Discussing death can often be difficult due to a variety of reasons, including fear and superstition. Yet, a lack of planning can exacerbate anxiety about the future. HealthKeeperz, a faith-centered healthcare provider in North Carolina, stresses the significance of patients making clear decisions about their end-of-life care.
What is End-of-life care?
End-of-life care is more than just the medical choices made during a person’s final days. It’s the care provided when an illness or injury is terminal, and there’s no reasonable expectation of a cure. The patient then receives comfort care aimed at providing comfort and maintaining quality of life. This includes care from a healthcare team, often composed of doctors and nurses, with support from family members and health aides.
At this stage, everyone is assigned responsibilities to ensure the patient’s care is organized and routine. A well-organized schedule can help avoid potential errors or misunderstandings. HealthKeeperz employs health counselors to enhance patient care, aiming for a less stressful journey. They also provide chaplains who offer emotional support, a vital component of end-of-life hospice care. Caregiving can be taxing for everyone involved, underscoring the necessity of these services.
Navigating Bureaucracy in End-of-Life Care
Regardless of the type of health plan one has, including Medicare and Medicaid, the bureaucratic process surrounding end-of-life care can often be overwhelming. Individuals may make decisions based on misconceptions, overlooking the stringent regulations tied to their healthcare plans. Everything from plan terms and procedure descriptions to out-of-pocket costs can seem nonsensical or even erroneous.
Getting help is crucial to fully utilize your healthcare plan. While Medicare does cover hospice services for terminally ill patients, not all services are included. Complicating matters further, each location has its own approach to hospice care, potentially leading to a significant scarcity of resources based on your residence. HealthKeeperz helps patients and their families navigate the paperwork, ensuring prompt follow-ups to mitigate stress.
Empowering Caregivers
Caregivers often find themselves responding to a myriad of situations throughout the day. Without sufficient knowledge or emotional resilience, the strain of their duties can compromise patient care. HealthKeeperz equips caregivers with the resources they need to deliver proactive, comprehensive care. The more information they have, the better they understand the purpose and execution of each step in the end-of-life patient’s care plan.
This support is particularly valuable for family caregivers. Often, unsung heroes shoulder significant burdens but are no less deserving of additional support as they navigate a complex care landscape. Family caregivers who maintain open communication with professional caregivers generally fare better than those who try to manage without additional help. Ultimately, end-of-life care should be a holistic approach that acknowledges and supports all key participants. Follow HealthKeeperz on Twitter to learn more.
