When people think of Hospice, two things usually come to mind. One is that there will be round-the-clock care, and the other is that Hospice somehow facilitates dying. Both are untrue. We will examine the significant benefits of hospice care and how Better Way Home Care supports the goals of Hospice while filling in the gaps in care when someone lives at home.
What is Hospice Care?
How In-home Care and Hospice Work Together
Families are often surprised to learn that Hospice is not 24/7 hospice care at home. Hospice nursing staff are available on call for emergencies, but generally, hospice nurses visit patients one to three times a week or more towards the end of life. Hospice patients may be bed-bound and require bathing, toileting, hygiene care, catheter care, feeding, and changing briefs if they can't reach the bathroom. Aides typically come to the home about three times a week, which leaves the patient unattended for a significant amount of time. In-home care services can step in to provide the care your loved one needs, relieving the family of those round-the-clock duties.
Hospice Care Support Services Offered By Better Way Home
When you have a loved one in hospice treatment, it can be an emotional and stressful time, anticipating loss and ensuring that they are pain-free and comfortable. With our support services, you are free to be a loving family member, not a caregiver. We can provide the following support services.
Respite care
If you are providing care to your loved one and need a break, our staff is available to fill in, giving you time to re-energize or attend to other important matters.
Activities of Daily Living
Daily care for someone in Hospice can be significant. Our staff can bathe, cook, feed, attend to hygiene, toilet, or change briefs to ensure your loved one retains dignity.
Errands
Our care staff can run errands for you or your loved one, such as shopping, picking up medications, or anything else you may not have time for.
Companionship
Some hospice patients are confined to bed or their homes for many hours in the day. Companionship care staff can read to patients, coordinate technology, play games, show movies, engage in conversation, or do anything else to improve mood and well-being.
Communication with Hospice
Our care staff can monitor how your loved one is and communicate with Hospice and the family about any changes or concerns. Pain management is a primary aim of Hospice, and our nursing staff can assess pain levels when Hospice is unavailable.
Why Choose Us For In-home Care While on Hospice
A Better Way Home is unique because we offer more services and disciplines than most companies. Our trained nurses and aides are available to augment Hospice's critical care. Hospice companies are grateful for the involvement of a company that can supplement the care they provide.
Access to 24/7 care at home
Hospice is available under certain circumstances to provide medical intervention 24/7, but if your loved one has other needs, we are available to meet those needs.
Trained care staff
Hospice care is unique and requires a compassionate and empathetic approach. Our staff are trained to respond to the extraordinary needs of people at the end of life.
Comfort of familiar surroundings
Most people prefer Hospice and other care in the comfort of familiar surroundings at home. Momentos, memories, and the ease of visiting make the home desirable. However, to meet the needs of a hospice patient at home, additional care will be needed for safety and peace of mind.
Enhanced quality of life
Quality of life is specific to each individual. Everyone has different preferences and priorities, and our care team is dedicated to enhancing what quality of life means to your loved one.
Personalized care plans
We develop a customized care plan coordinating with the hospice team to maximize care.
Family involvement and support
Family involvement is more important than ever, at the end of life. Our support extends to family while caring for someone at the end of life. We expect family involvement and are here to support you in whatever way you need as you navigate caring for your loved one.
Reduced stress for the patient and family
The stress of coping with a terminal illness cannot be overstated. Our goal is to create the emotional space for you and your family to be together in ways that are most meaningful to you.
Emotional support and care
Hospice care support is more than just tending to someone's daily needs. It is the recognition and provision of emotional and compassionate support.
