This section is intended to answer some of the most common questions people have with regard to a hospice. If we have missed anything, or perhaps you have a different question, please do not hesitate to email us at askus@saugeenhospice.ca
1) What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a service for people with serious and terminal illnesses. Hospice aims to provide comfort and peace to help improve quality of life for the person nearing death. It also helps family members cope with their loved one’s illness and can also provide support to the family after the person dies, including help with grieving, sometimes called bereavement care.
Typically patients in hospice care stay for 6 months or less.
2) Am I eligible for hospice care?
Anyone with a serious illness, who is expected to live for a short time - generally 6 months or less —usually qualifies for hospice care. Hospice Care is free of charge.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about the illness and how the disease is progressing.
Starting hospice early may be able to provide months of meaningful care and quality time with loved ones.
3) When should I consider hospice care for a loved one?
It’s important to talk with your doctor about your illness and how your disease is progressing. Starting hospice early may be able to provide months of meaningful care and quality time with loved ones.
4) What kind of services does a hospice provide?
Hospice care can provide a range of different services depending on your symptoms and end of life care wishes.
These services include, but are not limited to, emotional and spiritual support for the person and their family, relief of symptoms and pain, help with advance care planning, therapy services, like physical or occupational therapy, and much more.
5) Should I Include Hospice Care in My Advanced Care Planning?
Yes! Studies have shown that patients who have participated in advanced care planning receive care that is more aligned with their wishes and are more satisfied with their care.
6) What's the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Palliative care is whole-person care that relieves symptoms of a disease or disorder, whether or not it can be cured. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for people who likely have 6 months or less to live. In other words, hospice care is always palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice care.
7) Is it true that once you enter a hospice program, you must stay in hospice care until you die?
A. No. Doctors will determine if, due to your illness you have approximately 6 months or less to live if your illness follows its normal course. However, it is your own choice to enter or leave hospice care. If your illness improves or you wish to seek curative treatment, you may leave hospice care, returning if and when you choose to.