What are some hospice statistics that caregivers in Paducah might want to know?
Hospice care differs from other types of healthcare because the professionals providing it aren’t trying to cure or treat the patient. Instead, the goal is to help patients feel as comfortable as possible while waiting for the end. Palliative care is becoming more popular as more people recognize the difference it can make in a loved one’s life. The statistics below reveal how many hospice patients are in Kentucky:
Hospice care in Kentucky | |
Total patients In hospice care | 19,186 |
Average days In hospice care | 48 |
Nationally, hospice patients live for approximately two months, meaning that Kentucky is below average in that regard. However, that doesn’t mean that hospice companies in Paducah are of poor quality. The goal is to help patients suffer less by managing pain without forcing them into a hospital, and caregivers throughout the state excel at it.
How many days of care do patients in Paducah typically receive?
While we cited average life expectancy figures above, how long your senior will live in hospice care depends on several variables such as what conditions they have, age, and whether they are still receiving any treatment. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has collected the following data regarding life expectancy by medical condition:
Considering how different these numbers are, it’s important to choose caregivers for your loved one who have experience managing the specific conditions they have. You might not find home Paducah hospice services that specialize in conditions like CKD or dementia, but your older adult will receive the care they deserve if their care team knows what they’re doing.
How do I find the best hospice care in Paducah?
Hospice care facilities in Paducah, Harrisburg, and Cape Girardeau offer a range of services, so it pays to do a little research to ensure that your senior gets everything they need and want. For example, we recommend verifying that each facility only employs palliative care specialists who have formal training in end-of-life care. We also advise looking for a patient-first attitude. It’s tempting to encourage doctors and nurses to keep our loved ones alive for as long as possible, but doing so may mean that an older adult is suffering unnecessarily. Financial considerations also matter. Medicare and private health insurance usually absorb the costs of hospice care, but you should still double-check that the facility you select accepts your loved one’s insurance.
Our comprehensive guide to finding hospice care includes more great tips for finding great hospice facilities, so please look it over carefully.
Hospice home care for seniors in Paducah
Finding hospice care for your loved one may well be the last thing you ever do for them and we understand how emotional that can be. However, the endeavor is extremely worthwhile. Not only will you be alleviating any pain your senior might be experiencing in their final days, but you’ll also be helping them pass away on their terms with their dignity intact. Seasons provides free resources to help you get started and we encourage you to take full advantage of them. You don’t want to have regrets after the fact.