What Do Hospice Do at Home

Posted by Nagaraj SEO on November 18th, 2023

Where would you most like to spend your last few months, weeks, days, and hours? 80% of Americans, when asked this question, choose to stay at home. Despite this answer, 60% of those who die do so in healthcare facilities, and another 20% do so in nursing homes. While hospitalisation may be necessary for certain terminally ill patients, hospice care at home makes it possible for the vast majority of patients to die in the comfort of their own homes.

What does hospice do at home?

Hospice Care's first step in providing hospice care at home is to evaluate the patient's health and any special requirements they may have. Hospice patients and their families don't have to worry about covering the costs of any necessary medical supplies or equipment.

Hospital beds, wheelchairs, and even commodes can all be delivered to your door by a partnered durable medical equipment company. The hospice staff will show the family how to operate the new tools.

Free home delivery of necessities is included as well. These could include items such as bandages, incontinence supplies, and gloves.

The hospice programme will cover the whole cost of the patient's medications that are necessary due to the terminal prognosis. The hospice staff will coordinate with a neighbourhood pharmacy to have these supplies brought directly to the house, freeing up the family's time to be spent with the patient.

Home Hospice Visits

The hospice team will begin checking in on patients this week. Nurses will visit to assess the patient's physical condition. They'll collaborate with the doctor to modify the patient's treatment plan as their condition evolves.

Personal care will be provided every week by hospice aides who will visit frequently. Hospice care at home includes helping with hygiene, dressing, transferring, and feeding. The family can take a break knowing that their loved one is receiving individualised attention.

In addition, social workers will help the patient and their loved ones deal with emotional issues, arrange for family care and funeral arrangements, and learn about community and governmental services.

Patients can expect spiritual comfort and company from the chaplains who regularly visit them. Volunteers can drop by to spend time with the family and provide some much-needed relief for the carers.

Home hospice care vs. palliative care

Palliative care and hospice care at home are sometimes perceived as identical. However, they provide very different services. Both can be provided in the comfort of your home with the help of your loved one's physician.

• Chronic diseases, such as heart failure, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the focus of palliative care. Cancer patients can benefit from palliative care because it gives symptom relief and emotional support. It can happen even as a senior is having treatment that has the promise of a full recovery.

• Comfort is provided by hospice care at home for terminally ill patients. It's not meant to assist in curing terminal diseases or extend people's lives but rather to facilitate peaceful passing. Only after a senior citizen has decided to forego curative therapy for an illness or chronic condition is hospice care recommended.

Conclusion

Red Rock Hospice is available to support you and your loved ones at this challenging time. Professionals on our hospice staff have received further training in caring for terminally ill patients. We collaborate with you and your loved ones to deliver the finest care possible. Obtain sympathetic treatment in the privacy of their residence. We provide hospice care services that are all-encompassing and customised to each patient's needs.