Hospice care supports people in their final months of life, usually with six months or less to live. Its goal is to offer compassionate services in the best interest of patients and their families. Patients can receive this care in various senior living settings, like at home, in assisted living communities, or in medical facilities. If a person’s condition improves, they can stop hospice care and resume it if necessary later.

 

This guide will explore the benefits of hospice care, its common services, and how patients and families can access this service.

Hospice services offer physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical comfort and support to patients and families during the final stages of a terminal illness. The specific services that hospice care options offer vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but usually include the following:

 

• Medical Care: Professionals check the patient’s condition, give medication, manage pain, and offer other essential medical services.
• Social Services: Hospice teams can write referrals and coordinate community resources for caregivers and patients to help them access support.
• Spiritual Services: Hospice offers spiritual care aligned with the patient’s religious or spiritual beliefs.
• Help with Daily Tasks: Hospice staff can help with household chores, meal preparation, and basic personal needs, such as mobility, bathing, and dressing.
• Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapists can help patients maintain or regain functionality and independence.
• Respite Care: Caregivers can get relief to prevent burnout through hospice. 
• Bereavement Support: Hospice offers counseling and resources to help families adjust to life after loss.

If you search “hospice care near me,” you may find hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities for your loved one. But some seniors also receive hospice care at home. Review these hospice care options to determine the best path for your loved one.

Hospice care may take place in a facility, like a hospital or nursing home, if a patient has complex medical needs. Your loved one will generally get a room decorated with cozy touches, such as plants and couches, to help them feel at home.

In hospice facilities, the usual rules for visiting hours and mealtime schedules do not apply. Visitors can typically come and go as they wish, and meals often include family favorites. These relaxed rules help patients feel as comfortable and cared for as possible.

Many patients who are eligible for hospice care can qualify for hospice care at home. Before deciding on at-home hospice care, make sure it’s the best choice for your loved one and your family. If a patient’s symptoms remain controlled, visiting nurses, social workers, aides, and counselors can deliver care as needed. Even patients with unstable conditions can sometimes receive continuous, skilled nursing care at home.

 

But some families find it difficult to support and care for their loved one at home while in hospice care. And sometimes, a patient’s medical condition can be so severe that it can be difficult to manage at home.

Hospice care combines the expertise of social workers, counselors, clergy, and medical professionals. The hospice agency assigns a case manager to coordinate team members and their schedules. This supervision becomes especially important if the care takes place at home.

If possible, family members can take on caregiving duties, such as giving medicines and grooming. Otherwise, hospice workers may help secure other caregivers to take over.

Generally, you can expect the following help from hospice care.

 

• Collaborative Care: The hospice team works with existing health care providers to coordinate treatment. This way, your loved one gets care from familiar doctors and professionals.
• Comprehensive Support System: Hospice monitors changes in your loved one’s condition and uses appropriate interventions.
• Daily Task Help: Hospice care offers help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around. 
• In-Home Visits: Sometimes, the hospice team can come to your loved one’s home or residential care home, eliminating the need for traveling or scheduling appointments.
• Medication Coverage: Hospice covers and reviews the drugs your loved one needs.
• Medical Equipment: Hospice care may cover medical equipment, like a wheelchair or walker.
• Levels of Care: Hospice helps manage your loved one’s symptoms throughout the stages of their disease.
• Holistic Approach: The hospice team addresses all needs, including spiritual and physical.
• Bereavement Support: Hospice offers follow-up for you and your family, including meetings, caregiver support groups, and check-ins.

 

Most hospice agencies contract with Medicare, so they have the same basic services. But some agencies may offer more benefits, like extra visits or intensive grief support. Keep these differences in mind when exploring hospice facilities nearby.

Take some time to consider whether hospice is the right choice for your loved one before searching “hospice care facilities near me.” Often, hospice care suits people with terminal illnesses who are in distress or pain, have had frequent recent hospital visits, and are having difficulty with everyday tasks. Your loved one might also decide to stop treatments to live out their end-of-life in comfort. Meet with your loved one’s care team to help you decide the next steps.

Finding the right hospice care agency when emotions are high can challenge families. Still, your loved one deserves a care team that wants to make their last days better. These steps break down the process to help you find compassionate and personalized hospice care.

 

• Discuss the option of hospice care with your loved one and their doctor. Ensure that everyone agrees it is the right choice.
• Choose a hospice agency that suits your loved one’s needs, considering recommendations from:
  • Their doctor
  • A hospital or nursing facility discharge planner
  • Their assisted living or long-term care facility
  • Their state hospice association
  • A Caring Family Advisor
• Compare hospice care costs and payment options to find an agency that works with your loved one’s insurance.
• Enroll the patient in the selected hospice agency. Usually, the agency will handle all necessary paperwork. If the patient can't consent, the person holding power of attorney or authority over their health care decisions must sign.
• Collaborate with the hospice agency as they set up a care plan. Include any family members or others who will provide full-time care.
• Expect a period of increased activity when the hospice agency first becomes involved. Various staff members may visit to assess the patient’s needs.
• After the initial assessment, the agency will establish a routine with one or more visiting nurses.
• Communicate any preferences or concerns about the care the patient receives, including requesting specific aides or shifting schedules
• Consider switching to another agency if you or your loved one is unhappy with their hospice care. Changes may be necessary to ensure the best experience during this challenging time.

It can be hard to decide to start hospice care, but remember its focus: to give your loved one comfort and quality end-of-life care. Discuss hospice options with your loved one and their care team to find the best solution. With the right support in place, you can focus on making the most of your time together.