You’ve decided that you want hospice care in your home. This important life decision involves a number of lifestyle changes, including some remodeling and something to help with the practical side of things and to provide compassionate, loving care; to treat the whole person body, mind and spirit. Being prepared ahead of time can help you enjoy the benefits of hospice care in your home. It can be a great option when the person wants to stay at home rather than at the hospital. Here are the list of the benefits of hospice care at home:
Peace of mind
You will have the peace of mind knowing that you have access to 24-hour care, and your loved one has access to medical care if needed.
As a family member or friend, you may find yourself worrying about their safety and well-being. If your loved one is in hospice care at home, they will be monitored around the clock by trained professionals that can help with any issues that arise. It’s especially crucial during times when they are not able to communicate effectively.
Reduction in pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with serious illnesses. Unfortunately, there are so many different types of pain and it’s difficult to treat all of them. Hospice care can help reduce your loved one’s pain in three main ways:
- Medication and treatments. Hospice doctors will typically prescribe medications for any type of pain, including chronic or cancer-related symptoms like nausea and constipation. They may also provide other non-drug therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy if they determine that medication isn’t enough on its own or if it would lead to side effects like drowsiness or dizziness which could cause falling down unexpectedly.
- Distraction techniques. This type of technique is used to distract them when there is inability to talk. This way might help them in feeling their best music or songs. An example here is playing music in another room while you’re talking with your loved one. This way, even if they’re not able to talk back much anymore or at all, they still feel connected while listening to their favorite songs together.
- Other techniques. Other techniques such as meditation or massage therapy also work well because they encourage patients’ mindsets away from negative thoughts while promoting positivity through breathing exercises that lower stress levels throughout the body; these practices have been shown time after time again across scientific studies around the world since 1990s when researchers first started studying how positive emotions affect health outcomes among those living with various terminal diseases such as cancer diagnoses.”
Comforting the patient
- Helping the patient feel safe
- Listening to the patient
- Making sure the patient feels comfortable
- Keeping the family informed of any changes in condition, including medical or emotional issues that arise
- Ensuring privacy for both you and your loved one at all times during visits, which may include putting up a “Do not disturb” sign on the door of your home or asking visitors to come back later if they’re interrupting something important at an inconvenient time for everyone involved—including yourself
Emotional and spiritual support
Home care provides emotional and spiritual support, which can be essential when you or a loved one is nearing the end of life. The hospice team may provide counseling for you and your family members to help with grief and loss issues.
The hospice staff can also help to manage medications at home, so that you don’t have to travel back-and-forth between medical appointments each day.
Grief counseling
Grief counseling is a process that helps you find meaning in the loss of someone you love. It can be done one-on-one or in groups, and the sessions are often scheduled over a period of months. Grief counseling can help with many aspects of loss, including:
- Accepting that your loved one has passed away
- Learning how to get through the days without them (and how to manage feelings like anxiety, loneliness, anger and guilt)
- Discovering new ways to remember your loved ones such as creating an altar or writing letters.
Medical equipment and supplies
Hospice patients rely on medical equipment and supplies in order to feel comfortable, safe and secure. Hospice providers monitor health conditions with the help of a variety of devices, including blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and pulse oximeters. Patients can also use catheters for bladder management or IVs for medication delivery.
Hospice organizations work with physicians to ensure that patients have access to the equipment they need while maintaining quality care practices such as cleaning and sterilization procedures. They also recycle leftover supplies after their useful life has ended so that they can be used again by other patients or organizations that serve those in need.
The hospice organization will cover all costs associated with providing medical equipment and supplies for your loved one’s care during this time period.
Well-trained caregivers
Hospice caregivers are specially trained to provide the kind of compassionate care that you need. They’re skilled at managing pain and other symptoms, helping people with a terminal illness, and supporting their families and caregivers. That’s because hospice programs are designed to meet the needs of those living with advanced illnesses—including those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes.
Hospice care at home
Hospice care can be a great option for people who prefer to stay at home as they approach the end of life. Hospice provides comfort and dignity that helps you feel like yourself, even when you’re sick and in pain. Hospice also offers support for family caregivers, including respite services so you can rest or spend time with friends and family outside of caring for your loved one. Hospice care eases physical, emotional, and spiritual pain by providing holistic services such as:
- Spiritual guidance from trained chaplains
- Complementary therapies such as massage therapy or acupuncture
- Music therapy that will sooth you and provide comfort as they approach the end of life.
About us
GreySteps is where you will learn how to find the best senior care options for yourself or loved ones. We provide guides and resources for independent living, long-term acute care hospitals, hospice and other senior care options.