Preparing Your Loved One For Hospice Care

Preparing a loved-one for hospice care can be difficult for both the person and their families. It is important to show compassion, patience and understanding when having this conversation.

First, it is essential to understand hospice care and how it can help your loved one. Hospice is not a place, it is a type of medical care that provides comfort and support for people who are suffering from terminal illnesses and have stopped seeking curative treatment. Hospice care can be provided in many settings including the patient’s own home, in a hospice facility or in a hospital.

It is also very important to open up about hospice care with your loved ones in an honest way. This process includes explaining that their illness is not curable and that care will now be focused on managing their symptoms and comfort. It is also important to talk about the benefits of hospice care. This includes the ability to receive care in the comfort of their home with emotional support from their families, all while being treated by skilled healthcare professionals.

Also, it is important to address any questions or concerns the patient might have regarding hospice care. These may include questions about pain management, family involvement, and the end-of-life decision. These can be hard questions to answer, but it is essential that your loved one goes into this new phase in life with as much assurance and acceptance as possible. Some of the more health-related questions can be answered in-person by arranging a meeting with the patient and hospice care team.

In order to have a meaningful conversation about hospice care, it is important to include the patient’s entire healthcare team. This can include the patient’s primary care provider, specialists and any other healthcare professionals involved in their care. It is crucial to understand the wishes of the patient and ensure that the hospice team is informed of any concerns or needs.

Preparing for hospice care also includes practical considerations such as making arrangements for the patient’s home care, including transport and meal delivery. This includes ensuring the patient’s home and surroundings are safe, comfortable, and accessible to the hospice team.

Recognizing the importance of emotional support for the patient’s family and friends during difficult times is also central. This can include offering comfort and support, listening to their concerns and providing companionship. Remember that grieving begins when a terminal illness is diagnosed. It is normal for patients and their families to experience a variety of emotions.

Preparing a loved one to receive hospice care will always be a difficult decision and requires patience, compassion, and understanding. It is crucial to be open and honest about your loved one’s situation and the hospice benefits.

Hospice Care at Charter

We know making decisions about your health or the health of a loved one can be overwhelming. At Charter, we pride ourselves on helping patients and families understand and navigate their health care options so you can feel confident your needs will be met. If you have questions about hospice care, call (909) 644-4965.

You can receive post-acute care in a number of locations, most commonly including inpatient rehab centers, home health setups, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and other hospice care settings. The main goal of post-acute care is to be treated by professionals and medicine without having to be hospitalized or experience major complications. The environment that you receive care in will depend on the severity of your needs. In cases where you are recovering from surgery or other major treatments, you will likely have to stay in a rehab facility for a number of weeks. The professionals there will be working with you to ensure that you can return home or to a relaxed, supportive environment.

What are some examples of post-acute care?

Different forms of post-acute care that patients may receive include:

• Home visits from skilled nurses
• Physical & occupational therapy
• Speech and language evaluation and therapy
• Wound care
• Medication management
• Medical social work
• Daily personal care

And more.

The type of care you require will depend on the severity of your illness and the recommendations of your care team and doctors. Your team will work with you to determine the best set up for your post-acute care.

What are the benefits of post-acute care?

There are many benefits to receiving personalized, post-acute care after being treated for a major illness or condition. For one, it allows patients to have complete access to skilled and professional nurses, therapists, and doctors that are specially trained in the care you require. You’ll have a team of people that will work with you and your family to assure that all of your needs are fulfilled as you recover.

A major goal of post-acute care is to prevent rehospitalization. If you just spent an extended amount of time in the hospital being treated for your illness, you’ll appreciate having post-acute care that focuses on helping you manage symptoms and prevent further complications. A gradual recovery with assistance on everything you need will help to keep you out of the hospital and in a more comfortable environment. 

Another benefit to post-acute care is that the cost is often fully or mostly covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. If you have a condition that requires certain medications, treatments, and more, your insurance will most likely be cooperative.

In many cases, patients are able to return back to their home environment after and during post-acute care. They’ll be taught to manage their pain, take medications on time, and voice any other needs they may have. With professional medical support just a call away, many patients can return to living on their own or with loved ones.

Your post-acute care is just as important as the medical attention you receive in hospital settings. Our Acute/Hospital-Based Care services help you arrange, understand and effectively navigate your plan of care so you can be more at ease as you focus on your well-being.

Contact us to learn more about the Charter difference.