Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Frank Davis
By learning what to expect from the hospice care, the patient and family can become more comfortable with the transition. The patient and family may feel uncomfortable with the visiting staff as they may not be accustomed to this kind of situation. Nonetheless, even if they are simply informed about how hospice will work, what they will get from this is at the very least the relief from their concerns.
In order to be involved in the care of a patient, you should be well informed and prepared as well. When the caregiver knows what the medications are, what the schedule is and what the roles of the employees are, it gives them a sense of what to do in case of an emergency.
We are writing this article to give you insight into what you can expect when it comes to hospice home care. We hope you find this information to be helpful.
1) Decide Who Is The Primary Caregiver
As soon as you plan to start hospice care services, you must determine who will act as the primary caregiver for the patient. In most cases, the primary caregiver is a family member or close friend. In the event that you are unable to find a caregiver for yourself, you have two options. The first option is to hire a private caregiver through a home care agency. The second option is to be placed in a nursing home.
As the primary caregiver, you will be able to help your loved ones with non-medical care such as changing briefs and clothing, preparing meals, cleaning your home and providing companionship. When the nurses are not in the home, it will be the responsibility of the private caregiver to make sure that the medicine is given to the patient. Typically, once you have determined who will be the primary caregiver, and in what setting the hospice care could possibly occur, you will be in a position to begin the hospice care.
2) Delivery of Medications, Medical Equipment, Medical Supplies
Hospice home care is usually initiated with the delivery of medicines, medical equipment, and supplies to your residence. As part of the medical equipment that we provide, we have hospital beds, oxygen, wheelchairs, and walkers. In order to provide care, it is necessary to provide adequate space for some equipment. The company also provides a range of supplies such as incontinence supplies, latex gloves, wound care supplies, and bedpans. In this case, everything that is necessary to provide care for the terminal illness will be provided.
3) Staff Visits
The staff visits usually last approximately an hour during the time that they are there. Among the goals of hospice care is the management of pain and symptoms. In order to accomplish this, nurses normally make routine visits to the patient. Upon receiving the schedule, you will know when they are expected to arrive. Please see the information below regarding staff visits.
- Registered Nurse – Visits 1 to 2 times a week and as needed. The registered nurse assesses the patient’s conditions along with the effectiveness of medications and reports it to the doctor.
- Home Health Aide – Visits 1 to 3 times a week and more often if needed. Home health aides provide non medical care services. This normally entails changing briefs, changing linen, showering, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
- Social Worker – Visits 1 time a month or more as needed. They help with emotional, familial, and financial services.
- Chaplain – Visits 1 time a month or more as needed. Religious services and provides spiritual support.
- Volunteers – Several hours a week or as needed by the patient.
4) When The Patient Is Transitioning
During transitioning, in the active phase of the dying process, there is the possibility of a nurse staying with the patient if the family requires assistance. It does not happen all the time, it only occurs when the family really needs the support. It is quite common for the nurse to remain at the bedside until the patient passes away.
Conclusion
Initially, it may seem like a huge task, but I assure you that you will quickly become accustomed to it. Firstly, you have to make a decision as to who will be the primary caregiver as he will most likely be the one who will be assisting you the majority of the time. Usually, the delivery of medications, medical equipment, and medical supplies happen before the actual care begins. As soon as everything is in place, you will start receiving visits from your hospice agency. A hospice nurse may stay with you at the time of the hospice patient’s transition as a support for you.
You can contact hospice valley if you have any questions or concerns regarding hospice care. You can reach us by calling (747) 755-5181.
