You’ve no doubt heard the saying, “There’s no place like home.” That’s particularly true when one has a life-limiting condition, and in Fremont, California, hospice care allows the terminally ill to remain at home as the end of life draws near.
The physical and emotional challenges that come in the final stages of illness aren’t easy to deal with, and being at home, in a familiar and comfortable environment, can be quite therapeutic. Hospice builds on this principle, and whether it’s their own abode, a family member’s house, a nursing home or a residential facility, a patient’s current residence can serve as the setting for care services.
But what is hospice care at home? Why should someone with a life-limiting condition consider hospice? In this introductory guide, the Suncrest team explains what you need to know about this invaluable resource.
Understanding Hospice Care at Home
Hospice care at home, or in-home hospice, is a comprehensive program of care for those with life-limiting illnesses. A wide variety of services may be included – including medical care, emotional support, spiritual guidance and practical assistance — but the primary goals are to manage pain, control unpleasant symptoms and ensure patient comfort.
Overall, the objective of hospice care at home is to improve quality of life, allowing the individual to make the most of their remaining time. The belief that everyone should be able to spend their final days at the place where they feel most at ease is central to in-home hospice. Support extends to the family, too, and the plan of care is personalized to meet the needs of everyone involved.
The Multidisciplinary Hospice Team
With hospice care at home, a multidisciplinary team is tasked with delivering services. Each member of the team brings skills that are integral to end-of-life care – physicians and nurses oversee patient care, therapists offer homeopathic services, social workers act as family advocates and chaplains provide spiritual support. Other skilled professionals, including bereavement specialists and in-home hospice aides, are also on the team.
In Fremont, California, hospice agencies like Suncrest take a holistic approach to end-of-life care. In other words, professional services are designed to not only address physical symptoms, but to also meet emotional and spiritual needs. That said, family members are essential members of the hospice team – their input and involvement are key to ensuring that the patient’s remaining time is as dignified, meaningful and enjoyable as possible.
How In-Home Hospice is Beneficial
Hospice care at home is known to substantially improve quality of life for the terminally ill. Being surrounded by familiar comforts and having loved ones nearby helps reduce the stress and anxiety that often occur as death is near. Moreover, professional services can be provided in accordance with the patient’s regular daily routine, which makes them feel even more at ease.
In-home hospice grants other benefits as well. Significant reasons to consider hospice care include:
Expert pain and symptom management – Fremont hospice patients have access to a number of medications and therapies that can help reduce pain and alleviate distressing symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue.
Family support and counseling – From education about the patient’s condition and how to effectively provide support to counseling and guidance in making difficult care decisions, hospice attends to the needs of family members.
Spiritual care and grief support – Spiritual concerns often come to the forefront at the end of life, and grief can be overwhelming, but chaplains, grief counselors and bereavement specialists are there to help everyone find peace.
Eligibility for Hospice Care at Home
Medicare, California’s Medi-Cal program and most private insurance plans cover the costs of in-home hospice. An array of services are covered, including skilled nursing care, medication and medical equipment, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, mental health counseling and bereavement care.
However, not everyone who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition qualifies for hospice care. To be eligible for coverage under Medicare, Medi-Cal or private insurance, a patient must have a life expectancy of six months or less, assuming their illness progresses as expected. The patient’s attending physician and the hospice medical director need to certify the terminal illness and the limited lifespan.
Could a Loved One Benefit From Hospice Care at Home?
In-home hospice plays an invaluable role in ensuring comfort, dignity and quality of life for the terminally ill. With comprehensive care and a focus on both the patient and the family – and the ability to remain at home as the end draws near – hospice is a considerate option that helps to bring peace to the final chapter.
As you look at end-of-life care options for a loved one, we invite you to reach out to the friendly professionals at Suncrest. Providing compassionate support to individuals and families in need is our sole purpose, and you can count on our dedicated, experienced team to provide your loved one with the best possible quality of life for whatever time remains. For a free consultation or more information on hospice care at home in Fremont, California, contact Suncrest today.
