The philosophy of hospice care is to accept death as the final stage of life. Hospice is specialized medical care provided to people experiencing advanced life-limiting illnesses. It often begins during the latter stages of the disease, when treatment is no longer effective in curing or controlling it. Hospice caregivers focus on treating and managing symptoms to ensure the best quality of life and dignity during the patient's last days.
At-Home Hospice Care
Most people prefer to receive special care in the comfort of their homes instead of in a special facility. Hospice care services are delivered in the patient's residence and involve working with the primary caregiver to provide 24/7 support. While the practice is centered in the patient’s home, there are times when visiting a hospital or inpatient hospice center is crucial.
The home team can arrange inpatient care and stay involved until they're released to in-home care. At home hospice involves providing care and support to persons in their primary residences. The hospice service provider may offer palliative care, symptoms management, respite and bereavement care, and more. Caregivers are sent to the patient’s home.
What Home Hospice Entails
Hospice service teams are healthcare professionals who work with the patient’s primary caregiver to provide round-the-clock care and support. The primary caregiver can be a family member or close friend and works with the hospice service team to develop care plans for specific needs. They also provide physical care and help with keeping symptoms records. Home hospice services may entail the following:
1. Palliative Care & Symptom Control
Hospice services use palliative care and symptom control to reduce pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The goal is to treat or relieve different types of pain so the patient can live as comfortably as possible.
