Caring for a loved one when they're ill can be a stressful and emotional experience for the whole family, and it's hard sometimes to know what else is available for comfort and support. Too often families who could have benefited much sooner from hospice care just didn't know it was an option. Here are some commonly asked questions about what hospice is and when it's the right thing to do.
What is hospice?
Hospice begins at the point when someone has a disease or illness that no longer responds to treatment or the opportunity for a cure no longer exists. The goal transitions from treatment to improving comfort and quality of life – and to providing dignity in death. Sometimes hospice care can get confused with palliative care. The difference is that palliative services occur when a patient is still in active treatment and is a means to help patients understand their condition, manage pain and make important decisions about their illness.
What types of conditions might hospice be right for?
Hospice can benefit those suffering from a disease where their life expectancy is six months or less.
How do I initiate hospice care?
If you think that you or a family member could benefit from hospice services, take the first step and call us today. If you're in the Hampton Roads area, call (757) 553-3000 or toll-free at 1-888-461-5639. If you are outside of the Hampton Roads are, please visit our Contact Us page for a full listing of phone numbers by region
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