The Advantages of Inpatient and Home Hospice Care
The Advantages of Inpatient and Home Hospice Care
Thursday October 15, 2015
End-of-life care often centers on making sure that the patient is as comfortable as possible and that loved ones have the support they need during an extremely difficult time.
Choosing the right hospice provider can make all the difference. When deciding which hospice service to use, consider the pros and cons of both home and in-patient hospice care.
Click here to learn more about hospice.
Home hospice care has many benefits
There are numerous reasons to keep hospice patients at home, including?
- The patient will stay in familiar surroundings, which can provide peace and comfort.
- Day-to-day care will be provided by loving family members or close friends, with regular visits and assessments by the hospice’s staff to help with medication management, bathing, and therapy if needed.
- If caregivers have any concerns or the patient needs medical attention, hospice staff can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, caring for a terminally ill loved one can be very stressful and time consuming. It is important for potential caregivers to seriously consider whether they will be able to physically and emotionally handle the task.
If loved ones are unable to care for the patient, in-patient hospice at a facility is a good alternative.
The Benefits of In-Patient Hospice Care Include:
But sometimes the best option is to keep a patient in a facility. This ensures:
- Care is available around-the-clock.
- Care is provided by hospice aides and nurses, giving family members and friends peace of mind.
However, some in-patient hospices will only admit those who have a couple of weeks to live, whereas home hospice care can begin with a life-expectancy of six months or less.
How to Choose
Hospice care, whether provided at home or in-patient, can bring much relief and comfort and there is no right answer as to where care should be received. Consider closely the needs of both patient and caregivers when looking for the best hospice care option.
For more information about hospice care, feel free to call Abramson Care Advisors at 215-371-3400. An experienced and objective senior care advisor is available free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help answer questions and address concerns.
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