Unfortunately there comes a time when decisions have to be made about the care of loved ones. Many become weak or have advanced conditions that make taking care of themselves impossible. Decisions that have to be made may include, whether they are to be placed in a nursing home or long term hospital, who is going to take care of them and how do you get the medications and medical supplies needed for their care. These decisions can weigh heavy on family members.
One option is to admit them to Hospice Care. Hospice Care is a program overseen by Medicare to provide assistance to families who have a member approaching the end of life and needs special care for the time allowed. Hospice Care has the duty of assisting with patients who no longer have a path to recovery or who chose not to seek a path to recovery. Hospice offers palliative care which is taking care of patient needs to ensure the most comfortable path to the end of life. The main goal of Hospice care is focused on providing the best quality of life for the duration of the illness. The general life expectancy of a hospice patient is 6 months or less. Many times patients survive past six months. This may be due to the improved conditions or better management of medication
The Hospice Team is made up of Medical Director ( Doctor ), Physician’s Assistant (PA ), Clinical Director ( RN ), Hospice Nurse ( RN ), Chaplain, Social Worker, and Nursing Assistant ( Aid ), along with clerical staff and possible LPN’s. Each Team also has access to medical equipment needed by the patient and an equipment manager may be on the Team. This Team works together to make sure the patient is getting the needed care and that the best quality of life is maintained. Usually the patient is kept at home with a family member of someone appointed by the family as caregiver. The members of the Team are put on a schedule of visits depending on the need of the patient. The Nurse is the main contact who visits usually one or two times a week. This changes as the condition of the patient changes. Frequency of the Nursing visit can increase as needed up to daily visits if needed. The Nursing assistant will make visits as needed during the week to give baths and other hygienic needs. These may be three times a week or less and also can increase as needed by the patient. Chaplain and Social workers are usually scheduled once a month. These too can be increased as needed. Periodic visits are made by the Medical Director or the PA. The Team meets together usually once a week to review each patient’s condition and determine the care needed. Family members can attend these meetings if desired.
Team meetings allow review of medications and their administration, Changes can be made to meet the changing needs. Many of the medications associated with the diagnosis will be provided by The Hospice Team along with medical supplies and medical equipment at no charge to the patient.
It is also the goal of the Hospice Team to meet the needs of the family through the course of care to help them deal with the changing of the condition of the patient. Many times the family needs support and someone to talk to, helping them to cope with the dynamics of their specific situation. Oftentimes continued friendships are made with the family and team members.
The End Result of Hospice care is to achieve the best Quality of Life for the patient and family through a tough and challenging time in their life. The Hospice Team takes pride in making a difference for the patient and family!