Hospice Services

Unlike other forms of care that provide curative treatment, hospice emphasizes comfort & dignity for patients nearing death. Hospice utilizes a holistic approach that considers all of needs. Hospice care teams feature multi-disciplinary professionals who can provide physical, emotional & spiritual support patients need in their final months. Moreover, these services also extend to immediate family & loved ones. Because hospice typically takes place at home, family members take on caregiver duties & they need support and resources.

Since Medicare covers hospice, certified facilities and providers typically offer most or all services listed below. A hospice nurse gets assigned to a patient and visits anywhere from one to three times a week. They ensure that prescriptions get filled, medical equipment functions correctly, and provide medical-related resources to the patient and their families as needed. If family members cannot become caregivers, an additional on-call nurse will be made available.

Usually, the patient’s physician also communicates directly with the hospice nurse. Sometimes, hospice aides also provide various medical-related services when necessary. 

Another crucial member of the care team is the social worker. Social workers give patients and family members tools and resources beyond the physical realm. The emotional and mental toll of hospice is a lot to endure, and, as such, counseling and bereavement services are available. Sometimes families also need financial assistance, and social workers can offer relevant resources.

Social workers also help coordinate end-of-life wishes and necessary arrangements for when the patient dies. Many families do not discuss these requests and preferences beforehand, so social workers help facilitate these discussions. Chaplains are also available to provide the patient and their loved ones spiritual guidance if they want it.

Finally, certified providers must do more than offer these services to home hospice patients. Facilities are available to help patients stabilize their condition if home hospice no longer makes sense. Symptoms such as uncontrollable restlessness, extreme pain, or a temporary medical condition require 24-hour care at a facility. Stays at these facilities are usually temporary, and patients return home once they stabilize. Hospice providers must also offer respite care, which is a way to allow families to recharge from their caregiving duties.

If you or someone you know only has a few months to live, be sure to discuss hospice care with your physician. Hospice offers patients and their loved ones an opportunity to spend quality time together without the harsh side effects of curative treatments. At the same time, patients have a chance to carry out their final wishes thanks to a network of well-trained professionals. To find out more and schedule a consultation, get in touch with us. We’re here to support you throughout this difficult time.