What is Hospice Care?

Understanding Your End-of-Life Care Options

With many elderly and chronically ill patients passing on in hospitals and nursing homes against their wishes, it is important to understand their options when it comes to making their final stages of life as comfortable as possible. When a loved one is facing a chronic health condition that is not responding to cure-oriented treatment, it is important to understand your options as you prepare for their final stages of life.

What Exactly is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a special type of care that focuses less on treating an existing condition and improving the quality of life for the patient. When individuals are placed in hospice care, they receive treatment and care that helps alleviate any symptoms associated with their health condition to help them live out their final stages of life with as little discomfort as possible.

With this form of care, it can take place wherever the patient is most comfortable—whether that be in the hospital, at a nursing home, or in the comfort of their own home.

When Should You Consider Hospice Care as an Option?

When a patient is facing a chronic health condition or is terminally ill, there may come the point where treatment is no longer helping to cure their condition or limit their disease’s progression. In most cases, a patient will begin hospice care if they are expected to live for six months or left once treatment ceases.

Hospice and Palliative Care Services in Ridgecrest, California

At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our team of trained professionals is dedicated to providing services with maximum independence and dignity to seniors of Ridgecrest and surrounding areas. To learn more about our hospice care and other senior services give us a call at (760) 446-3551 (Mon-Fri 8 AM -4:30 PM).