Hospice 101: What Services Are Provided By Hospice?

Let's review what we have learned in the last two posts:

1- Hospice is Nursing Care provided for the terminally ill as certified by a physician. It is intended to keep the patient comfortable while controlling pain as well as providing social services and spiritual support.

2- A person qualifies for Hospice when a doctor has certified that, given the natural progress of the admitting diagnosis, the patient has a life expectancy of approximately 6 months.  Admitting diagnoses can include terminal diseases as well as declines in health in the aged.

   Our team of professionals are trained in end-of-life care and work together with the client, their family and their physician to meet the medical, physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill patient and their loved ones. 

   Hospice Care is not 24 hour care but it does provide nursing, aides, social services, volunteers and spiritual support for patients through the end-of-life process as well as for their families for a year after the loss of their loved one. 

   Hospice care can take place in your home, a nursing facility or even a hospital.

   I have personally witnessed the positive change that can  take place in a situation where Hospice care is needed.  Caregivers are educated and supported in providing the cares and comfort for their loved ones.  

Our Nurses  provide skilled services for pain management and comfort.  They let the family be as involved as possible in making the decisions about the care for their loved one.  

Aides can provide assistance with bathing, grooming and even some light housekeeping. 

A Social Worker will visit with the patient and the family to alleviate any concerns or questions and can guide you to valuable resources and programs that could also be of assistance.  

A Chaplain is a non-denominational, spiritual component of our team.  He is able to provide the spiritual support that is so often needed at this time of life.  

Our team also offers Volunteers for various patient needs.  

All of these services are available but are not required to be used by the patient and family.

Not sure if you or your loved one would qualify for Hospice Care?  Call our caring staff and let us help you through the process and answer any of your questions, 801-225-3377.

Clarifying Post Hospital Care

Healthcare can be confusing, especially when it comes to an emergency hospital stay due to a fall, broken bone, surgery or illness.  Many people don’t know what to expect at each step of the way.  In an effort to clarify the process, we offer the  
Four Stairs of Care.

  #1. Hospital Stay-You have had a fall, injury, illness or even scheduled surgery and need acute care and treatment in the hospital.  The attending Physician in the hospital will stop by each day to check on you.  If physical therapy is needed, you will participate several times each day. After treatment you may be sent to a skilled nursing facility or to an assisted living facility. If you are sent home with Home Health skip to #3.

   

   #2. Skilled Nursing-Your level of care is not as acute as on Stair #1 but consistent therapy and/or nursing is vital to continue healing.  On this stair your doctor does not make rounds but has turned care over to the team at the facility who keep in close touch with him to note any concerns or changes. A therapy team at the facility will continue with your therapy needs according to the Physicians order.

#3. Home Health- You are doing well enough to go home with continued assistance through a Home Health Agency such as Freedom Home Health and Hospice.  While in the hospital or facility you will meet with a member of the social services department, most likely a discharge planner, that will help you plan for your return home.  Up until now, services have been provided by the full time staff at the hospital or facility. Now you can choose which agency you would like to care for you at home.  Once discharged from the facility, a nurse from the agency you chose will come to your home, evaluate and assess your needs and admit you to service.  Physical Therapy will continue to work with you a few times each week and an Aide may be available a few times each week to assist you with your Activities of Daily Living such as showering, grooming and light housekeeping.  All of these services follow the doctor’s order’s for your discharge home.  

 

 

#4. Home Without Assistance- Congratulations!! You made it!!  You have returned to your prior level of functioning and you are able to take care of your Activities of Daily Living for the most part, on your own.  There may still be follow up appointments to attend but you no longer need the therapy and/or nursing from Home Health.  The discharge from Home Health service will only occur when you have met your goals and your Doctor has given an order for your release.  You will be notified by your Home Health team before you are released from service.

Remember that Freedom Home Health and Hospice is here to help when you need us!!  801-225-3377