How To Get Hospice Care at Home?

Introduction:The vast
majority of terminally ill patients report wanting to pass away in their own
homes. Medical facilities are the leading cause of death in the United States.
More than half of those who planned to die at home did not do so in Dartmouth
research. Why? The lack of knowledge about available choices is often to blame.
They aren't equipped with the knowledge necessary to make a choice that
reflects their values. The more people who know what hospice is, the better.
And the meaning of hospice care at home.When Does
Hospice Care Occur in the Home?To begin hospice
care at home, a physician referral is required. Hospice referrals can come from
physicians, family members, or even the patient themselves, which may surprise
you. A hospice team member will visit you and your loved ones after you have
been referred to them. Hospice's advantages are outlined, and a care team is
assembled now.There are
numerous people involved in this care team, such as:• Doctors• Nurses• Healthcare
Aides• Community
Organizers• Counselors• ChaplainsA healthcare
strategy is developed when the team has been assembled. The first step is
collecting all necessary drugs and medical equipment. They will also advise you
on Medicare and hospice coverage.Considerations
for House Calls:• Members of
the team will visit you frequently while you are receiving hospice care at home.• Nurses will
be performing evaluations and dispensing medications. Those in need can get
assistance from social workers. And if you have chaplains on your team, they
may offer comfort and guidance to everyone involved.• The hospice
staff will coordinate nursing visits and help with routine tasks like taking a
shower and personal care, with the patient's family.• As the
patient's condition worsens, hospice workers may visit more frequently,
eventually providing around-the-clock care.In-House
Hospice Care Is an Option.A
"hospice house" or similar facility may serve as a "home"
for some patients, while a skilled nursing facility may serve as a
"home" for others. Wherever a patient calls hospice care
services at home will follow.The Family
Still Benefits from Hospice Care:Even after
the hospice patient dies, the team supports the family. Helping with burial
plans and paperwork, offering bereavement care, and pointing the grieving to
local support groups are all ways to do this. Camps for kids at a hospice or
similar programs are available for those who have lost a parent or other close
relative.Preparing for
Hospice Care at Home:Admission to
hospice care occurs after the necessary paperwork is completed and admissions
orders are received. Both the patient's primary care physician and the hospice
physician are kept apprised of the hospice patient's medical history, present
physical symptoms, and prognosis.The team's
chaplain and social worker make emotional, psychological, and spiritual
assessments during their in-person visits.• Team
members are expected to pay regular visits.• Delivery of
any necessary medical devices to the patient's residence• They
provide delivery of any prescribed medicationsConclusion:You
will no longer receive curative or life-prolonging treatments when you enter
hospice care. Instead, you'll receive care that minimizes discomfort for as
long as feasible.