1. Hospice is for anyone with a life-limiting progressive illness
We serve people with end-stage diagnoses that include cancer, heart disease, lung disease, renal disease, neuromuscular diseases, dementia and others.
2. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life
The Helios Care team are experts in managing a person’s pain so that they can remain as alert and as comfortable as possible. The team works closely with the patient and his/her physician to manage all of their symptoms. When people feel better they also live better.
3. Hospice encourages people to remain as active as possible
People receiving hospice services are not confined to their home. In fact, the Helios Care team can facilitate travel to help make it easier.
4. Hospice care is affordable
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances provide a hospice benefit, which can include the cost of some medications, medical supplies and equipment. Helios Care makes every effort to provide hospice care to anyone who needs the services, regardless of their ability to pay.
5. Hospice care is provided to patients wherever they reside
For most people that means hospice will care for them in their own home, a family member’s/friend’s home, an adult home, assisted living facility, or nursing home. Care can also be provided in an acute care hospital.
6. Hospice care provides hope
It is nice to know that when treatments are not working, or when they are causing more burden than benefit, there is still an approach to care that helps people to live life to the fullest. Sometimes the hospice approach helps people feel so much better that they no longer need hospice care and are able to go back to active treatment.
7.Hospice patients eat for comfort and pleasure
Control and choice are important factors in managing nutrition and care at this stage in a person’s life. In hospice care people are encouraged to eat as much or as little as makes them happy.
8. Hospice provides specialty care for those believed to be in the last six months of their life
It is almost impossible to predict the end of a person’s life but studies have shown that the earlier a person elects palliative care the longer their life expectancy. Hospice care is no exception. Hospice provides specialty level palliative care that optimizes comfort and quality of life and, if introduced when a person has at least three months to live, has been proven to extend life as well.
9. Hospice supports caregivers
Many people have family and friends who wish to play a role in their support and care. Hospice helps by teaching them how to be confident caregivers. Hospice also provides them with the emotional support they need including grief support for 13 months. People who do not have a designated caregiver or live alone are eligible for hospice services as well.
10. Anyone can reach out to Helios Care
Any person or family member can contact Helios Care to discuss what hospice and palliative care options are available to them. While a physician is required to certify eligibility for hospice care, the process can be started by anyone.
