Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on improving the quality of life in people with terminal illnesses. While this type of care is typically provided in a patient’s home, it’s also available in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care centers. Here’s some further information about what’s involved in hospice care and how it benefits the patient and family.

How Does Hospice Care Work?

If you’re receiving hospice at home, a team of professionals will visit your home regularly to tend to your needs. The team typically consists of doctors, nurses, home health aides, and social workers, and they’re on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The services provided by the hospice team will depend on your diagnosis and symptoms. They may help subside your discomfort and other symptoms with medications and certain medical equipment and assist you in going to the bathroom, bathing, and eating. These professionals may also help you come to terms with psychological and spiritual aspects of dying and provide bereavement services for your family members.

What Are the Benefits of Hospice?

Improves Comfort

The main advantage of hospice care is that it helps manage a patient’s pain and discomfort in a familiar environment. The patient can live their last days as comfortable as possible and won’t have to be hooked up to loud machines.

Reduces Financial Burdens

It’s no secret that staying in a hospital is extremely expensive. Hospice is significantly less costly, especially after Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies have helped cover some of the costs.

Provides Counseling to Families

Dealing with the inevitable death of a loved one is very tough on families. Hospice staff can provide counseling to these family members and help them get through this difficult time.

If you’re looking for reliable hospice services, turn to the professionals at Lifetime Care. With locations throughout the Finger Lakes region, they provide home health care, hospice, and respite care and aim to help their patients maintain a good quality of life. They also offer emotional support services for both patients and their families to help them cope through difficult times. For more information about their services, visit their website. Or, call (585) 214-1000 to reach their Rochester location, (800) 598-4995 for Lakeville, or (315) 331-7990 for Newark, NY.