There are very few topics that people want to think about less than facing a loved one’s death.
Unfortunately, there are times, whether expected or unexpected, that we need to prepare for the worst. When those times come, it helps to know that you aren’t caring for that loved one alone. There are plenty of ways to get care and support while making sure that everyone involved is taken care of.
One of the biggest support systems is hospice care.
Hospice care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people who are terminally ill. Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and even in patients’ homes. Hospice care is typically provided by a team of health care professionals that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.
The goal of hospice care is to help patients and their families cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of dying. Hospice care also strives to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families by providing pain management and symptom control. In addition, hospice care providers can offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.
Hospice care is typically used when a patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has a life expectancy of six months or less. However, hospice care can be provided to patients with a life expectancy of more than six months if the patient’s condition is expected to decline rapidly or if the patient and family are having difficulty coping with the diagnosis.
If you or a loved one is facing a terminal illness, hospice care can provide much-needed support during this difficult time. Something that you may want to think about is the best setting for this care. There are various options, but home hospice care is usually looked at first.
What does home hospice care entail?
Home hospice care is a type of end-of-life care that allows patients to receive care and support in their homes rather than in a hospital or nursing home setting. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process. It is important to remember that hospice care is not just for the patient; it is also for the family and caregivers. The focus of hospice care is on quality of life, rather than quantity of life. This means that hospice care teams work to manage pain and other symptoms so that patients can enjoy their remaining time as much as possible. In addition, hospice care teams provide emotional and spiritual support to both patients and their families. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.
The core members of the home hospice care team include the patient’s physician, a nurse, a social worker, a chaplain, and a bereavement counselor. In addition to these core members, the home hospice care team may also include other health care professionals such as home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians.
- The physician on the home hospice care team is responsible for providing medical care and oversight for the patient.
- The nurse on the team is responsible for coordinating the overall care plan and providing direct patient care.
- The social worker on the team provides counseling and support to the patient and family, assists with practical matters such as financial assistance and advance directives, and helps to facilitate communication between the hospice team and other involved parties such as the patient’s primary care physician.
- The chaplain on the home hospice care team provides spiritual guidance and support to patients and families of all faiths.
- The bereavement counselor on the team provides support to families during the grieving process.
In addition to these core members, the home hospice care team may also include other health care professionals such as home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians. These other members of the team provide additional support and care for the patient based on their specific areas of expertise.
What are the benefits of doing hospice care at home?
Having the ability to care for your loved ones in the comfort of your own home has a lot of benefits that being in a different facility can’t provide. Let’s look at some of them.
Control
Patients who receive hospice care at home have a greater sense of control over their care. They are able to remain in their own homes and maintain some degree of normalcy in their lives. Hospice care at home also allows patients to spend more time with loved ones and receive support from them.
Flexibility
Hospice care at home is also more flexible than care received in other settings. Patients and their families can determine when and how much hospice care they receive. They can also choose to discontinue hospice care at any time if they feel it is no longer needed.
Cost-Effective
Another benefit of hospice care at home is that it can be less expensive than care received in a nursing home or hospital. Patients and their families also have access to a team of hospice professionals who can provide them with emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
Comfort and Familiarity
One benefit of hospice care is that it allows patients to remain in their own homes during the end-of-life process. Staying at home can provide patients with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Having a place that is known and people around that are also known helps with the many transitions and increasing health concerns that your loved one will face.
Education
Hospice care also provides caregivers with support and education. There is a lot that one must know in order to take care of their loved ones, and many may feel guilty or helpless. Home hospice gives a chance for the family to be able to love and care in a knowledgeable way by learning from the care providers.
Support
Caregivers are often given respite care, which allows them to take breaks from their duties. They also receive emotional support from hospice staff members. It includes all aspects of the patient’s care. Hospice care is focused on the needs of the family. And this is not just seeing before the death of the loved one. Hospice staff members provide support to families during and after their death as well.
Is home hospice the better choice?
There are a few key factors to consider when making the decision about whether home hospice care or inpatient hospice care is best for your loved one.
1. The first factor is the preference of your loved one.
If they prefer to be in their own home and comfortable in their own surroundings, then home hospice care is likely the best option.
2. The second factor is the level of medical care required.
In some cases, patients may need more constant medical attention than what can be provided at home. In this case, inpatient hospice care may be a better option.
3. Another important factor to consider is your own ability to provide care at home.
Caring for a hospice patient can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you are not sure that you can provide the level of care required, inpatient hospice care may be a better option.
Making the decision about whether home hospice care or inpatient hospice care is best for your loved one is a difficult one. However, taking into consideration their preferences, medical needs, and your own ability to provide care, will help you make the best decision for your family.
Go with the best care for your family.
If you are considering any type of hospice care for your loved one, it is important to talk to their doctor to see if it is the right option for them. Hospice care is not appropriate for everyone, but for those who are facing a terminal illness, it can be an invaluable source of support and comfort.
