Hospice care is a concept that places emphasis on the quality of life rather than the quantity. Hospice care usually is provided to patients with life-threatening illnesses. In the final days, hospice patients are made to feel comfortable and allowed to die with dignity. Hospice usually includes pain management and spiritual and family counseling. While hospice is a recognized form of professional care available in most communities for those facing death, there are alternatives a family can choose.
Long-Term Care
Patients with life-threatening and debilitating diseases often enter long-term care facilities that tend to the physical and social needs of the patient. They provide nursing and doctor care for the illness as well as assistance with daily needs, such as dressing, bathing and meals. Long-term care facilities do not provide the spiritual and family support typically offered by hospice care. Workers at long-term care facilities deal with the day-to-day needs of their charges with little emotional support or discussion about end-of-life issues. According to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, long-term care can be provided in a nursing home, adult day care or the patient's home.
Home Care
Patients can receive home health care when they become immobile. Home health usually includes regular visits from a nurse or aide on a part-time basis. The focus of the assistance is typically physical needs that can include occupational therapy, physical or speech therapy, and skilled nursing services. The patient's vitals are monitored and emergency services usually are called when the patient gets closer to dying. Home care visits from volunteers, family members, friends and housekeepers usually are required for patients dealing with terminal illnesses. Caregivers can do household chores, shopping and cooking. They provide companionship and often take the patient to doctors' visits.
Community Services
According to Medicare.gov, many people at the end of life prefer to remain as active as they can and take advantage of local community services. Rather than enter hospice, they may prefer to receive services such as adult day care services or local meal delivery options.
Death
Through end-of-life directives, such as a living will or do-not-resuscitate order, patients at the end of life can refuse treatment or care of any kind. Patients can stop eating and choose to die rather than put their families through a long hospice stay. They can refuse treatment of any kind and choose to die instead. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports end-of-life care directives that allow patients to choose their treatment and refuse help. Cultural or religious beliefs may preclude hospice or nursing care and should be respected.
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