St. Louis Hospice Care
We at Heavenly Helpers created this hospice care page for several reasons:
- To explain how we, a non-medical home care agency, can work in conjunction with St. Louis hospice care organizations to provide end of life care.
- To explain how we can be of immeasurable help to the family by providing supplemental and respite care during what can often be an emotionally and physically exhausting process.
- To increase the understanding of what hospice care can do for you and your loved one.
We have worked especially hard to research, review and recommend some excellent organizations, websites and videos which we are confident can address any conceivable question or concern about hospice care and end of life issues.
We welcome and encourage our readers to give us feedback, suggestions or insight into your own experience with end of life care. Email us at Info@HeavenlyHelpers.net!
When a person is faced with a terminal illness and has (by the doctors estimation) six months or less to live, hospice care can begin. The hospice team will do a thorough evaluation and formulate a treatment plan. Normally a hospice organization has a variety of professionals that make up their team.
Typically a nurse and or nurse’s aide will come out to the home 2-3 times a week for about 45 minutes to an hour. They will check vitals, examine the client and assess their pain, deal with medications, answer the family’s questions and report back to the doctor.
Since someone needs to be with the client at all times, it may fall on family, friends and in home care agencies, such as ours, to fill in the rest of the time. Many times the family starts out thinking they can be there for their loved one 24/7 and do not need outside help.
However, in most cases this is just not possible. It can be mentally and physically exhausting. It can also disrupt family members’ daily patterns of life. It soon becomes apparent that help is sorely needed. That’s where respite care comes in. Respite allows you the opportunity to take a break and rest.
A family should never feel guilty about accepting help! We have been told by families that when we come in that “it is like a heavy burden is lifted” off their shoulders.
How can we help?
- Our caregivers can offer supplemental care which can include reading, listening and talking to the client, taking walks(depending on ability), applying lotion to the skin, or many times giving comfort by just sitting close by.
- Our caregivers can make sure pain medicine is taken; address incontinence, bathing and hygiene issues, assist with eating and drinking as tolerated
- We offer respite care and support for families which may include errands such as shopping, household maintenance, cooking meals, feeding or taking pets outside, etc. This allows family to take a break and rest or have some time away from the house.
- In turn, our care givers can also increase the amount of time the family can be with the loved one by taking care of household concerns that are eating into precious time that could be spent with their loved one.
Why Choose Heavenly Helpers?
- Our care givers are passionate about working with hospice and end of life care.
- We stay educated and trained on caring for clients who have a terminal illness through seminars, webinars and classes.
- We frequently invite hospice care agencies throughout the St. Louis are to our In Services to talk to and educate our care givers firsthand.
- We understand that it is very important for the patient to be comfortable and not in pain. Our caregivers are trained to be able to identify when the client is in final decline so we can alert the hospice agency and the family.
- We have earned the respect of many hospice agencies in St. Louis because they have worked with us and can see how dedicated and professional we are.
- The type of virtues our care givers at Heavenly Helpers possess make them an ideal fit for this type of care. Our caregivers are articulate, empathetic, proactive and loving.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about hospice care….
What is Hospice? Hospice is a philosophy of care for those facing a life limiting illness. It serves the patient and the family by addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs.
How long can I receive Hospice Care? You can receive hospice care as long as your doctor and the hospice medical director continue to certify you probably have six months or less to live if the disease runs its natural course.
Can I retain my own doctor if I go on hospice? Most hospices establish working relationships with a wide range of referring physicians so that patients can keep their doctor when admitted to hospice care.
What does hospice service include? Drugs, physical care, counseling, support, equipment and supplies.
Did You Know…
- You will not have to pay for hospice. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.
- Hospice neither shortens nor prolongs life; it neither hastens nor prevents death,
- Hospice care can be (and usually is) provided in the home.
- Hospice isn’t only for people with cancer.
- You actually get more hands on care and more services with hospice. They are just not aggressive, “curative” type services.
- Hospice is designed to offer a year of bereavement support for the family after death.
The One Thing We Wish Everyone Understood!
Don’t Wait! By far, the most common statement we hear from families is that they wish they had heard about and obtained hospice care sooner for their loved one. One-third of patients on hospice live only seven days. Sadly there could be so much more time where hospice could have been helping! The longer one is with hospice, the more one can reap all the benefits hospice has to offer. We hope by educating the public they will become aware that hospice is an option at an earlier stage and will address the issue with their doctor.
See our list of resources and information on St. Louis hospice care.
