subject: Signs You Need Hospice Care At Your House [print this page] It can be difficult to decide if you need hospice help, especially if you are used to being independent. But at some point, everyone needs a little assistance and comfort when they get older or have a terminal illness. You should learn the signs you might need the help of a professional team.
If you are having a lot of medical problems that you cannot manage on your own, you should hire a team or at least make sure there is a family member with you at all times. For example, if you have to take medicine regularly to reduce your pain but cannot remember or see well enough to do so, you should make sure someone from the local hospice is in charge of this task each day.
If you frequently find yourself breathing hard or feeling weak just when you are getting dressed, it may be helpful to hire a team to help. If you have stairs you need to walk up and down, the professional helping you can hold your hand or provide support while you ascend and descend the steps. He or she can even make sure most things you need throughout the day are in one spot either upstairs or downstairs so you do not have to climb much. This allows you to rest.
The person you hire can even bring you food and drinks when you are feeling particularly weak. This is a good idea because many sick or elderly people become worse when they fail to eat or drink enough. You may not feel hungry due to your illness, but the less you eat, the weaker you will feel. When you do not drink enough fluids, you will feel dehydrated, which can lead to complications with your health. If you want to feel more comfortable during your last days, you will hire a hospice worker to ensure you eat and drink enough every day. Most employees can even plan and prepare meals so you are not stuck eating the same snacks daily.
The bottom line is if you are unable to complete your daily routine because of your condition or illness, you need some help from hospice care professionals. Your last days should be as comfortable as possible. Many cities have large teams of employees who can come to your home and perform the services you need. There are even places that provide full services for those who have to stay in bed most or all of the day.