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Will Home Hospice Care Really Help?
Date Updated: December 16, 2024
Written by:
Lauren Ferguson has over five years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in senior care topics such as assisted living and memory care. She holds a degree in Liberal Studies and English from the University of Illinois Springfield. Having navigated the process of placing her mother in a long-term care community, Lauren offers a unique insider's perspective to families facing similar situations.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Yes, home hospice care really helps improve the quality of life for those facing serious illnesses. It offers a range of services, such as pain management, skilled nursing support and spiritual counseling, that focus on easing the patient's discomfort rather than curative treatments.
What to Expect From Home Hospice Care
Home hospice care offers comprehensive support for people with terminal illnesses, focusing on providing comfort and enhancing their quality of life instead of treating the disease. It allows patients to spend their last days in a familiar environment, which may increase feelings of peace and help reduce grief for their loved ones, according to a study conducted on individuals with incurable cancer. Hospice services usually include:
- Pain management
- Symptom control and therapies
- Skilled nursing care
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Medication management
- Coordination with primary care doctors
- Medical supplies and durable equipment
- Homemaker services and assistance with daily activities
These services aim to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients, ensuring a compassionate approach to care during the final stages of life. Families can also receive guidance, including psychological assistance and bereavement support, helping them navigate this challenging time with greater peace of mind.
How to Hire a Home Hospice Care Provider
You qualify for hospice under Medicare Part A if:
- Both your hospice and regular doctor certify a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less
- You accept palliative care instead of curative care
- You sign a statement choosing hospice care over other Medicare treatments
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can:
- Research local hospice care providers. Check reviews and ratings on websites such as Caring.com to gauge the quality of care. Ask for recommendations from health care professionals.
- Ensure that providers hold proper accreditation from reputable organizations such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
- Talk about costs and insurance coverage with providers. Medicare typically covers most hospice services, but make sure to discuss any out-of-pocket expenses.
- Schedule interviews with potential providers. Discuss the patient's needs, ask questions about their services and learn about their approach to care.