Home-based hospice care is a type of end-of-life care that is provided in the patient’s home. It is a team-oriented approach that focuses on providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and their family.
Hospice care is available for patients who have a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less, if the disease runs its normal course. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance plans.
Benefits of Home-Based Hospice Care
The benefits of home-based hospice care include:
- Allowing the patient to remain in their own home, surrounded by loved ones
- Providing comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support
- Helping the patient and their family to cope with the end-of-life process
- Reducing the need for hospitalizations and other institutional care
The expectations of home-based hospice care are that the patient and their family are willing to work with the hospice care team to develop a plan of care that meets the patient’s needs and goals. The patient and their family are also expected to be involved in the patient’s care, to the extent that they are able.
The Hospice Care Team
The hospice care team typically can include any of the following members:
- Doctor: The hospice doctor oversees the patient’s medical care and works with the other members of the hospice team to develop a plan of care.
- Nurse: The hospice nurse provides hands-on care to the patient, including pain management, wound care, and emotional support.
- Social worker: The hospice social worker provides emotional and practical support to the patient and their family. The social worker can help with tasks such as applying for benefits, finding resources, and coping with grief.
- Chaplain: The hospice chaplain provides spiritual support to the patient and their family. The chaplain can help the patient to find meaning and purpose in their life and to prepare for death.
- Volunteers: Hospice volunteers provide companionship and support to the patient and their family. Volunteers can help with tasks such as running errands, reading to the patient, and providing respite care for the caregiver.
How to Start Hospice Care
To start hospice care, the patient must be referred by their doctor. Once the patient has been referred, the hospice care team will conduct an initial assessment to determine the patient’s needs and goals. The hospice team will then develop a plan of care that is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
Hospice Care at Home
Hospice care at home typically includes the following services:
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Bereavement support for the family
The hospice care team will visit the patient regularly, depending on the patient’s needs. The hospice team is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support to the patient and their family.
In case of an emergency, the patient should call the hospice team first. The hospice team will assess the situation and provide the necessary care.
Home-Based Hospice Care in Las Vegas
If you or a loved one are considering hospice care in the Las Vegas area, contact us. Our team of hospice professionals can work with you to determine if it’s the right choice and help make the necessary arrangements.