What happens when an elderly parent decides that it is time to Forgo Curative Care? This can be a tough time for the individual as well as his or her children. While everyone realizes that death is inevitable, no one likes to be looking at it head on. If doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals agree that there is nothing more than can be done for the patient, it is time to make some very important decisions, the first of which is where the parent is going to spend the remainder of his or her life.
It can be tempting for the children to come up with a plan to move the parent into one of their homes. This seems like a great way for the parent to receive the care he or she needs and allow the family to spend the rest of the time together. While this is a great idea, in theory, many families don’t realize the personal and financial cost of the decision. Homes often need to be rearranged in order to handle any medical equipment that the patient needs. Then, care needs to be arranged in order to keep the parent as calm and comfortable as possible until he or she has come to the end. The expenses add up quickly.
At the same time, the emotional toll it can take on a family is considerable. Actually taking care of all the needs of a person that is going to Forgo Curative Care is extensive. It means being available at all times in case something happens. It could mean taking care of personal needs that most parents don’t want their children to handle. It also means transitioning from the role of a child into the role of caretaker. For many individuals, this takes away from the enjoyment of being able to spend the last few months, weeks, or days with a parent.
Instead, many families choose to look into hospice facilities. These locations work with families that are all in a similar situation. They are equipped with a large variety of medical needs, and children can feel confident that the parent is well taken care of at all times. This makes it possible for a family to come, visit, and spend time together without trying to handle the care.
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