Exploring Hospice Care at Home

Navigate hospice care at home - from setting up to creating comfort for your loved ones in New York.

Setting Up for Home Hospice Care

Making the decision to set up hospice care at home can be a challenging one. However, with the right support, this choice can provide a peaceful and comfortable environment for your loved one during their final stages of life. One of the most important considerations when setting up home hospice care is the selection of caregivers and understanding their requisite training and qualifications.

Caregivers for Home Hospice

There are generally two types of caregivers you can consider when setting up hospice care at home: volunteer caregivers and professional caregivers.

Volunteer caregivers provide help without pay on a temporary basis, offering assistance to someone who is a client of a hospice organization, among others. Their role can range from offering companionship to assisting with basic tasks around the home.

On the other hand, professional caregivers are hired by agencies to provide home health care, personal care, companion care, and homemaker services, including support to someone who is a client of a hospice organization.

Training and Qualifications

The training and qualifications of caregivers can vary greatly, especially among states that have little to no regulation over non-medical home care providers. Therefore, it is important to inquire about qualifications, specialized skills, and responsibilities at each agency to understand state-specific differences in employment requirements, which is relevant for hospice care at home.

Basic "non-skilled" caregiver training may be available online or through a state-certified program, with some states requiring caregivers providing "hands-on" personal care to meet training standards similar to those developed by Medicare for home health aides [1].

The industry standard for certification programs for home health aides is 120 hours of classroom training and 40 to 60 hours of clinical work. State laws may vary on exact requirements.

Home health aides can obtain additional certifications in areas such as geriatrics, cardiac patients, or behavioral issues. These additional certifications typically allow aides to command from 50 cents to a dollar an hour more in pay.

By understanding the training and qualifications necessary for caregivers in home hospice care, families can ensure that their loved ones receive the best possible care during this crucial period. For more information on home modifications for aging and hospice care at home, please visit our article on home modifications for aging.

Home Modifications for Hospice

Preparing a home for hospice care requires thoughtful planning and modification to create a comfortable, safe, and accessible environment. In this section, we will guide you through essential home modifications for hospice care, focusing on bedroom arrangement, clearing space and clutter, and the necessary medical equipment.

Bedroom Arrangement

One of the initial steps in creating a conducive environment for hospice care at home involves arranging the bedroom. It's advisable to position the patient's bedroom on the ground floor to spare them from needing to navigate stairs, ensuring easier access. This adjustment will not only facilitate movement for the patient but also ease the task for caregivers.

Clearing Space and Clutter

Another critical aspect of preparing a home for hospice care is clearing unnecessary furniture and clutter from the room and the rest of the home. This ensures ample space for necessary medical equipment and facilitates easy movement for the care team and the patient [3]. Consider storing or donating items that are not needed to create a calming and unobstructed space. Our resource on home modifications for aging provides more tips on creating a safe and comfortable home environment.

Essential Medical Equipment

The comfort and well-being of the patient is a primary concern when arranging for hospice care at home. Hospital beds are recommended as they provide comfort, prevent bedsores, aid in eating and drinking, and assist in moving the patient in and out of bed [3].

Other necessary medical equipment related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis, such as wheelchairs and oxygen supplies, will be delivered to the patient's place of residence by a durable medical supply company [4].

Medicare covers the cost of medical equipment, delivery, and setup for patients receiving hospice care at home, helping to eliminate barriers for caregivers and ensuring comfort for the patient [5].

Taking time to prepare your home for hospice care can create a peaceful and comfortable environment, allowing the patient to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones in a familiar and calm setting. For more information about palliative care at home, you can explore our resources on palliative care at home.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

When preparing for hospice care at home, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment is a crucial step. It allows the patient to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones in a familiar setting, which can greatly enhance their quality of life and emotional well-being.

Room Ambiance

A soothing room ambiance can significantly contribute to the well-being and comfort of the patient. Consider using warm colors on the walls and incorporate elements of nature such as plants or flowers. Familiar pictures, mementos, and a comfortable chair for visitors can also add a personal touch to the room and make it more inviting. Lighting should be adequate but not overly bright, and consider using soft, natural light whenever possible.

