What Are The Different Types Of Hospice Care?

If you have a loved one that has a terminal or long-term illness, they may need hospice care. There are many levels and types of hospice care to consider, which are described below.

Respite Care

Respite care is a type of hospice care that is temporary and simply allows the primary caregiver to have a break. Many people who are on end-of-life hospice remain in their own home and their caregiver administers medications and keeps them comfortable. However, if their caregiver needs an emotional or physical break, the loved one can go to respite care. This allows someone to look after them 24 hours a day for a short period of time. This is not meant to be a permanent move to another facility.

Nursing Services

Nursing services may also be possible when someone is on hospice. It often includes more than one nurse that arrives at the patient's home when they are on hospice, whether it is medical hospice or end-of-life hospice. The nursing staff monitors their vitals, administers medication, and performs medical duties that a typical caregiver might not be qualified for. For example, someone's parent is not able to give them medication through an IV, so a nurse would need to perform that. Depending on their ailments, nurses are often able to control pain and provide certain medical procedures in the patient's home.

Emotional Support

People on hospice, as well as their loved ones, will also need some emotional support. Some types of hospice have to do with social services and being there for these individuals. For example, a therapist may come in and work closely with the children of the person in hospice, helping them understand what is happening and aid them in the grieving process. The person who is in hospice may see a social worker or counselor who comes to their home to talk to them about their end-of-life care and make it as comfortable as possible on an emotional level.

Inpatient Hospice

With inpatient hospice, the individual does not spend any time in their own home, but instead has end-of-life care or critical care in a medical facility. Hospice facilities are a good choice when they need care around-the-clock and the family members are not able to provide it. It keeps them from having to get in-home care or pay a caregiver to visit their home each day. The facilities have doctors, nurses, caregivers, and counselors to help with whatever they need.

Speak with a center like Regina Nursing Center to learn more.