What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is specialized support for those with a prognosis measured in months, focusing on comfort. It helps in physical, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the end of life. The aim is to maintain control, live with comfort and dignity, and feel supported in one's chosen way.

A Team Effort:

• Involves hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, physicians, volunteers, and bereavement counselors.
• Expertise in symptom management for a comfortable final period.

Different Levels of Hospice

The flexibility in the four levels of hospice allows for personalized and responsive care that aligns with the unique needs and preferences of each individual receiving hospice support.

Routine Home Care:

Allows individuals to receive hospice care in the familiar surroundings of their own home. Family and loved ones become the primary caregivers, supported by regular visits from hospice care providers.

• Comfort in Familiarity: Many individuals express a desire to spend their final days in the comfort of their home, surrounded by loved ones.
• Regular Supportive Visits: Hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other team members make scheduled visits to ensure that the individual's needs are met and that the caregiving family receives the necessary support.

How to Find Home Care

• Physician Referral: Consult the patient's doctor for recommendations.
• Local Hospice Organizations: Research and contact local hospice organizations.
• Patient and Family Networks: Seek advice from support groups and online forums

Continuous Home Care:

This level involves more intensive, short-term support provided at home during a crisis. It is designed for situations where the individual qualifies for General Inpatient Care care but prefers to remain in their familiar home environment.

• Enhanced Support at Home: Continuous home care offers heightened support during times of crisis, providing extra nursing hours to manage acute symptoms.
• Flexible Transition: Individuals may transition between routine home care and continuous home care based on the evolving nature of their needs.

How to Find Continuous Care

• Healthcare Provider Assistance: Contact the patient's healthcare provider or emergency services in a crisis.
• Hospital and Medical Centers: Inquire about continuous hospice care at hospitals with established programs.
• Hospice Care Hotlines: Utilize hospice care hotlines for immediate guidance

General Inpatient (GIP) Care:

GIP care is provided in a facility, such as a hospital or hospice inpatient unit, when symptoms become too challenging to manage at home. This level of care is crucial for addressing intense pain or symptoms requiring specialized attention.

• Intensive Symptom Management: GIP care allows for more concentrated and intensive management of symptoms that may be difficult to control in a home setting.
• Temporary Transition: It's a temporary shift to a facility until symptoms are stabilized, after which the individual may return home for routine care.

How to Find Inpatient Care

• Hospital Consultations: Consult the treating hospital for inpatient hospice care recommendations.
• Hospice Inpatient Centers: Research and contact hospice inpatient centers directly.
• Physician Referrals: Request referrals from the patient's physician.

Respite Care:

Respite care is a temporary relief for primary caregivers. It allows individuals to receive short-term hospice care in a facility, offering caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge.

• Supporting Caregivers: Caregivers, often family members, play a crucial role in hospice care. Respite care acknowledges the challenges they face and provides them with a brief break to attend to their own well-being.
• Preventing Caregiver Burnout: This level of care recognizes that caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, and it ensures that caregivers have the support they need to continue providing care effectively.

How to Find Respite Care

• Hospice Providers: Contact local hospice providers to inquire about respite care services
• Community Resources: Check with senior centers or health departments for information on respite care.
• Family Caregiver Support Programs: Connect with caregiver support programs for respite care options

Additional Details On Out-Of-Home Options

Hospitals:

• Provide around-the-clock medical care with teams of specialists.
• Full range of treatment choices and immediate on-site tests.
• High-intensity care may be necessary, especially for specific symptoms.
• Hospital hospice care coverage by Medicare requires unmanageable symptoms elsewhere.

Nursing Homes:

• Offer 24/7 nursing care, with some providing skilled nursing care.
• A small number offer hospice care, usually through visits from hospice agencies.

Free-Standing Hospice:

• Dedicated healthcare residences solely focused on hospice care.
• Most are for-profit entities.
• Offer in-patient care for those needing more medical attention than home care can provide.

Board and Care Homes:

• Private, for-profit residences with fewer residents than nursing homes.
• Provide care, meals, and staff but not medical care.
• Hospice providers visit rather than being on staff.

Assisted Living Facilities:

• Residents can manage some aspects independently but require assistance.
• Offer personal living spaces with shared common areas.
• Some provide hospice care, while others necessitate visits from hospice care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities:

• Provide a range of residential care options, from independent housing to skilled nursing care.
• Residents can transition as their health deteriorates.
• Also known as life care communities.

General Best Practices for Finding Hospice Care:

• Consult Multiple Sources: Gather information from various sources, including healthcare professionals, online reviews, and community recommendations.
• Ask Detailed Questions: When contacting hospice providers, ask detailed questions about their services, staff qualifications, and the specific levels of care they offer.
• Visit Facilities: If possible, visit potential hospice facilities to assess the environment, meet staff, and understand the available resources.
• Check Accreditation: Ensure that hospice providers are accredited and meet the necessary regulatory standards.
• Review Contracts and Policies: Carefully review contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure they align with the preferences and needs of the patient and family.

Taking these concise steps will help you efficiently find the right level of hospice care for your loved one.

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