When Is Hospice the Right Choice With Pancreatic Cancer?
Are you struggling with questions over when to enter hospice for pancreatic cancer? Like every decision that comes following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, this one must be made with the best interest of the patient in mind. However, decisions can feel overwhelming for patients and their families. While every situation is unique, here's a look at some guidelines for when hospice for pancreatic cancer could be considered the best choice.
What Is Hospice?
Hospice is a healthcare model focused on prioritizing optimal quality of life during what is expected to be the final period of a person's life. A patient can be considered a candidate for hospice if they no longer stand to benefit from further curative treatments. In fact, additional treatments at this point could be considered invasive or "cruel."
During hospice, the focus is on relieving symptoms to the extent that this is possible. Additionally, patients are able to enjoy a comfortable environment without stress. A person will generally remain in hospice care until they succumb naturally to their illness.
What's Included in Hospice Care?
Each patient's hospice care plan can look different based on health history, personal preference, and the specifics of their illness. One thing that might surprise you about hospice care is that it can be empowering for the family members and caretakers of a pancreatic cancer patient. Here's a look at the services that can be included in hospice care for pancreatic cancer:
- Medication for pain control.
- Medication for symptom management.
- Care-related medical supplies.
- Beds, oxygen, and other types of medical equipment.
- One-on-one support for daily activities and personal care.
- Education and training for caregivers.
- Community resources.
- Companionship.
- Bereavement services for family members.
- Psychiatric services.
While hospice care is an aspect of healthcare, the process doesn't need to be limited to just tending to a patient's physical needs. Hospice care can also be a very emotionally and spiritually fulfilling experience for a pancreatic cancer patient and their families. Counseling services can make hospice a time of healing amidst pain.
Debunking Hospice Care Misconceptions
It's so important to address one of the big myths surrounding hospice care that causes people to overlook what can be a very physically positive and emotionally fulfilling experience. Deciding that hospice is the next right step does not mean that a family is giving up on a loved one. The truth is that many people prolong starting discussions about much-needed hospice care because they fear that suggesting this option is offensive to a person with end-stage pancreatic cancer.
The decision to bring hospice into the situation is far from giving up! Hospice can signal a major turning point in healing and acceptance that allows the person suffering to pivot from putting all of their efforts into battling daily health struggles to enjoying time for reflection and connection with loved ones. Hospice can also bring about pain relief with help from skilled and qualified caregivers.
While hospice is considered a step that allows a person to transition peacefully and gracefully, not every person who enters hospice gives up on treatment forever. The goal of hospice care is not to hasten death. It is possible for someone to go into remission while in hospice. If this occurs, the patient will be discharged from hospice services. A patient also has the option to return to active pancreatic cancer treatments or pursue experimental or alternative treatments if they decide that they would like to explore more options after initial rounds of treatment were not successful.
When Is the Right Time to Enter Hospice for Pancreatic Cancer?
There's no specific timeframe for when a person should begin considering hospice while battling pancreatic cancer. This is a decision that should be made with help from doctors and loved ones. However, a general guideline is that hospice is considered an appropriate choice when a pancreatic cancer patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
What Families Need to Know About Hospice Care
Hospice care is more flexible and accessible than ever. If you're like most people, you may be concerned about the cost of hospice. You should know that hospice care could be covered 100% if you have Medicare. Hospice care can also be provided in a variety of places. In fact, the term "hospice care" refers to care that occurs wherever a patient calls home. That could mean a family home, nursing home, hospital, inpatient facility, or assisted-living facility. Is it time to initiate a conversation about hospice care? Contact Transitions Hospice Care today to talk with a hospice expert.
Recommended Reading:
Hospice Vs. Palliative Care: What’s the Difference?
