Opting for home-based hospice care rather than a hospital setting presents a multitude of benefits. In contrast to hospitals, home-based hospice care offers a more personalized and comfortable environment, enabling patients to receive individualized attention from familiar caregivers. This approach encourages the active participation of family members in the care process, providing essential emotional support. Additionally, the potential for cost savings compared to hospital or nursing home alternatives is worth considering. The familiar surroundings at home contribute to a heightened sense of comfort and security, while personalized care plans address the unique needs of each patient. This can be particularly beneficial for elderly, immunocompromised patients, offering a cleaner and safer space that contributes to their overall well-being.

Understanding the Four Types of Hospice Care 

• • Routine Hospice Care:

  • •   ➢ Description: Routine hospice care refers to the standard day-to-day care provided to individuals including pain and symptom management, assistance with activities of daily living, etc.
    •    ➢ Service: This type of care is designed to meet the daily needs of patients and to improve their overall quality of life. It involves scheduled visits from a hospice nurse, home health aide, social worker, and chaplain. Medications and necessary supplies are provided to manage the patient’s symptoms, promoting comfort in a familiar environment. 

• • Continuous Hospice Care (or Crisis Care):

  • •     ➢ Description: Continuous hospice care becomes essential during critical moments when a patient’s symptoms require heightened attention. 
    •     ➢ Services: Patients receive intensive nursing support, ensuring continuous care 24/7 to stabilize symptoms. This level of care is designed to address severe pain, uncontrolled symptoms, or other medical issues prioritizing the patient’s comfort, aiming to avoid disruptions and hospitalizations. 

• • General Inpatient Hospice Care:

  • •     ➢ Description: This level of care is administered within a dedicated inpatient facility designed to address the intricate medical needs of individuals encountering challenges that are difficult to manage in a home setting. The specialized environment provides comprehensive support, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. An interdisciplinary team collaborates to deliver holistic care, incorporating emotional counseling, family support, and effective coordination of services. 
    •     ➢ Services: Patients receive heightened medical and nursing care to address complex needs. The focus is on managing symptoms and maintaining a high quality of care, allowing for a return to a less intensive setting when possible. 

• • Respite Hospice Care:

  • •   ➢ Description: Respite care is like a short break for family caregivers. Occasionally, the pressures of caregiving and the stress of constant need can work to overwhelm a primary care giver. 
    •    ➢ Services: Respite care can be arranged for some hours or up to 5 days, granting caregivers some much-needed time off. This break not only allows caregivers to rest and recharge but also enables them to return with renewed energy and dedication. Additionally, respite care encompasses counseling and support services tailored to the family, recognizing the challenges and emotional toll associated with caregiving. Whether attending a crucial life event, recovering from illness, or simply needing relief, hospice respite care strives to ease the burden and enhance the overall well-being of both caregivers and patients. 

The goal of hospice care is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

Here are three common hospice diseases and an overview of how hospice typically handles them: 

• • Cancer: 

  • ○ Hospice care often involves palliative care for cancer patients, which aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. This may include pain management, nausea control, and emotional support. 
  • ○ Teams including physicians, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors, work together to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring a holistic approach. They also provide counseling and support for both the patient and their family. 
  • ○ Recognizing the importance of supporting the patient’s family and caregivers, they provide education on caregiving, offer respite care to give family members, and address the emotional toll that caring for a loved one with cancer can take. 

• • Heart Failure: 

  • ○ Hospice teams focus on managing symptoms associated with heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Medications and interventions are thoughtfully customized to suit the unique needs and preferences of each individual. Many of the strategies and medications employed are similar to those utilized in a hospital setting, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to care. 
  • ○ Professionals educate patients and families about the progression of heart failure, help them understand the treatment options, and provide emotional support to cope with the challenges associated with the disease. 
  • ○ Hospice care also involves close coordination with other healthcare providers to ensure that the patient’s medical needs are met. This may include collaborating with cardiologists and other specialists to manage specific aspects of heart failure. 

• • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): 

  • ○ Hospice care for COPD patients often involves providing respiratory support to manage symptoms like shortness of breath and respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy and medications may be employed to improve breathing and enhance the patient’s comfort. 
  • ○ The teams educate patients and families, helping them understand the progression of the disease and providing strategies to cope with symptoms. This includes teaching breathing techniques and energy conservation methods. Addressing psychological and existential concerns is integral to comprehensive COPD care. 
  • ○ Like other hospice scenarios, comfort is a primary focus. Pain management, symptom control, and maintaining a peaceful environment are key components of caring for individuals with advanced COPD. On top of this, it’s crucial to understand how vital it is to include the patient’s family in their care. This means offering assistance to family members, making communication easier, and helping them handle the tough emotions that come with taking care of a loved one. 

Learn More About Hospice Care

Do you need information about hospice care for yourself or a loved one? Then talk to our experienced team at Avatar Healthcare.

We offer a variety of personalized solutions, including hospice, home health, and personal home care services. You can contact us online or call our team at (844) 422-5528.