Hospice care may be an option after a stroke to assist with activities of daily living and to provide the necessary medical services for an improved quality of life. However, certain situational circumstances may dictate when hospice care is (and when it is not) available after a stroke.
While there are many services included in hospice care following a stroke, there are also alternatives available if a patient is considered ineligible.
Hospice Care After A Stroke: Here Is What You Should Know
Hospice centers treat patients with advanced illnesses, particularly those who are considered terminal. Mild strokes are not life threatening, but more severe strokes can substantially limit the individual’s mental or physical capabilities each day and lead to a shorter life expectancy.
Although palliative care is typically available after a stroke, hospice care is only covered by Medicare and Medicaid (in addition to many private insurers) if the stroke is severe and limits the life expectancy or quality of the patient’s life.
When Is Hospice Care Available After A Stroke?
Hospice care is appropriate after a stroke if the stroke significantly impairs the patient’s health and/or functional capabilities. Many moderate to severe strokes can lead to significant impairments that may require the level of care that only hospice care can adequately provide. These impairments include:
- Bound to a chair/bed (limited mobility)
- Requires assistance with activities of daily living
- An impaired functional status
- Orientation status changes
- Inability to maintain sufficient caloric and hydration requirements
- Sudden and rapid weight loss
The most notable sign that indicates a need for hospice care after a severe stroke is a significant impairment in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes the ability to use the bathroom without assistance, fix meals, or take medication as directed.
In many cases, the patient is not able to move without a chair or is restricted to bed care after the stroke. Weight loss, which is often due to an inability to retain calories or fluids, is also a serious cause for concern that indicates a possible need for hospice care to maintain the best quality of life possible.
When Is Hospice Care Not Covered After A Stroke?
Hospice care may not be covered by insurance providers, including public programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, if the person does not meet the aforementioned criteria. Many who suffer a stroke are able to make a strong recovery with limited or no long-term complications. Keep in mind, hospice care is primarily for individuals with a terminal illness or who have a substantial functional impairment that is life-threatening.
What Is Included In Hospice Care After a Stroke?
Hospice care serves many purposes. One of the primary purposes of hospice care for individuals who have recently suffered a severe stroke is to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating and hygiene. Hospice care also helps patients get the medical care they need.
For example, hospice nurses may ensure the patient takes their medication each day. In addition to hospice nurses and other members of the patient’s medical team who are involved in their hospice care plan, patients often get assistance from:
- Chaplains
- Bereavement counselors
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists
Hospice care is usually for the patient’s family as well as the patient. For example, many loved ones benefit from grief counseling, along with the additional daily support the patient receives from physicians, nurses, and spiritual counselors.
The assistance from chaplains and hospice care volunteers makes a world of difference for hospice patients, and it can make the patient’s final days much more enjoyable.
Physicians and nurses help ensure that the patient’s medical needs are met so that they are comfortable and not in pain (or experience as little pain as possible). Hospice care providers can help patients and their loved ones with any necessary arrangements that need to be made as well, such as crafting a will and providing grief counseling.
What Are My Alternatives If I (or My Loved One) Is Not Eligible For Hospice After A Stroke?
If you (or your loved one) do not qualify for hospice care after a stroke, then palliative care may be a more appropriate solution. There are some similarities between palliative care and hospice care, including regular support for the patient to improve their physical and mental well-being. However, palliative patients generally do not have a terminal illness.
Contact Harbor Light Hospice For More Information About Hospice Care After A Stroke
Harbor Light Hospice assists individuals with a terminal illness, as well as their families, by improving their quality of life and helping them with their spiritual, mental, and physical needs. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hospice care, give us a call or send us a message today.