What Is Hospice And How Does It Work

Hospice care is something we all need to understand.

We’ve all likely heard of hospice care and probably have an opinion about it. Especially if we are involved in elder care in any way. However, until someone you know has been the recipient of hospice care, you probably don’t know much about it and how it works.

The Baby Boomer generation now approaches retirement age. The group currently numbers around 70 million and is now between 57 and 75 years of age. It becomes important to understand what hospice is and when it’s needed. Age is not at all a determining factor for hospice care as you’ll see. I hope the information I’m providing helps deepen your understanding.

Hospice Care When Someone Is Not Expected To Live Longer Than Six Months

Hospice care is for patients whose doctor determines they have six months or less to live. Some patients live longer and continue receiving hospice services.

Hospice focuses on comfort, not curing the illness. Care teams manage symptoms and support daily needs.

The goal is to improve quality of life for both patients and their families. Hospice helps them navigate the challenges of serious illness with dignity and support.

Hospice Care Is Provided By A Team

When someone enters hospice, they receive care from a full support team. This team includes nurses, doctors, social workers, spiritual advisors, and trained volunteers.

Each member works together to support the patient, caregiver, and family. They provide medical, emotional, and spiritual care.

Support is available around the clock. A team member typically visits on a regular schedule. Someone is also available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Four Levels

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has defined four kinds, or “levels,” of hospice care. One patient may experience all four levels in a very short period of time, perhaps in just a week or ten days of hospice services. Another patient may experience one level of care over several months. Each level of care meets specific needs, and every hospice patient is unique.

By law, every Medicare-certified hospice provider must provide these four levels of care:

At Home

Routine home care is a range of services you receive where you live. This care is for times when you are not in a medical crisis. Members of your hospice care team will visit you at home. But they can also visit you in a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living facility, or any other place you live. They will bring the services you need to you.

Continuous Home Care

Continuous home care is for times of crisis when a higher level of nursing care is required. These services may make it easier for the person receiving care to stay in his or her home even when symptoms get more severe. Continuous home care means you need a nurse for at least eight hours in a 24-hour period. You may also be receiving help from other hospice team members at the same time, but at least half the care must be supplied by a nurse.

Inpatient Care

There may be times when you have short-term symptoms so severe they can’t be treated at home. You may need an inpatient facility. With inpatient care, nurses can give you medication, treatments, and support around the clock.

Respite Care

Respite care is designed more for the caregiver than the patient. This care provides a way for caregivers and family members who are not completely independent to get a much-needed break. It gives caregivers some relief from their often around the clock duties to allow them to relax and have time away from caregiving. A break from caregiving can be something as small as running errands or even taking a small vacation.

   

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