Sometimes life ends unexpectedly. But for many seniors, the end of life comes with warning signs and happens slowly. Although sensitive to discuss, seniors and their caregivers need to understand their options to make informed decisions.
End-of-life care is unique because it is specifically for people nearing the end of a terminal disease or condition. The goal of end-of-life care is not rehabilitation or to cure an illness, but to support individuals as they wish until they pass away.
Teams of medical professionals and caregivers often work together to provide end-of-life care. The two main types of end-of-life care are hospice and palliative. Hospice care is either home or facility-based and may not be covered by an insurance policy. It typically begins within six months of the expected end of life.
Palliative care is facility-based and focuses on comfort instead of treatment. It is usually provided in a hospital, or medical facility typically included with insurance. Palliative care can be provided at any time during a chronic or terminal disease.
A number of diseases and conditions can lead to end of life care. For example, patients with terminal cancer diagnoses may begin end-of-life care when they decide to stop seeking treatment for the disease. Chronic illnesses, organ failure, and neurological diseases are other examples of conditions that may lead to end-of-life care.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations. It is justly uncomfortable for a person to contemplate end-of-life decisions when knowing death is imminent for themselves or a loved one, but knowledge is power and, even more so, peace of mind.