October and Cancer Awareness
In October we are educating our staff on cancer to give them a better understanding of the disease. It is important to understand the factors and progression of cancer in order to know when hospice might be the right choice for a cancer patient. Here are some important points about cancer and hospice.
When is a cancer patient eligible to receive hospice services?
- Patient is refusing a life-prolonging therapy like chemotherapy or radiation
- Weight loss of 5% in the past 3 months (going from 200 pounds to 190 or from 120 pounds to 114)
- The disease has come back even after surgery or other treatment
- Symptoms like nausea and the need for transitions are getting worse
- The cancer is wide-spread and aggressive
- Have trouble working full-time
What are the best benefits of hospice?
- A medication regimen focused on easing symptoms
- Care team that includes a social worker who can help with end-of-life planning and paperwork
- Services and medications are covered 100% through Medicare and through many Commercial insurance plans
- Regular nurse and aide visits to address any health issues or needs
- Spiritual and clinical guides to help the patient and loved ones through an often sad and scary time
This criteria is a list of possible indicators, and a patient may qualify for hospice sooner depending on other contributing factors.
Cancer is a tough disease and there is no one right way to handle its progression. We want everyone to know that hospice is an option and what it offers patients and families.