Seniors may enroll in assisted living homes based on their degree of care requirements, even though such communities are not solely designed to manage seniors who have terminal diseases. Seniors who live in assisted living communities can also get hospice care from a qualified nurse. This may be given by an on-site nurse or a nurse who has been hired specifically to work with a senior at their preferred location for assisted living in Hypoluxo, FL.
Learn More about Assisted Living Communities
Seniors who can no longer live alone can move to retirement communities known as assisted living communities. The majority of assisted living communities are designed for seniors who still function independently but need some help with daily activities. Seniors who need assistance with chores like eating, moving about, and grooming will be able to receive such aid from on-site caregivers.
Palliative Care at Assisted Living Communities
Patients with serious and terminal illnesses may benefit from palliative care. Conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease fall under this category.
While pursuing a cure or undergoing life-extending treatment, the goal of palliative care is to lessen the stress and symptoms of the illness. Seniors with terminal illnesses receive additional attention from a team of specially qualified nurses and medical professionals. Instead of focusing on a senior’s prognosis, treatment is provided based on the symptoms they feel as well as their daily needs. It can be applied at any point in the course of an illness and is frequently combined with curative treatments.
Palliative care is an option that seniors with terminal illnesses can choose to receive at any time. Palliative care is generally accepted in assisted living communities, unlike hospice care. While enrolled in assisted living, some communities will enable residents to begin their palliative care program, while others may require them to move up to a skilled nursing facility. For seniors with a terminal illness who plan to move into an assisted living community or who may already be enrolled, it’s crucial to understand the end-of-life care terms and provisions.
Why Palliative Care Helps Seniors with Terminal Illnesses
The average lifespan of seniors with terminal illnesses who receive palliative care is significantly longer than that of seniors who do not. Palliative care aims to lessen the suffering that comes with having a terminal illness and enhance the overall quality of life. Additionally, palliative care, unlike hospice care, can be combined with curative treatment and life-extending therapies.
Questions Terminally Ill Seniors Should Ask Assisted Living Communities
You should inquire about a few things with each assisted living community you are considering. Inquire about the policies on patient care, hospice, palliative care, and complementary therapies. Find out whether there are care plans or other choices for aging in place in the community. The assisted living community might be able to move a resident to their upgraded care area, depending on the size of the establishment.
It’s also important to ask about end-of-life guidelines, discharge protocols, and any applicable state laws. While some communities may have tight guidelines dictating when a senior must transfer to a skilled nursing facility, others might be equipped to provide care for a senior right up to the end of their life.
To find out more about how an assisted living community can provide care for you or your loved one, schedule a tour with us.