Many people do not realize this, but hospice is not a location. It is a type of care provided to patients with a terminal diagnosis. Most hospice care is performed at the patient’s home, not in a medical facility. Here are some reasons why hospice care takes place at home.
- The environment where the patient feels comfortable. One of the goals of hospice is to maximize the physical and emotional comfort of the patient. Most patients feel most at ease in their own homes.
- A safe, familiar setting. Patients who are in a familiar setting may be less prone to accidents and mishaps. This is particularly true if the patient’s home has been outfitted with improvements to make it safer and more accessible (i.e. grab bars, etc.).
- Affordable for patients and families. Most hospice costs are covered through Medicare once a patient becomes eligible for hospice due to a terminal diagnosis. One of the things that makes this possible is delivering most hospice care at the patient’s home. If the majority of the care were performed at a medical facility, it would be much more expensive, which could lead to many costs being passed on to patients and their loved ones.
- More family involvement. It is common for people with terminal diagnoses to be living physically close to family and friends. That way, they can receive the assistance they need with everyday tasks. If a patient has to be relocated to a facility, family and friends might not be able to visit them as often to provide support. When the patient is able to remain in their home, their loved ones can continue to follow the same routine as before. It is easier to keep providing support that way. As the primary caregiver is a family member or friend, not a doctor or other medical professional, this is very important during the final months of a patient’s life.
- Maximize quality of life and autonomy. Another reason to perform hospice care at the patient’s home is to ensure that the patient’s final months of life feature as much dignity, autonomy, peace, and meaningfulness as possible. Home is more than just a place to live. It is a place to feel safe and supported, surrounded by the memories, objects, activities, and people that have helped to define a person’s lifetime. Being able to be close to loved ones provides practical benefits for care, but also lets patients spend their remaining time in the most rewarding way. They can do what they enjoy with the people they are closest with.
Get Hospice Care Services in Texas
If you or your loved one needs compassionate, dignified hospice care, Homage Hospice is here to help. We are based in McKinney, TX, and provide hospice services throughout Dallas County, Collin County and Tarrant County. To find out how we can help you and your loved ones, please give us a call at (469) 625-0705 to schedule your consultation.
