Why Hospice Care Is Important
While most people think hospice care is for the terminally ill and those in the end stages of life, hospice care also provides support for the family of the patient. When family members hear the harsh truth that a loved one may only have a short time left on this earth, it can be very difficult to make end-of-life decisions. Some of the greatest benefits of hospice are experienced professionals improving the quality of life for the patient, and helping family members navigate this confusing time.
Benefits of Routine Hospice Care
During the early stages of hospice, patients receive routine care. At this time, patients are typically able to be left alone for long periods and only light help may be needed. As an example of routine care, the patient may need assistance with medications, meal prep, hygiene, and light household duties. A hospice nurse may only need to attend to the patient for a few hours a day. Routine hospice care is a personalized plan that changes as the patient’s needs increase. The benefits of routine hospice care for the patient are fewer worries about dealing with the tasks of everyday living. They have more time to focus on settling their affairs and spending time with friends and family.
Typically, the family members are the main caregivers for their terminally ill loved ones. Most people still need to work and take care of younger family members during the patient’s end stages of life. Hospice nurses and certified nursing assistants provide additional help to fill the gaps in care. Your hospice care team will also include experienced social workers who will help the patient and the family navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They can also help you find financial assistance if needed and help you prepare for life changes after your loved one has passed.
Bereavement Support
The news of impending death is a hard pill to swallow for both the diagnosed and their family members. There will be shock, denial, and depression for everyone involved. One of the main benefits of hospice is bereavement and spiritual counseling for the entire family. Professionals like therapists, support providers, and bereavement coordinators help the family deal with feelings of this huge loss before and after the patient’s passing. These professionals also help prepare the patient for their own death and help them cope with the struggle of acceptance. Families discover why hospice care is so important when these services are offered for a year or even more following the passing of their loved one.
Continuous and In-Patient Hospice Care
In times of crisis, the benefits of hospice care continue to provide relief and support with continuous and in-patient care. Continuous care comes into play when the patient’s symptoms increase and can’t be managed by family members. This level of care honors the patient’s wishes to remain in their residence, while hospice care may need to be significantly increased. Hospice nurses may remain with the patient from 8 to 24 hours a day to help stabilize the patient. The need for continuous care can happen when the patient has uncontrollable pain, respiratory problems, seizures, excessive diarrhea, or when other issues arise. Hospice professionals take over many of the primary caregiver’s roles, which gives the family time to focus emotionally on their loved one.
The benefits of in-patient hospice care are similar to continuous care but on a higher level. During in-patient care, the patient’s symptoms can no longer be managed at home and they must be moved to an in-patient hospice facility. Here, hospice professionals are present and caring for the patient around the clock. Both continuous and in-patient care are short-term with the goal of returning the patient to routine care within their home.
Benefits of Respite Hospice Care for the Family
Caregiver burnout is why hospice care is important for the whole family as the end stages of life progress. Caring for someone who is terminally ill and close to death takes a toll on the primary caregivers. There are the physical effects of sleep loss, fatigue, and changes in eating habits, but also the mental and emotional exhaustion that occurs from the entire situation. These combined effects are called caregiver burnout. Luckily, hospice care includes much-needed respite care to help caregivers recharge and stabilize their own well-being. Respite care can be used when caregivers need a break, or for special events like weddings when the patient cannot be left alone for periods. Respite care lasts from 1-5 days during a patient’s benefit period.
Supplies & Diagnostic Benefits of Hospice
Why is hospice care important for patients with Medicare and Medicaid? Because these patients will incur zero out-of-pocket costs for the services of hospice. Along with the services mentioned above, patients will also receive diagnostic services like x-rays, podiatry, and laboratory services. Medication services mean patients can have their prescriptions delivered right to their door each month. Patients will receive medical home equipment and supplies like wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, wipes, wound care items, gloves, and many other medically necessary items at no cost as part of the benefits of hospice.
A & H Hospice also accepts most private insurance and our staff members will help you find financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs. We provide services to residents of Southern California including Los Angeles County, Kern County, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Ventura County. If you are on the border of our service areas, we encourage you to call and discuss your location.
Along with all the benefits of hospice, A & H Hospice is proud to employ team members who are empathetic and compassionate as well as experienced. Our goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and give support to their family members. With A & H Hospice, you can trust your loved one is in good hands. Contact us today for a free consultation.