What is Hospice Care?

According to the Hospice Foundation of America, hospice offers “medical care toward a different goal from ordinary healthcare: maintaining or improving quality of life for someone whose serious illness, incurable disease or condition is unlikely to be cured.”

Hospice (sometimes the hospice program is called end-of-life care) comes in to assist when a patient has a terminal diagnosis or is at the end of their life, when they want to be at home for their final days and need help with the quality of life issues, or when their caregivers need assistance. The hospice philosophy accepts death and works with compassionate care with family caregivers to provide comfortable and warm day to day care with spiritual support for patients.

A deeper look at hospice services

The care provided by the hospice team is by trained professionals, so the patient and family can rest easy knowing that the care is appropriate and administered in an expert manner.

Hospice care and hospice staff also address grief support for the primary caregiver and the other family members of the person receiving hospice care. There are many complex feelings that can accompany the choice to engage in hospice care and, of course, with a death in the family. Hospice providers are experienced in navigating difficult conversations with compassion.

What specific services are provided?

For hospice patients, a sampling of the types of services provided by hospice care focuses include:

• Administration of the appropriate medications, especially those that make the patient most comfortable
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Services required to manage symptoms and pain related to a terminal illness
• Short-term inpatient care
• Short-term respite care
• Needed medical equipment
• Grief counseling for the family

Where can a patient receive hospice care?

Hospice care is provided in a variety of settings — a patient’s home, an assisted living or inpatient hospice center, a nursing home, a hospital, or a family member’s home. Basically, the hospice team can provide service anywhere a patient is living and is a suitable place for a patient to receive hospice care or palliative care.

Whenever a patient feels ready to begin hospice care, a palliative care team can begin providing symptom management or symptom relief, emotional support, and more.

Is hospice covered by insurance?

Insurance will often cover hospice care, even Medicare benefit and Medicaid can support hospice care. To qualify for hospice, a doctor handling the patient’s care must recommend it, and the patient must agree to it.

Hospice is only recommended when it is generally agreed that the patient’s care is unlikely to extend beyond six months. The patient’s private insurance will dictate which hospice services are covered.

Why is hospice important?

Hospice care provides significant physical and emotional comfort and alleviation for patients and families.

Studies have suggested that patients who received hospice and palliative care may experience less depression, experienced better end of life quality, and lived, on average, more than two months longer than those who did not receive such care.

Another advantage of hospice care is that it cares for the family as well as the patient. Respite care, bereavement services, counseling, and therapy are all services that the hospice care team provides.

How can a patient find a hospice provider?

A physician or medical care facility is usually the first contact for a patient or family member looking for hospice care.

There are also national hospice locators, such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which can help find a hospice provider.

Seniorly can also help you find local communities that have nursing homes or specialize in hospice care. Call us today to speak with a local senior living expert, and we'll connect you with the type of home health aides and care that's right for your family. You can reach us at (415) 570-4370.

The journey ahead

Finding hospice care for a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional journey. In fact, if you're a family caregiver, it's a decision that requires careful consideration and compassion.

By understanding the unique needs and preferences of your loved one, researching available options, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, you can make an informed choice that provides comfort and support during their final stages of life.

Remember, hospice care is not just about medical assistance but also about creating an environment of empathy and understanding. It is about cherishing every moment, celebrating their life, and ensuring their dignity and peace.

While this may be a challenging process, you are not alone. There are compassionate individuals and organizations dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. Not to mention, there are tons of support systems in place to help you find hospice coverage, understand hospice costs, look into a skilled nursing facility, and more.

With the right support and information, you can provide your loved one with the care they truly deserve in their final journey.