Understanding In-Home Hospice Care

When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to know what their options are. There are many different types of care and hospice care is one option.

In this article, we will explore in home hospice care for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer as well as the steps involved in getting started on hospice care.

What is In Home Hospice Care?

In home hospice care is a type of medical and supportive care for those who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses like cancer, and have a diagnosis for life expectancy of six months or less.

Hospice caregivers provide around-the-clock aid to their patients in order to help them live comfortably during the last stage of life. There are many different types of home care agencies that provide this service. It’s important to consult with your physician to determine if at home hospice care is the right care for you or your loved one.

How does In Home Hospice Care Work?

One of the first things that you or your loved one will do is appoint a primary caregiver. This person may be an adult child, grandchild, parent, sibling – anyone who has been close to the patient for years and understands what they need during this time. The responsibility of this individual is simply making sure that all needs are met.

Then, the next step is to determine what type of care will be needed, whether it’s administering medication or something that a skilled nurse practitioner will need to provide.

The hospice team will be a combination of doctors, nurses and social workers who work with your family to create an individualized plan that takes into account your needs and preferences throughout this time. The medical professionals on the hospice team will also help monitor symptoms as well as administer treatments in order to make sure you are comfortable for these last days or weeks of life.

At home hospice care can encompass many things including physical therapy, emotional support groups, spiritual guidance – they are designed to meet every need during this difficult time.

The hospice team provides care for the patient at home and inpatient, but it’s only available before someone has been diagnosed with terminal illness. They provide 24-hour skilled nursing support as well medications, therapies and other medical treatments to improve quality of life — if there are no symptoms being treated, then they are not considered eligible for hospice care.

Caregivers may elect to stay on their loved one’s behalf until death; this can be done through “comfort visits” (visits without any professional treatment) or by shortening the work day so that caregivers can look after an afflicted family member during evening hours when pain might be at its worst.

What Are the Different Types of Hospice Care?

There are two types of hospice care: home-based and facility-based (inpatient). Home hospice might be preferable if your loved one is feeling anxious about being away from his/her own living space; it’s also an option if you’re looking to avoid a lot of red tape involved with moving into a new setting.

Home Based Hospice Care

In-home hospice care can help you in making arrangements for your loved one with medical professionals who are trained and experienced in end of life care – so you don’t have to do it alone. They will listen to what’s important for your family member as well as provide guidance about hospice benefits such as pain management, spiritual counseling, caregiver support groups, social services and more.

When is in Home Hospice Needed?

In-home hospice care is needed when your loved one would much rather stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving the needed treatment toward the end of their life. This is a relief from the stress and anxiety of having to go into an unfamiliar hospital or nursing home environment, especially when they may not have the energy to do so.  

Who Provides In Home Hospice Care?

There are a wide range of home health care agencies that provide at home hospice care. Depending on what you need and the care of your loved one, you may choose to hire a single caregiver or an entire team.

The primary caregiver for someone who is receiving hospice treatment will be responsible for creating safety plans according to their medical needs such as administering medications, managing pain levels, side effects from medication use (such as nausea), relieving choking hazards at home, communicating effectively with family members about changes in condition, using respiratory equipment and more. The primary caregiver must also notify healthcare professionals if there have been any changes with the patient’s condition.

How do I Know if I Qualify for In Home Hospice Care?

In order to qualify for in-home hospice care:

Must be diagnosed with an incurable illness like cancer; 

Able to live independently but may require some support from caregivers; and must have either Medicare benefits or private insurance coverage that covers home health aides.

What Services Does a Hospice Team Provide?

• Skilled nursing/medical supervision, including medications administration;
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation to maintain mobility and strength;
• Speech pathology for swallowing issues that may arise (if not addressed this could lead to malnutrition);
• Respiratory therapy for pulmonary disorders such as pneumonia, emphysema or congestive heart failure;
• Occupational therapist who can provide therapeutic activities to help with daily living needs (such as dressing) when necessary.

How do I Choose the Right Home Care Agency for In Home Hospice Care?

In order to ensure the home care agency you are selecting for your in home hospice service is qualified to provide these services, it’s important to first do proper due diligence. You’ll want to ensure that the agency is licensed, certified or authorized by your state to provide hospice care.

Furthermore, you should take a look at their regulatory history and see how long they have been providing these services.

In conclusion, in home hospice care is an alternative method to ensure quality of life for your loved one in the comfort of their own home. It offers peace of mind for both patient and caregiver because there is always an available professional that can help if need be, in the home. Of course, it’s important to first consult with your physician to ensure that in home hospice care is an option to consider.

Elite Care at Home has been providing quality in home hospice services to the South Florida community since 2009. We strive to provide the highest quality care and services to our clients.

Our team of compassionate and trained caregivers provide needed symptom management services and support to loved ones as needed.

We understand this is a difficult decision to make, and we will be there every step of the way. Call today to speak with our team.

Serving the Broward, Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties since 2009. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (305) 231-0555