Is someone you care about in Virginia Beach nearing the end of life? The fact that you’re exploring the idea of hospice care services means you’re doing the right thing – you’re considering what’s best for your loved one and the entire family.
More than anything, you want to make a sound choice. The comfort of the individual who is dying is essential, and receiving care in a preferred location can be of tremendous value. Fortunately, services can be delivered in several settings. Below are a few of the places where hospice care is most often provided in Virginia Beach.
Hospice Care at Home
In Virginia Beach, hospice care at home is an option. And actually, the majority of hospice patients in the area receive care at a private residence. If your loved one is currently living in a house, duplex, apartment or any other sort of dwelling, that can serve as the setting for hospice services.
In-home hospice care offers immense comfort and the ability to be surrounded by loved ones as the end of life draws near. Typically, members of the interdisciplinary hospice team — made up of medical professionals, social workers, chaplains, aides and skilled volunteers – make scheduled visits to check on the patient and provide the services required. And, the plan of care is customized to meet the specific needs of the individual who is in poor health and the people they hold dear.
As for day-to-day care, that responsibility falls to friend and family caregivers. But when necessary, such as in the event of a medical crisis, hospice nurses can stay for a longer visit or arrange for short-term, around-the-clock nursing assistance.
Hospice Care at Assisted Living Facilities & Nursing Homes
For some people in Virginia Beach, home is an assisted living facility or nursing home. Those places have specially trained staff, but thankfully, that doesn’t mean hospice care is off the table. So if your loved one has moved to a local residential care facility, they can remain there and still receive hospice services.
Staffing shortages are a major problem for many assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and hospice professionals supplement the care normally provided to the residents. For instance, patients who have difficulties at mealtime or need extra help with bathing, dental care or other personal care tasks can receive assistance from hospice aides. Volunteers can stop by, too, for companionship and to provide emotional support.
In addition, Virginia Beach hospice agencies often have staff members with expertise in dementia. Certain methods of care help ensure patient comfort, and hospice professionals can help dementia patients connect with their families at the end of life.
Hospice Care at Hospitals & Independent Hospice Facilities
Individuals with advanced-stage diseases who are staying at a Virginia Beach hospital can receive hospice services at that location – and often, that’s the course of action that makes the most sense. Dedicated hospice facilities also serve patients in the area, though, and some people prefer that option.
Whether hospice services are provided at a hospital or dedicated facility, the goal remains the same, with everyone working together to provide support and comfort to the patient and their family. If possible, when symptoms are under control and the individual feels well enough, they can transfer to hospice care at home or move to a local assisted living facility or nursing home and receive services there.
Also, when friend and family caregivers are in need of a break from their daily duties, respite care is available. A local hospital or hospice facility is often where the patient stays for that time, with services continuing as called for in the plan of care.
Turn to Suncrest for Hospice Care Anywhere in Virginia Beach
At Suncrest, we take a patient-centered approach to hospice care, and our focus is on improving the quality of life for those with limited time. Every member of our team is fully committed to supporting the mind, body and spirit of the people we serve, and we do all that we can to help everyone make the most of every moment.
The end of life can be a positive experience. With hospice care services from Suncrest, patients and their loved ones feel in control, enjoying more comfort, laughter and happiness during the time they have left together. We look beyond fundamental needs and provide care that opens the way for an easier and more enjoyable departure from life – that’s how we hope to be treated when we reach the final chapter, and that’s the approach we take.
Suncrest is a Medicare-certified hospice agency known as an area leader in comprehensive end-of-life care. Our high standards of care and our dedication to exceeding expectations are what set us apart from other local hospice care providers, and we would love the opportunity to help your close friend or family member.
For more information on the services we provide to patients and their loved ones, or to arrange for hospice care in or near Virginia Beach, contact Suncrest today.
