Whether your senior’s doctor has given her a set amount of time that she possibly has left or not, that’s a question that so many people wonder. If she has been given a time frame, how accurate is it really?
Time Estimates Sound Definitive, But They Aren’t
When you hear a time estimate from your senior’s doctor, it’s difficult not to give that a lot of weight. Your senior’s doctor is an expert, but that doesn’t mean that he’s able to predict something unpredictable with the kind of accuracy you and your senior really want. That time estimate is just that: An estimate.
It’s Important to Know What She Wants
It’s really helpful when you already have a confident feel for what your senior wants in the time that she has left, but it might not be too late. Do what you can to talk to your senior now and see if anything has changed since the last time you discussed her needs and wants. Even if your elderly family member is non-verbal, you can ask yes and no questions and pay attention to how she responds to certain cues.
Her Treatment Choices Make a Difference
The types of treatments your elderly family member chooses at this stage of her life can have a huge impact on how much time remains for her. Curative therapies that are harsh on her body can do some good, but what do they do for your senior’s quality of life? She may have already decided that she wants to go for a comfort care approach that allows her to make the most of the time that she has remaining.
Hospice Care Eases the Strain
When you’re facing difficult decisions, it helps to have expert help on which to lean. Hospice care can help your elderly family member to deal with end-of-life issues like nausea, pain, and so many other concerns. They can ensure that her doctor has accurate vitals and other information to help gauge how well your aging family member is doing, too. Ultimately as the end comes even closer, they can help you and other family members to prepare for what’s happening.
Your senior’s priority at this time might be feeling as happy and as comfortable as she can, no matter how much time her doctor says she has left. You can help her to do that, especially if you’ve got the assistance that you need.
If you are or a loved one is considering hospice care in Dunwoody, GA, please call the caring staff at Arcturus Hospice and Palliative Care today. Call 678-383-9973 today to speak to our care team.
Kate Gorinshteyn is the director of marketing at Arcturus Health Care. Arcturus is a fast-growing Hospice striving to provide the highest level of quality care to patients faced with life-limiting illnesses. Our goal is to make each patient as pain-free as possible and give physiological, emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and family. We understand that the decision change from curative to comfort care is difficult, and our team is trained to help you every step of the way!
We are proud to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.