live with age-related frailty, serious illness, and approaching death.

Personal care agencies, like Aspen Senior Care, work hand in hand with the top hospice agencies to ensure our clients are receiving the care they deserve. Contact us at 801-224-5910 to learn more today.