Are you concerned about how to take care of an aging loved one or a relative with a life limiting illness? If you are concerned about healthcare for a terminally-ill loved one, ask your physician about the Hospice option.

• Hospice services can be provided in homes, hospitals and nursing homes.
• Medicare and insurance companies usually pick up nearly all the costs for Hospice care. No one is ever turned away.
• Medications and equipment, like beds and oxygen are provided and paid for by Hospice.
• More than just nursing care, Hospice cares for patients and families with doctors,  nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteer family caregivers: an entire team of health care professionals.

If you are considering the kind of care only Hospice can provide, ask yourself the following questions:

Has your loved one…

1. Been hospitalized or to the emergency room several times in the past six months?
2. Been making more frequent phone calls to their physician?
3. Started taking medication to lessen physical pain?
4. Started spending most of the day in a chair or bed?
5. Fallen several times over the past six months?
6. Started needing help from others with two or more of the following:
   • Bathing
   • Dressing
   • Getting out of bed
   • Walking
   • Eating
7. Started feeling weaker or more tired?
8. Experienced weight loss so that clothes are noticeably looser?
9. Noticed a shortness of breath, even while resting?
10. Been told by a doctor that life expectancy is limited?

Survey created by VistaCare  Copyright 2007