Hospice provides support services to terminally ill patients and their families. The advantages of hospice care extend to support the whole person, including the individual's medical, prescription, social, spiritual and emotional needs. People whose life expectancy is six months or less benefit most from hospice care. Referrals to hospice programs must be from a physician, but the patient, family or friends can initiate the process.
Multifaceted Treatment
Hospice care focuses on providing terminal patients and their families comfort and relief during the dying process. Each patient under hospice care has access to a specially trained team of hospice caregivers, including doctors; nurses; grief, spiritual and dietary counselors; aides; volunteers; and social workers.
Custom Care
A customized support and service approach is one advantage of hospice care. Hospice caregivers meet with terminally ill patients, their families and their primary physicians to discuss treatments and special needs associated with each patient's particular situation. The objective of hospice care is to help control pain and other symptoms so that the patient can remain as comfortable as possible. Customized care from trained hospice professionals and volunteers can help a person die with dignity and respect.
Expenses
According to Hospicedirectory.org, hospice expenses frequently cost less than conventional care during the last six months of life. Payment for hospice services is included in Medicare Part A, Medicaid, private insurance, Tricare, private pay and charity pay.
Access
Patients and family members enrolled in a hospice care plan have access to doctors and nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each hospice patient has a team of caregivers to answer questions and offer support at all times. Hospice patients receive regularly scheduled visits in their homes or at other approved facilities.
Care Options
Many terminally ill patients receive hospice care in the comfort of their homes. Hospice care may also take place at a hospital, hospice care facility or in a skilled nursing facility. In-home hospice care options include helping with personal care such as bathing or getting dressed. Hospice volunteers may also help by running errands and preparing meals.
Respite Care Services
Some hospice care programs offer respite care services for family members and caregivers of a patient.
Bereavement Support
Counselors are available to help both the patient and family members cope with the effects of a terminal illness. Bereavement support for family members is available for up to one year following the patient's death.
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