Three Ways In-Home Care Can Complement Hospice Care

Home Helpers^® Home Care Fills Gaps in Care by Providing In-Home Care to Provide Additional Support to Home Hospice

There are several misconceptions associated with hospice, many of which may deter people from exploring it as a care option. Home hospice is not a sign of “giving up;” rather it is an intentional choice to focus on improving one’s quality of life when curative treatment is no longer an option or desired. The goal is to make the quality of the patient’s life the best it can be in their final months, weeks, and days.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is typically recommended for individuals who are terminally ill, experiencing a significant decline in physical health, or have an anticipated life expectancy of six months or less. The top priorities are to relieve symptoms and control pain through palliative treatments and medication management, as well as meeting the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family members.

Those who choose hospice services do not “go into” hospice. Services are provided where the patient lives, whether in a private residence or a facility environment such as an assisted living community, nursing home, or hospital.

How Can In-Home Care Complement Home Hospice Care?

Hospice is not intended to provide 24/7 care in most cases, but rather shorter visits by nurses and other care professionals to provide medical care and other services.

In-home care is a great option to help fill in the gaps when the hospice team or family can’t be there to ensure continuity of care for patients. Professional caregivers can ensure patients are safe and comfortable, while also keeping the hospice team and family updated as to any changes in the patient’s condition or needs so they can be proactively addressed.

Here are three ways in-home care can complement hospice care:

• Filling a Gap in Care– Hospice agencies can’t always provide the continuous care their patients need and are limited by strict continuous care and patient qualification restrictions. Our professional Caregivers can assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, providing companionship, ensuring patient safety, medication reminders, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and even providing 24/7 monitoring or respite care to give family Caregivers a chance to rest. This support fills in the care gaps when families need or want more care than hospice can provide.

• Helping Patients Who Have Been Discharged or Are Not Eligible for Home Hospice – In the event a patient’s condition stabilizes or improves, they may be discharged from hospice. In-home care offers a full spectrum of services to ensure the patient remains safe and independent upon discharge, including assisting with activities of daily living, medication reminders, and providing transportation to doctor appointments. Caregivers can also notify the family and the patient’s care professionals of changes in condition that may lead to a patient being referred back to hospice.

• Assisting Hospice in Identifying Individuals in Need of Support – Many healthcare professionals and others find it challenging to bring up the subject of hospice. Our Caregivers understand the sensitive nature of hospice care and can recognize the need for hospice services during in-home care visits. They can help alert the family to an increase in needs in which hospice care is an option worth exploring.

Home Helpers^® Home Care: Providing Customized Home Care for All Needs

If you or a loved one is in need of in-home care, Home Helpers^® Home Care is here to help. For over 25 years, we have provided exceptional in-home care for seniors, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery.

We’re here to be a trusted partner in your care needs journey, with a team of compassionate professionals supporting you every step of the way. Our services and care plans are customizable, so you receive just the right amount of care and can adjust as your needs change.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.