Living at home, even if your loved one has a life-limiting illness, is very important. But, life changes and caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do and how to do it can be challenging. Who can help you, guide you and support you? How will you be able to leave the house to grocery shop and run errands? Where do you turn? Your answer – the Hospice Home Team.

Hospice cares for patients in the comfort of their home. The Hospice Team – physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nursing assistants, chaplains, therapists, dieticians, social workers, and volunteers work with the patient’s caregivers and primary physician to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs for the patient and their family. These professionals, specially trained in end-of-life care, are experts in managing pain and symptoms. The Hospice team makes regular visits to the home to monitor the patient’s condition, manage medications, oversee medical supplies and equipment, provide personal care such as bathing, and offer compassionate caring support. Hospice is there for both patient and family – answering questions and providing information to help family members care for their loved one. Respite care is also available when the caregiver needs some relief from the day-to-day care they give at home

Some Hospices offer additional comfort measures through the use of “complementary therapies” that may include music therapy, pet visitors, art therapy, massage therapy or aromatherapy services.

Lisa Bottke, RN, offering care and support to home care patient and wife

For patients residing in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, the hospice team brings specialized training and experience in end-of-life care, is able to coordinate the patient’s plan of care, and supplement the services by adding other disciplines such as music therapy and volunteers. Hospice care in the nursing home assists in monitoring and managing symptoms where they reside, thereby reducing or eliminating crisis situations that may result in the need for transfers to hospitals, which can be stressful to patients and caregivers.

The ultimate goal is to help the patient remain in their home in comfortable and familiar surroundings, cared for by their family and friends with the hospice team guiding them every step of the way. For after all … “There is No Place Like Home!”