Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Frank Davis
Hospice is a type of care that focuses on a patient’s quality of life, rather than the length of their life. Hospice providers offer patients skilled nursing care and pain management services, along with other supportive services such as massage therapy, spiritual counseling, exercise therapy, and emotional support. The hospice provider’s goal is to provide comfort and ease, with a focus on quality of life.
Some hospice patients are able to remain at home with the help of hospice services; others require hospice care in an assisted-living facility or nursing home. Hospice care often includes the patient’s family, as it is encouraged for family members to stay involved with their loved one’s care. Hospice providers can assist family members by providing education and information on how they can best help the patient.
The length of hospice care varies with each individual patient. Patients may need hospice care for a short period of time, such as weeks or less. Others may stay in hospice care for months or years, as their condition progresses. Hospice can often be continued up to 1 year after the patient has died because it continues to provide support and help to family members who are dealing with unexpected grief after losing their loved one.
You are able to receive hospice for as long as you need it, as long as your doctor certifies that you are still terminally ill. Your physician must also certify that you are not receiving inappropriate medical treatment. It’s important for your family to know that they can obtain hospice care for as long as they need it, because this can be a very emotional time. It’s common for people to want to extend the patient’s life at any cost, but sometimes you have to let go of hoping for a cure so you can focus on creating a beautiful moment by supporting and comforting the patient through their final days.
Another thing to consider, if your condition improves, your doctor will need to monitor your progress before you can stay in hospice care. If your condition improves to the point that the doctor does not feel you have a 6 month or less life expectancy, you may be removed from hospice.
The length of hospice care is different for each patient. Generally, hospice services are designed to help patients live comfortably in their homes or in an assisted-living facility or nursing home with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. For some patients, hospice care may last longer than 6 months; the amount of time varies based on the patient’s condition and other factors.
It’s important to understand that hospice care is not just about receiving medication and therapy; it focuses on making sure that the patient and family members receive the support they need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether your loved one is in hospice care for weeks, months, or even years, there are many services available for you and your family. Hospice providers can provide you with education on how to make this time more meaningful for you and your loved one.