Personal Preferences

It's crucial to listen to the preferences of the loved one receiving hospice care at home. Consider their room choice, noise tolerance, foot traffic, and access to personal items to ensure a supportive and loving care environment. The goal is to create a space that reflects their personality and comforts them during this time. Patients often prefer to receive hospice care at home in their final days to maintain independence and be surrounded by family and friends.

Supportive Surroundings

Supportive surroundings are an important aspect of home hospice care. Family caregivers should consider safety measures, such as removing clutter, ensuring clear pathways for easy mobility, and installing grab bars or railings if necessary.

Additionally, caregivers should consider respite care options and seek additional support from hospice care providers, family, friends, and online resources. This can help alleviate some of the burdens of caregiving and ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

Creating a comfortable environment for hospice care at home can be a challenging but rewarding process. It can make a significant difference in the patient's quality of life and provide them with a sense of peace and familiarity. For more information on how to adapt your home for the needs of an aging loved one, visit our section on home modifications for aging.

Levels of Hospice Care

When considering hospice care at home, it's important to understand the different levels of care available. Each level offers different degrees of care and support from medical professionals, allowing patients to remain at home surrounded by friends and family for as long as possible [6].

Inpatient Care

Inpatient hospice care is provided in a licensed medical facility, ensuring that the patient receives round-the-clock care from medical professionals. This level of care allows family members to return home and take care of other responsibilities while knowing their loved one is in good hands. Inpatient hospice care includes pain management, counseling, and other services required to ease suffering.

Routine Home Care

Routine home care involves the patient staying in their home throughout their end-of-life journey. This level of care provides visits from nurses, aides, or social workers to assist with pain, discomfort, and physical symptoms. In addition to medical support, emotional and mental well-being is also addressed, with access to therapy and counseling services.

Respite Care

Respite care is another level of hospice care that provides temporary relief for caregivers. By allowing for a short stay in a hospice facility, caregivers can take a break, secure in the knowledge that their loved one is receiving comprehensive care. After the respite period, the patient can return home.

Continuous Care

For patients who need acute symptom management and wish to remain at home, continuous care can be an appropriate option. This level of care can provide up to 24 hours a day of skilled nursing and hospice aide services. It can also be provided in an inpatient setting for short stays until symptoms are under control and the patient can return home.

Understanding these different levels of care can help families make the right decision for their loved one. The goal of hospice care at home is to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life during a challenging time. For more information on how to prepare your home for hospice care, visit our guide on home modifications for aging.

Services Provided in Home Hospice

The decision to transition to hospice care at home is one that comes with a multitude of considerations. One such consideration is understanding the services provided under this care. This includes medical supplies and equipment, dedicated care team professionals, and additional support programs.

Medical Supplies and Equipment

The provision of necessary medical supplies and equipment is a crucial part of hospice care at home. This includes any medication, supplies, and medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis at no cost to the patient [4].

Equipment related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen supplies, will be delivered to the patient's place of residence by a durable medical supply company. The hospice care provision also includes medical supplies related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis at no cost. This covers items like wound care supplies, incontinence supplies, and nutritional supplements [4].

Care Team Professionals

Hospice care provides a team of end-of-life professionals to focus on providing comfort by managing physical symptoms and addressing emotional and spiritual needs for terminally ill patients and their families. The care team generally includes a nurse, hospice aide, social worker, chaplain, bereavement coordinator, and volunteers.

For patients who require acute symptom management and wish to remain at home, hospice care can provide up to 24 hours a day of skilled nursing and hospice aide services. It can also be provided in an inpatient setting for short stays until symptoms are under control and the patient can return home [7].

Additional Support Programs

Hospice care extends beyond physical medical care to include unique support services designed to improve patients' quality of life. For instance, Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care offer services such as the Gift of a Day program, Veteran Recognition Ceremonies, personalized Life Journals, and the Evermore Care program to provide additional support as patients decline.

Hospice care at home delivers comprehensive services to ensure comfort and quality of life. The understanding of these services can help families make informed decisions about home modifications for aging and the provision of end-of-life care. Explore home care technology and palliative care at home to learn more about the options available for senior rehabilitation at home.