Hospice care is known as comfort-focused care because it aims to improve the patient’s quality of life while suffering from a terminal illness. All patient wishes and goals are respected while emotional, clinical, or spiritual needs are met in hospice care. Patients can enjoy their remaining time while also receiving medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual support. While all of this is geared toward the patient, their loved ones are not forgotten. Hospice aides, social workers, and other staff ensure their well-being by providing daily check-ins and respite care, as well as education and spiritual and emotional grief support.
Personalize Plan Care and Support
A case manager and practitioner, along with the caregivers and family, work together to create a personalized plan of care that meets the patient’s specific needs. From making sure that prescriptions and other regimens are kept updated to strategizing a daily schedule of well-rounded care, these professionals tailor a unique plan for each patient.
Also, to provide comfort for the family, hospice professionals are available 24/7. This allows families some room and time for in-between visits and rest while offering patients a range of services, from companionship to favorite foods or a listening ear.
Provides Family Guidance and Counseling
The family also needs some guidance periodically on what to expect during the coming weeks or months, so many hospice care providers make sure to have trained professionals available to answer questions, address concerns, and of course, provide excellent care for the patient. These employees aim to meet any emotional, physical, social, or spiritual needs.
Provides a Comfortable Environment
Hospice care is about comfort. While this aspect of the service can be provided in hospitals and nursing homes, the ideal situation is to offer this care in the comfort of the patient’s home. A professional team works together with the family and patient to provide hospice care at home, offering a regimen and treatment that works for everyone.
Emotional Support for Families
Losing a member is always incredibly hard, so some facilities provide extended grief support. They are guided through the emotional pain and offered guidance as they deal with grief.
In some cases, a chaplain and/or a counselor works closely with family members in a group situation or on an individual basis.
Easing the Burden on Families
With the loved one in hospice care, families receive information about each phase of the medical condition and what to expect along with consistent communication about the next steps. This involves creating individualized care plans and advanced care planning. The family doesn’t have to navigate through this challenging journey alone.
Ease the Financial Burdens
As you can imagine, for many families the hospital bills that come from this process can be quite overwhelming. However, under hospice supervision, through the help of Medicaid, Medicare, or other private insurance, the costs are reduced. Make sure you reach out to your insurance providers and check what hospice care elements are covered. No matter the disease or its progress, studies showed that ill patients who had hospice care lived longer. They gain a sense of control and relief. Plus, they appreciate the skilled care from licensed nurses and home health aides. When nurtured at home, they also appreciate the assistance that contributes to their quality of life. For more information, contact us to schedule an appointment.
