When your parent is ill and at the end of their life, chances are good you have done everything in your power to improve their comfort and quality of life through palliative care. Palliative care, like hospice, provides relief from the symptom of illness. However, the focus is to improve quality of life. Palliative care does not center on a cure. Hospice care provides medication to keep your mother or father pain-free, however, quality of life is measured in a peaceful pain-free environment.

Your parent does not need to qualify for palliative care. However, a doctor must approve your parent for hospice care.  Providers of home care for elderly seniors work with both the palliative care and hospice care team to make sure your parent is getting all of their needs met. Caregivers who provide elderly care at this stage of life need to be to be compassionate, caring individuals. Providers of professional home care for elderly individuals will be called upon to multi-task with your parent. They will be a companion for your mother or father as well as for you. Often the hospice staff will need the elder care aide to be their right and left hands in lifting and turning your parent as well as changing, bathing, and other personal care tasks.

Not only will hospice provide a nurse and an aide to check on your parent, but you will also have your 24/7 home care staff as well. The hospice services allow your parent to remain at home with the family or to have the family at a comfortable facility with your parent. The hospice experience is for both your parent who is leaving this world and for the family that is saying their goodbyes. Mom or dad will be kept comfortable, and comfort may include sleeping or at rest. The experts know what the best pain management care will be for each senior.

Medicare and Medicaid pay for hospice for six months. If your parent were to improve or hospice is no longer needed, they may be removed from the program. Removal from hospice care will allow your parent to return to the original medical care they previously had. Providers of home care for elderly patients suggest that while this is a rare occasion, it does happen and there can be hope.