Southern California
Hospice Care
When a patient is in need of hospice care, their loved ones will often need to play a role in making the decision to proceed. There are several signs to watch for that are indicative of the patient needing additional care outside of what is already being provided. These signs include:
- Frequent visits to the hospital or emergency room
- Difficulty completing simple or everyday tasks such as bathing, cooking, or household chores
- Notable weight loss, indicating the patient is not maintaining proper nutrition or eating habits. Weight loss may also occur as a symptom of a terminal illness and may require more intensive medical attention to manage.
- Significantly decreased mobility
- An increase in pain or discomfort that requires prescription-grade medicines and treatments
- Noticeable changes to mental ability and awareness
The reality is that if you think a loved one may require hospice care, they likely do. Remember that you can always book a consultation with hospice providers to assess a patient’s needs and come up with a plan that works for everyone.