If you have a loved one who is seriously ill, you may be looking into hospice home care for help managing their chronic symptoms. But that decision can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure what exactly it’s going to involve. Below, we’ll give you an overview of what you can expect from hospice home care services.
What Is Hospice Home Care?
Hospice is care that focuses on quality of life for patients who are seriously ill and/or managing chronic conditions. Its main goal is caring, not curing, so hospice providers treat the symptoms of an illness, rather than treating the illness itself.
But it’s important to know that hospice isn’t solely end-of-life care. While end-of-life care helps patients who are in the very final stages of their life, hospice care is generally provided to patients in their expected last six months — but sometimes for much longer.
As the name suggests, hospice home care takes place at home. Nurses make regular visits to your loved one’s residence (which can be at their own home, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing facility), check up on their condition, and provide any help that may be needed with equipment or medications.
What Is the Hospice Home Care Process Like?
The hospice home care process can seem complex and difficult, especially if it’s not something you’ve encountered before. A good hospice care provider will ensure it goes smoothly for you and your loved one, informing you of what to expect from hospice services, and relieving pain and stress for all those involved.
The hospice process generally begins with a conversation with hospice intake personnel. When your loved one has a diagnosis of an incurable condition or chooses to stop a treatment plan, they’ll be able to apply for hospice eligibility. If their eligibility is verified, the hospice home care start date is up to you — but the sooner you start, the sooner your loved one will be able to receive the expert comfort and care they need to improve their quality of life and manage their conditions. Starting the hospice conversation early is something that many patients and their families don’t know to do, but that can provide immense support to all parties.
Once you’ve started that conversation with a provider, you’ll choose a primary caregiver (most likely yourself or another family member) that works with the hospice team to develop a personalized care plan that has your needs and the patient’s needs in mind. From there, the hospice team will carry out their regular nurse visits and services to keep your loved one comfortable.
What Services Does Hospice Home Care Include?
With hospice home care, you can expect the following services (and often more) to be provided:
- Regular nurse visits
- Social work
- Physician services
- Spiritual care
- Volunteer services (e.g. household chores, grocery shopping, etc.)
- Personal care attendants
- Bereavement counseling
- Durable medical equipment (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs, beds, etc.)
You can also expect all home medical equipment and medications to be conveniently delivered to your loved one’s home.
How Often Do Hospice Nurses Visit?
In most cases, hospice patients are typically seen 2-3 times per week. However, this can vary depending on your family’s needs and the condition of your loved one’s health. Nurses will generally visit more frequently as your loved one’s health changes over time.
And no matter your visitation schedule, you always have 24/7 access to hospice support in the case of emergencies — even in the middle of the night.
How Is Hospice Home Care Paid For?
Most hospice patients are eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. Those entities generally pay for 100% of hospice care. This includes most at-home medical equipment and medications that your loved one needs. However, all cases vary, so it’s best to speak directly with your hospice provider for payment information.
Ensure Quality Care for Your Loved One with West Michigan Hospice
Electing hospice home care for a loved one is one of the most difficult decisions our families ever make. While we can’t make that decision easier, we are committed to being clear and upfront about what you can expect from our services, and to providing the very best quality of hospice care you’ll find in West Michigan and beyond. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help.