When a loved one is terminally ill, determining the appropriate level of care can be challenging. Family caregivers often do their best to support their loved ones, but they may lack the skills or time needed, especially during times of heightened need or crisis. Continuous hospice care, or 24-hour hospice care, offers short-term management of severe symptoms in a patient's home.
The Levels of Hospice Care
Hospice care is typically recommended when a doctor certifies that a patient has an estimated life expectancy of six months or less. The main aim of hospice is to ensure the patient's comfort and quality of life rather than focusing on curing their illness.
There are four levels of hospice care to support patients throughout their end-of-life journey:
Routine Home Care: This is the most common level of hospice care, involving regular visits from the hospice team to manage symptoms. The team is also on-call 24/7 for additional support.
General Inpatient Care: This level is provided in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or specialized hospice houses for patients needing intensive symptom management.
Respite Care: Temporary care in a nursing home or other inpatient setting, designed to give family caregivers a break from their duties.
Continuous Home Care: Provides consistent support for 8 to 24 hours a day in the patient's home during periods of crisis when symptoms become severe.
Who Needs 24-Hour Hospice Care at Home?
Continuous hospice care at home is often necessary for patients experiencing severe symptoms who want to avoid hospitalization. Such conditions may include:
Breathing difficulties
Agitation and anxiety
Uncontrolled pain
Changes in consciousness
Nausea and vomiting
This type of care mainly addresses medical needs and is provided by healthcare professionals, including nurses. Families can also receive help with decision-making and bereavement counseling.
How Can In-Home Care Supplement Hospice Care?
Combining hospice and in-home care services offers comprehensive support for both patients and their families. In-home care professionals handle non-medical tasks that hospice workers do not, such as light housekeeping, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living. This additional support helps reduce caregiver stress and allows family members to spend more meaningful time with their loved ones.
When Hospice Care at Home Is Not Enough
Although continuous hospice services are essential for end-of-life care, hospice organizations typically cannot provide 24-hour care at home for the entire hospice period. As a patient's condition worsens, they may require round-the-clock care in an institutional setting. In such cases, the hospice team or primary care doctor may recommend options like inpatient hospice care.
Providing Adequate End-of-Life Care
Caring for a terminally ill loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding. Understanding available care options and knowing when to seek additional support can make a significant difference during this difficult time.
Read: Hospice care at home
For more information on how AmoryCare can assist with Hospice Care, please contact us:
Phone: 908-854-3220
Fax: 908-854-3221
Email: info@amorycare.com
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