Monday, 25 April 2016

What To Expect From Altoona Hospice And Palliative Care

By Gannon G. Hollick


The decisions regarding a loved one who is ill can be very taxing and stressful. There are so many issues to consider, and so much for the caretaker to learn. That is where an Altoona hospice and palliative care facility can help. The doctors, nurses and other staff at these facilities know what you are going through and know what to expect when these tragic things happen. Let them be your guide so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is in good hands.

Hospices are not quite the same thing as palliative care, though the two are often confused. Hospices may have several uses, but the most common is as a place for someone with a debilitating disease to live out their days. Since they can't be cure, the focus is no longer on curing them, but instead on making them as comfortable as possible for their remaining time.

Palliative care is a bit different from a hospice, though many times they are both done under the same roof. Palliative patients may not have a fatal disease at all. In fact, they might just be recovering from something that requires a nurse or doctor to help them along. They may have a long-term illness where they or their future caretaker need training, which most palliative centers can provide as an alternative to hiring a home nurse. Many patients eventually return home, though they may have to come back on occasion.

In both cases, the focus is on the patient's needs to make the transition from either home or hospital as easy as possible. This comfort may be provided in the form of pain medications as prescribed by a doctor, but other alternatives may be used. Some people request spiritual guides such as priests or pastors, while others seek psychological help from a therapist.

When it comes to admitting someone you love to a center, the emotional toll can be exhausting and even overwhelming. These emotions need to be dealt with before they get worse, which is why many centers also offer family members therapy sessions on either an individual or group basis. The group sessions may also be open to the public as a support group.

This type of specialized care can also be extended to patients with conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia, which requires a whole new set of skills. In fact, many places offer a separate wing or ward just for these cases, so if this is what your family member has, then rest assured they will be well cared for at all times.

If a doctor has recommended this type of facility, then most insurance plans will foot at least part, if not all, of the bill. However, there may be deductibles or co-pays involved as well. Call your plan provider and make sure that all of this is covered that way there are no surprises later on.

Altoona is home to some of the best programs for long term care in the area, which will make this transition and all the change that comes with it much easier. Rest easy knowing that dedicated medical professional are there to help you through this trying time.




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