What are some hospice statistics that caregivers in Rapid City might want to know?
As you search for Rapid City hospice services, it’s a good idea to get as much information about this form of care as possible. For instance, it was estimated that about 1.6 million patients used hospice in 2018. Here is a more specific look at hospice numbers for South Dakota and the rest of the nation for the calendar year 2017:
| Hospice care in South Dakota | |
| Total patients In hospice care: | 3,213 |
| Average days In hospice care: | 46 |
One of the toughest aspects of placing your older loved one in hospice care is the realization that this form of care is designated for patients with a relatively short life expectancy. But it’s possible the hospice actually has a positive effect on a patient’s final days. A study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management revealed that hospice extended life an average of 29 days. This could be the result of patients feeling comfortable in their homes and having options to take part in daily activities that bring them joy.
Given the choice, where would people in Rapid City prefer to die?
Contemplating a location in which to die is not an exciting prospect for many people. But for patients who have received a terminal diagnosis, knowing this information is an important part of the end-of-life decision-making process. Learn how others feel about this subject by taking a look at the following Kaiser Family Foundation information:
Your older loved one might be like many patients who would prefer to die peacefully in the comfort of their homes. Fortunately, there are many hospice care providers in Rapid City ready to grant your senior’s final wishes. In addition to providing necessary pain medication and other vital care, hospice services can offer supportive services like music therapy and pastoral care. They can also ensure your senior’s caregivers are involved.
How do I find the best hospice care in Rapid City?
If you’re not sure how to navigate the many quality hospice care facilities in Rapid City, you can start by finding out your older loved one’s specific needs. This way, you can pinpoint the facilities with the resources and skills to accommodate them. For example, your older loved one might be a part of a specific demographic that might need tailored care like a veteran. In this case, you could look for a service provider that is sensitive to veterans’ needs and is familiar with the VA system.
Another way to streamline your search for prospective Rapid City hospice services for your senior is to create a list of questions for providers. You might want to know how much they charge for care, what their payment policy is, and whether their staff members are certified in palliative care. You can ask if they provide all four mandatory levels of hospice care and how they handle emergency situations. It’s also good to know about the supportive services they offer like pet visits or virtual reality.
Get even more information regarding hospice care by reviewing our comprehensive guide to finding hospice care.
Hospice home care for seniors in Rapid City
When you’re already dealing with difficult emotions associated with learning that your older loved one needs hospice care, the last thing you want is to spend countless hours trying to find the right provider. Let us help streamline your search. Browse our listings for hospice companies in Rapid City to give your older loved one the support they need.
