Caregiver Support To Sustain You
Being a caregiver is a selfless act of love — one that can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Some days, you might feel honored to serve a loved one at such a vulnerable time. Other days, you might feel afraid, tired and overwhelmed. Sometimes, you might feel it all in one day. All of these feelings are normal. The important thing is to have tools and resources available to help you cope with the natural ebb and flow of your emotions.
In the links below, you’ll find valuable caregiver support services. We hope these resources uplift you on this journey and we encourage you to share them with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice
If you’re looking for hospice evaluation questions or wondering which questions to ask a hospice center about your loved one, let us help. Find our answers to frequently asked questions about hospice care below.
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Q:Question: Who takes care of my loved one?
A:Answer:It depends on your preferences and your situation. Daily caregivers can be family members, neighbors, friends, church members, hired caregivers or a combination. Caregivers are vital in keeping the hospice care team informed about your loved one's physical and emotional changes.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour hospice care team will visit regularly, and you can reach them by calling our phone support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Q:Question: Is someone always with my loved one?
A:Answer:After meeting with an admissions nurse, the case manager in charge of your loved one's care will contact you to discuss a care plan and determine visit needs. The caregiver designated by your loved one or family provides daily care with support from the hospice team.
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Q:Question: How is pain managed?
A:Answer:Hospice nurses and doctors use the latest techniques to relieve your loved one's pain and other symptoms. A combination of medications, counseling and therapies will help your loved one feel comfortable and at ease.
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Q:Question: Do we need special equipment at home before hospice begins?
A:Answer:Your hospice care team will work with you to see what equipment your loved one may need. They'll also make delivery arrangements for the items so you can focus on being there for your loved one. We're here to make your experience as compassionate, seamless and reliable as possible.
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Q:Question: Are food and water withheld?
A:Answer:No, but your loved one's appetite might naturally decrease. This is a normal part of the process. It's not painful or uncomfortable, and your loved one is always in control of their food and water intake.
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Q:Question: Is all hospice care the same?
A:Answer:Medicare requires certified hospice centers to provide the minimum requirements for care. However, the quality and quantity of services vary greatly. It helps to research, ask friends for recommendations and ask questions to help determine what is right for you and your loved one.
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Q:Question: If my loved one gets better, can we return to regular medical treatment?
A:Answer:Yes. Anyone in hospice care can choose to either continue hospice services or return to curative therapy at any time. Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
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Q:Question: Will you still assist our family after our loved one passes away?
A:Answer:Yes, please turn to us for continuous support. We'll be with your family for as long as you need us. Count on us to help you find grief support groups, workshops and bereavement counseling near you.
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Q:Question: How much does hospice care cost?
A:Answer:It's a question some hesitate to ask, but it's important to know. Hospice services are covered under Medicare Part A, Medicaid and most private insurance. This benefit covers hospice services, medications, supplies and equipment related to your loved one's illness. There may be co-pays, co-insurance or a deductible.
Your care team will work with you and your insurance providers to help your family receive all available benefits. We'll also help if your family is without insurance coverage or if you are unable to pay.
Around-the-Clock Phone Support
A nurse is available to answer your phone call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Your hospice care team will help you understand signs to watch for and what to expect. Please call us with any questions or to report changes in your loved one’s condition.
When you call, please be ready to tell the nurse:
- Your loved one’s name
- Your care team's name
- Your name
- Your phone number
Recommended Caregiver Support Resources
Websites
Support for Coping With Loss
When it comes to grief, there’s no timetable and no limit. But there is help. While grief is a natural part of life, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to navigate.
During your loved one’s illness, you may have been too busy providing care to feel the full weight of what was happening. But after they pass, the depth of your grief may take you by surprise. It's important that you care for your emotional and spiritual health; understanding grief and the feelings attached to it are important steps in healing.
Lean on us when you need help coping with your loss. Our bereavement team provides one-on-one counseling, grief education, workshops and a children’s loss program. You can also join one of our grief support groups to find strength in a safe environment with others walking a similar path.
Our Network of Care Can Help You Heal
Let our connected network of care support you during this season of caregiving and through your grieving process. Our whole-person approach to care means we want to help you heal in body, mind and spirit.