Hospice care and nursing home services are similar in that both offer support to people in need of assistance in their daily lives. But while Fremont hospice agencies focus on providing comfort to the terminally ill, nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities offer long-term care to individuals who are unable to live independently.
Understanding both is crucial to arranging for the appropriate care at the right time. Hospice care only becomes an option at the final stages of a terminal illness, whereas anyone who requires around-the-clock care can receive nursing home services. Furthermore, nursing facilities are physical places, but this isn’t the case for hospice – support can be provided in the home or wherever the individual lives. That includes nursing homes, and when a resident of a facility qualifies for hospice care, the additional services help ensure that their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met.
Those who combine hospice care and nursing facility services benefit from comprehensive support and an improved quality of life as the end draws near. Read on to learn more.
Hospice Care in the Nursing Home Environment
Skilled nursing facilities in Fremont, California, can provide hospice services, but few have specialized units for end-of-life care. The majority simply don’t offer the level of support the terminally ill need. Instead, they partner with local hospice agencies – like Suncrest – to ensure residents can live as comfortably as possible until the very end.
The staff at local nursing homes provide invaluable services, but most don’t have the specialized knowledge to address the needs of those who are facing their final months, weeks or days. In addition, staffing shortages are a significant issue for many nursing facilities in the area, making it more difficult to offer extra support to residents with terminal illnesses.
Combining hospice care and nursing home services allows for comprehensive support, with services that extend beyond physical comfort. Hospice professionals do all they can to alleviate stress, meet spiritual needs and promote emotional well-being, with the goal of making the end-of-life journey more peaceful and meaningful for both terminally ill individuals and their loved ones.
How Hospice and Nursing Home Services Differ
For terminally ill individuals living at nursing homes in Fremont, California, embracing hospice care brings several advantages. The expertise of hospice professionals is profoundly beneficial, as they have a deep understanding of the dying process. With that, they’re able to offer solace and emotional comfort to those in need.
Additionally, while nursing homes do offer skilled nursing care, specialized therapies and other medical services, a distinguishing aspect of hospice care is the attention given to pain management. Experienced nurses dedicate their efforts to ensuring patient comfort, leading to a better quality of life in the final chapter.
The nursing facility environment is more tailored to those who need help with personal tasks, such as eating and bathing. But for individuals on hospice care, staying at a local facility isn’t without benefit – there are plenty of opportunities for socialization, which helps with the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can come with a terminal diagnosis. As such, integrating both services helps ensure that medical and non-medical needs are met.
Who Pays for Hospice Services in Nursing Homes?
The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice services provided at skilled nursing facilities. Medications, medical equipment and medical supplies related to the individual’s terminal illness are covered, as is care from hospice professionals. But it’s important to note that coverage doesn’t extend to room-and-board expenses. In other words, Medicare won’t pay for the person’s place of residence or their meals.
However, when someone who is terminally ill meets the eligibility criteria of Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, they step in to keep patients and families from financial strain. This includes accommodation at a local nursing facility.
For those who aren’t eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance plans and managed care plans often offer hospice benefits. Other options, such as using savings or taking out a reverse mortgage, can also work to cover the costs of hospice care. And for information on payment assistance programs, families can turn to a trusted local hospice agency.
Schedule a Consultation with Suncrest Hospice of Fremont Today
People frequently question the necessity of hospice care when nursing homes provide support, and that’s understandable. However, hospice should be viewed as a specialized service – it isn’t meant to replace the efforts of the facility staff, it’s designed to offer a greater level of support to those in need.
Hospice care and nursing home services complement each other, increasing the comfort and well-being of the terminally ill. From the comprehensive approach to the improved quality of life, the combination has much to offer during challenging times.
The professional team at Suncrest Hospice of Fremont is dedicated to compassionate care and working to ensure the physical and emotional comfort of individuals in the final stages of life. For details on our services, or to schedule a hospice care consultation for a loved one living at a nursing home in Fremont, California, contact us today.
