When the end of life is drawing near, many people in Fremont choose hospice care rather than continuing to pursue a cure.
With a focus on comfort, pain relief and symptom management, hospice is designed to allow those with advanced illnesses to make the most of their remaining time. Bearing that in mind, hospice care typically takes place wherever a patient is currently living – and quite often, services are provided in private homes.
If you have a loved one who is terminally ill, they may qualify for in-home hospice care if their doctor certifies that they unlikely to live for more than six months. In that case, an interdisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, home health aides, social workers and other professionals will work together to keep them safe and comfortable. But to ensure a smooth transition to hospice care, their home needs to be ready.
With a trusted, Medicare-approved Fremont hospice agency like Suncrest, you won’t have to worry about finding the medical equipment and supplies your loved one needs. And, you’ll have expert help in figuring out how to set up their living spaces. But for an idea of what to expect, read on.
Medical Equipment for In-Home Hospice Care
Once your loved one is ready for in-home hospice services to begin, a nurse will assess their need for medical equipment. All of the essentials will be delivered to their home – and everything, or nearly everything, will be provided at no cost. Medicare, Medi-Cal and most private health insurance plans cover the expense.
As for what types of durable medical equipment your loved one may need for hospice care at home, that may involve any of the following:
- A hospital bed to make it safer and easier to meet their care needs
- A wheelchair to enable them to move freely from one room to the next
- A shower chair to allow for more safety and comfort when bathing
- A geriatric recliner or mobile lift chair for a durable and comfortable seat
- A blood pressure monitor to track their vitals while receiving care
- A bedside commode or bedpan if moving to the bathroom is too difficult
- A lift if they need assistance repositioning or moving in and out of bed
Other medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine, an oxygen concentrator and oxygen tanks, may also be provided if deemed necessary for the care of a hospice patient. In regards to the setup of the equipment your loved one needs, the hospice agency will arrange for that.
Medical Supplies for In-Home Hospice Care
The hospice nurse will also consider the need for medical supplies in providing your loved one’s care. Medicare, Medi-Cal and most forms of private insurance cover the cost of many different medical supplies, and the hospice care team may arrange for the following to be delivered to their Fremont home:
- Bandages, gauze dressings and other wound management supplies
- Incontinence supplies, including adult briefs, underpads, wipes and gloves
- Positioning devices, such as wedge cushions and posture supports
- Needles, syringes, catheters, drainage bags and other nursing care supplies
When your loved one begins receiving in-home hospice care services, members of the hospice team will monitor the use of any supplies provided and replenish them as needed. And if your loved one’s needs change and additional medical equipment or supplies become necessary, the care team will arrange to have the items delivered.
Setting Up a Fremont Home for Hospice Care
While the hospice agency will take charge of the delivery and setup of any medical equipment and medical supplies needed, you may need to take a few steps to make your loved one’s living spaces more easily accessible. For hospice care at home, these are the areas of consideration:
The Bedroom
As many hospice patients have limited mobility, a hospital bed can be beneficial. However, when deciding on the placement, think about accessibility – other medical equipment, such as a bedside commode or hoist system, might need to sit nearby. And, your loved one may appreciate a window with a great view. To meet these needs, you may need to consider making a different room their bedroom.
The Bathroom
Most slip-and-fall accidents occur in the bathroom, so you’ll want to make the space as safe as possible. Grab bars or handrails in the shower, next to the toilet and in key areas may be beneficial, and a raised toilet seat can make it easier for your loved one to use the restroom on their own. Non-slip bathmats and a shower seat will make bathing safer, and if needed, consider installing additional lighting.
Pathways & Other Rooms
If your loved one is like many Fremont hospice patients, they may spend more of their time in the bedroom as time goes on. However, they may want access to the living room, an enclosed porch or some other space they enjoy. Set up these areas for safety and comfort, keeping in mind any medical equipment and supplies they may need to have nearby. And, be sure to create clutter-free pathways to allow for safe movement.
Get in Touch with Suncrest Today
At Suncrest, we eliminate the stress of arranging for in-home hospice care. We take care of the medical equipment and medical supplies, and our friendly team is here to help with home modifications. We’d be honored to be your hospice agency of choice, and we’ll make every effort to ensure your loved one is comfortable and happy for the remainder of their days.
For more information on the services we provide, or to discuss in-home hospice care for a loved one in Fremont, California, contact us today.
