When a loved one approaches the end-of-their life, it’s understandable to feel lonely, uncomfortable, or scared. Your quality of life can suffer, not just in your body but also in your mind and spirit. Thankfully, Hospice of NGMC provides end-of-life care for those individuals who qualify for services.
There are many terms to learn and know when it comes to end-of-life care. The differences between terms such as “palliative care” and “hospice” are important to know, especially as decisions are made for you or your loved one.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized care to help treat symptoms and provide comfort caused by serious but not life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care involves the patient and family’s emotional, spiritual, and physical care and does not replace other treatments. This kind of care offers you more good days by treating physical symptoms like pain, sleep problems or migraines. It can also help with:
- Counseling and therapy (for adults and children)
- Advance Care Planning (deciding which treatment you may or may not want)
- Communication with doctors, nurses and other family members
What is Hospice?
Hospice care focuses on living – helping patients and their loved ones make the most of the time they have together when curative treatment options are no longer available. A major component of Hospice care is the focus on allowing patients to die with dignity. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient resides, whether it be their own home, with a loved one, assisted living facility, personal care home, or nursing home. Hospice care may also be provided in a hospital when qualifying for a higher level of care.
Hospice care is a benefit covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid and most Commercial Insurance.
Did you know?
Hospice of NGMC’s hospice and in-home palliative care services are further enhanced by generous community giving through the Medical Center Auxiliary and the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation. Hospice of NGMC provides care regardless of ability to pay.
Giving to Hospice of NGMC helps families right here in our region spend their precious time together instead of making repeated visits to physician offices or hospitals.
Interested to know more about what all Hospice can offer your loved one?
Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center would be honored to be chosen to walk through this journey with you or your family member.
Call 770-219-8888 for more information, or visit nghs.com/hospice.
Consider donating to support Hospice at NGMC
Did you know that donors help us provide important services for patients and families at Hospice of NGMC? They also help ensure that we can accept all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Giving to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center helps families right here in our region spend their precious time together, not in and out of doctors offices.