Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Frank Davis
No matter where you are located, hospice care can be applied wherever you are. It is a philosophy of care that is adaptable to any location. This will be done through the introduction of an interdisciplinary team, which will include doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and volunteers to create a holistic and caring environment. It is the goal of all medical personnel to provide support on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Every week, the patients’ home is usually visited by an experienced nurse as part of the patient’s care. As part of the 24/7 medical on call service, there are nurses on call, who are always available to help the family if needed. You may be able to get hospice care covered 100% through Medicare, Medicaid, or your private insurance.
By the NHPCO’s estimate, 98.2% of the total days of care were received through routine home care services in 2018. As a consequence, a large majority of the care was provided at the patient’s home (some people may reside in assisted living or nursing facilities). It is possible to provide hospice care in a wide variety of settings.
The purpose of this article is to try to go into depth about the places in which hospice care is available, and to determine which option is best suited for what you need.
Home
In the majority of cases, patients choose to stay at home since it tends to be a familiar setting. There are no restrictions or rules regarding visitors, so your family and friends can come and go as they please. Most of the time, this job is performed by a caregiver, whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or a caregiver hired through a home care agency. A family member or a close friend can be the best option for providing care at home in the most cost effective way. In this manner, no costs will be incurred as a result of caregiving or inpatient care. The first step to providing comfort care at home requires arranging to have staff members visit and making room for medical equipment (e.g. hospital bed, oxygen tank, wheelchair). In addition to overseeing the patient’s care, the doctor will arrange for new services and adjust medications as needed.
Nursing Homes
An institution like a nursing home should have a nursing staff on hand 24 hours a day. In certain situations, this may be a great option for people in need of hospice care but do not have someone who can provide them with care at home. In contrast with hospitals, the doctor will not be available to you throughout the day, but he or she may be available by phone. When the individual enrolls in hospice care, the hospice care team is available to assist nursing facility staff, ensuring that the individual is taken care of as well as possible. Similarly to a hospital, privacy may be an issue in nursing homes, so you can ask the staff if arrangements can be made to give your family more time alone if necessary.
Hospitals
Medical professionals in a hospital setting are usually on hand a majority of the time. It should be noted that some hospitals may, in addition to their regular care teams, also have hospice care teams on hand to help manage uncomfortable symptoms for patients who may be approaching the end of their life. Before making your decision regarding this matter, do your research and check if privacy may be an issue, if there are visiting hours, and if they restrict the number of visitors.
Conclusion
As a hospice patient, you may receive hospice care in any of a number of settings, based on your situation, needs, and preferences. Hospice is a service provided primarily to patients at their homes, but patients may also receive it in nursing homes and hospitals. Patients and their families can receive hospice services based on where they feel most comfortable.
For additional assistance in selecting the right place for you, feel free to contact Hospice Valley at (747) 755-5181.
