Date: May, 5 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, Adoray joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies and services that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.

Mental health is equally important as physical health. However, not all families realize that, so they end up ignoring or overlooking mental health issues in their families. As a result, many patients dealing with mental health issues don’t get the proper treatment and care they need, resulting in more severe complications and effects.

If you think someone in your family is struggling with their mental health, you can help them by seeing if they are eligible for hospice care.

What Happens If You Ignore Your Loved One’s Mental Illness?
First, you need to know what will happen if you ignore mental illness to understand the importance of addressing it. If someone in your family is struggling with mental illness, there’s a higher chance that they may experience these issues or problems:
• Conflict in family relationships and friendships
• Social isolation and difficulty participating in activities
• Decreased enjoyment of life
• Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
• Unwanted weight loss or gain
• Self-harm or harm to others
• Financial or legal challenges
• Physical complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

Clearly, mental illness can affect all areas of life. So, don’t ignore it and help someone you think is suffering from mental illness right away.


How Can Hospice Care Help Manage Mental Health Challenges?

If your eligible family member enrolls in hospice care, you can ensure that they will be properly cared for since they will receive weekly care from a team of experts in end-of-life care.

Since patients with mental health conditions often cannot commit to their goals of care, hospice care will be there to ensure that the patient will stick to the care plan. For example, if the patient takes antidepressants, the hospice care will continue that medication in their hospice care plan. In other words, the patient will receive good treatment from their doctor and medical care team in hospice care.


What’s Good About Enrolling in Hospice Care?

The good thing about enrolling in hospice care, especially for patients dealing with mental health challenges, is that hospice care meets them where they are.

Meaning, they see patients as persons and treat them as patients. They respect their choices and circumstances and work with them according to their physical, mental, and emotional capabilities and limitations. You can ensure that each patient will be treated fairly and respectfully, without basing on and judging their cultural traditions, socio-economic status, family dynamics, and the like.

The hospice care team will give the best and most suitable care and support that can help patients’ mental health during their end of life. It can include holistic modules, medications, massage and compassionate touch, counseling and grief support, music and pet therapy, volunteer companion visits, veteran-specific recognition and support, and many other services that support the patient’s mental health.

Hospice care can also help family members and loved ones of patients through emotional support, respite care, and grief support for 13 months following the loss of their loved one.

Ultimately, Hospice care is a support group, that ensures no one has to navigate the stress and fears of end of life alone. Giving the patient and their family and friends peace of mind knowing there is a team of experts following and supporting them every step of the way.

If you’re looking for the highest quality and most compassionate hospice care in Western Wisconsin, Adoray Home Health & Hospice is what you’re searching for. We provide patient-centered care done by trained clinicians and therapists wherever you call home. Our team will make you and your loved ones feel comforted when they need it more. Contact us today to learn more about our hospice care programs.

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