All too many are hesitant to begin hospice care as they fear they must go to a facility. However, at-home hospice care is available for many patients. This gives patients the opportunity to receive the treatment and support they need without having to leave their home.
It is ideal for terminally ill patients who need management of their physical and emotional symptoms but do not want to leave their home to receive treatment. There are notable benefits of at-home hospice care that those who are considering it should become familiar with before making a decision about whether it is the best option.
Around The Clock Availability
One of the biggest concerns for patients who are terminally ill is not having the support they need when they need it the most. A benefit of at-home care is having around the clock available support from the hospice team.
WIth at-home hospice care, terminally-ill patients and their families can quickly get into contact with the hospice team if they have a question or need medical or emotional support. Compared to alternative solutions, at-home hospice care offers more freedom than treatment within a facility while also offering 24/7 support for the patient and their family.
Enhanced Comfortability
Perhaps the main reason terminally ill patients decide on at-home hospice care is because it provides them with the opportunity to get the care they need in the comfort and security of their own home. This means they can continue doing the things they love with complete freedom, while still having the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need.
With at-home hospice care, a member of the hospice team comes to the patient’s home to offer the support they need. Many prefer this over hospice care within a facility. It also allows terminally ill individuals to get the support they need when they would otherwise elect not to have hospice care.
Assistance With Daily Living Activities
Many terminally ill patients are worried they may become a burden to their loved ones. As chronic conditions worsen during hospice care, it becomes more complicated for patients to complete daily activities such as getting dressed, eating and using the bathroom.
At-home hospice care assists patients with these daily living activities and more. The hospice workers come to the patient’s home so they can receive the support and assistance they need in a setting that is comfortable for them. This eases the burden of loved ones to help throughout each day and allows the time spent together between the patient and their family to be more meaningful.
Emotional Support
End of life treatment is at times overwhelming for the patient and their family members. Ensuring the patient receives the treatment they need, planning for the future and dealing with the realities of death are a lot to handle emotionally. At-home hospice care reduces the anxiety that is often involved with end of life care by providing emotional support.
With the assistance of hospice medical directors, nurses, social workers, counselors and chaplains, at-home hospice care ensures that the patient and their family receive the emotional support they need. This helps improve the quality of life for all involved and helps everyone stay prepared throughout the process.
Additional Assistance to Caregivers
At-home hospice care is not just for the patient with the terminal illness, but it also aims to relieve stress and anxiety for caregivers by taking some responsibility off of their shoulders. Whether it is a loved one or a professional primary care physician, meeting every need of someone who is terminally ill can be physically and emotionally draining. At-home hospice care offers assistance to caregivers.
Many terminally ill patients are also eligible for respite care. Respite care can be defined as temporary care provided to patients. It is more for the caregiver than the patient as it gives the primary caregiver an opportunity to take a break when they start to feel worn-down.
Work With Harbor Light Hospice
Harbor Light Hospice assists individuals who have a chronic condition that is life-threatening. We aim to make each day easier for our patients and their families, and we are readily available to assist 24/7. Everyone should have the right to quality treatment towards the end of life, and it is our mission to ensure we provide the best possible service for our terminally ill patients. We also work hard to ensure families have all the support they need during the challenging time as well.
If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about the benefits of at-home hospice care, reach out to us via phone call today. A member of our team can discuss at-home hospice care options with you and help you decide for yourself if it is right for you or your loved one.
