What Is Hospice Care and How Does It Work?

When faced with a terminal illness, patients and their families deserve care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice care provides exactly that – comprehensive support for both patients and their loved ones during life’s final chapter.

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care is specialized medical care for people with terminal illnesses who are expected to live six months or less. Unlike traditional medical care that aims to cure illness, hospice focuses on pain management, symptom control, and emotional support to ensure the highest possible quality of life during a patient’s remaining time.

Qualifying for Hospice Care

To qualify for hospice care, several criteria must be met. First, a physician must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. The patient must also choose to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment.

Common diagnoses that may qualify for hospice include:

• Advanced cancer
• End-stage heart or lung disease
• Final stages of dementia
• Terminal neurological conditions
• End-stage kidney or liver disease

It’s important to note that choosing hospice doesn’t mean giving up hope or accepting immediate death. Many patients live longer with hospice care than expected, and some even graduate from hospice if their condition improves significantly.

Common Concerns About Hospice Care

Many families have questions about what happens when their loved one enters hospice care. Here are some important points to understand:

Your Current Doctor: You don’t have to leave your regular doctor. While a hospice physician will oversee your care plan, your primary doctor can remain involved and work collaboratively with the hospice team.

Medications: Entering hospice doesn’t mean stopping all medications. While some medications aimed at curing the illness may be discontinued, medications that help with comfort, symptom management, and other chronic conditions typically continue. The hospice team regularly reviews medications to ensure they align with the goals of care.

Location: Most hospice care takes place wherever the patient calls home. This could be a private residence, nursing home, or assisted living facility. You don’t have to relocate to receive hospice services unless you choose to do so.

Reversing the Decision: If you decide hospice isn’t right for you, or if your condition improves, you can leave hospice care at any time. Some patients even return to curative treatment and may re-enter hospice later if needed.

Comprehensive Services Provided

Hospice care includes a wide range of services covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. The hospice team typically provides:

Medical Care and Support:

• Regular visits from skilled nurses
• Pain and symptom management
• Medication management
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Personal care assistance
• Physical therapy when needed

Emotional and Practical Support:

• Social worker services for emotional support and resource coordination
• Spiritual care based on the patient’s beliefs and preferences
• Trained volunteers for companionship
• Respite care to give family caregivers breaks
• Dietary counseling
• 24/7 on-call support for urgent needs

Family Services:

• Training for family caregivers
• Emotional support and counseling
• Grief support before and after loss
• Help with practical matters and decision-making

The Hospice Care Team

The hospice team brings together various professionals who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. A typical team includes:

A hospice physician who oversees the medical care plan and manages symptoms. Nurses make regular visits to assess the patient, manage medications, and provide hands-on care. Home health aides help with personal care needs like bathing and grooming.

Social workers play a crucial role in providing emotional support and connecting families with community resources. Spiritual counselors offer faith-based support according to the patient’s beliefs, while bereavement counselors help family members process grief both before and after their loss.

Taking the First Step

Making the decision to begin hospice care isn’t easy, but understanding what’s involved can help make the choice clearer. The right hospice care team will work closely with you and your family to create a personalized care plan that honors your loved one’s wishes while providing the support everyone needs during this challenging time.

At Qualicare, we understand the complex emotional and practical challenges families face when considering hospice care. Our experienced Care Experts can help you navigate this journey with compassion and dignity, ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality end-of-life care in the comfort of their own home. We can work alongside your hospice team to provide additional support and ensure all your loved one’s needs are met.

Need guidance on hospice care options? Contact a Qualicare Care Expert today to learn how we can support your family during this important time. Our experienced team can help you navigate care decisions with confidence while ensuring your loved one receives compassionate care in the comfort of home.