Considering Hospice Care: When is it Time to Call?

No one wants to face the possibility that a loved one may not be able to take care of his or herself in old age. Hospice care programs in Philadelphia provide older men and women with an increased level of supervision, comfort, and care during the end of life. But how can you tell when it’s time to make the call to a hospice care provider? If you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms in your loved one, he or she may be in need of hospice care.

• An increase in memory lapses. Everyone has moments when they forget their car keys or leave the laundry in the washing machine a little too long. However, if you’ve noticed that your loved one frequently forgets important details (like if they have taken their medication or how to operate a common appliance), your loved one may be safer living in a hospice facility.
• An increase in falls. As we age, falls can become costlier to our health. An older man or woman who falls alone in their home can be at serious risk of breaking a bone or being unable to regain their composure. If your loved one is falling more often, the transition to hospice care can help avoid the risk of deadly accidents.
• Drastic, unintentional weight-loss. Sudden weight-loss in the elderly can be a symptom of a number of conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one has lost a large amount of weight and they do not know why, consult with their doctor and consider making the transition to a hospice care facility.

Planning for the end of life can be heartbreaking and stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. McCafferty Funeral Home can help men and women find the Philadelphia hospice program that is right for their loved one. Give us a call today at 215-531-5014 for immediate assistance.