What Type Of Hospice Is Best For you?
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the family has to make a lot of tough decisions. One of those decisions is whether or not to choose home hospice care or traditional hospice care. Both types of hospice have their benefits and drawbacks, and it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for your loved one. Not only that, but the entire process of hospice care can seem overwhelming if you’ve never experienced it before. This is why we’re going to cover everything you need to know about choosing the right hospice care plan so you can make the best decision for your loved one.
So, when comparing home hospice vs traditional hospice- what are the pros and cons? Let’s take a look:
- Home hospice care is more intimate and can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient. A big advantage of home hospice is that it allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings. This can be beneficial for both the physical and emotional well-being of the patient. Another perk of home hospice is that it often proves to be more cost-effective than traditional hospice care. On the downside, home hospice care can be demanding on caregivers and may not be an option for everyone.
- Traditional hospice care takes place in a facility like a nursing home or hospital. One of the main benefits of traditional hospice is that it offers 24/hour care for patients. Another advantage of traditional hospice is that it can provide respite care for caregivers. However, one of the drawbacks of traditional hospice is that it can be emotionally difficult for patients to be away from home. Another downside of traditional hospice is that it can be more expensive than home hospice care.
So, those are the main pros and cons of home hospice vs traditional hospice. As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of hospice care. It’s important to weigh all of the factors before deciding which type of hospice is right for your loved one. Keep reading to learn more about these two types of hospice care in more detail.
Is Home Hospice Right For You?
As we mentioned, home hospice is more intimate and can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient. A big advantage of home hospice is that it allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings. This can be beneficial for both the physical and emotional well-being of the patient.
Another perk of home hospice is that it often proves to be more cost-effective than traditional hospice care. On the downside, home hospice care can be demanding on caregivers and may not be an option for everyone.
So, is home hospice right for you? That depends on a variety of factors. If you’re considering home hospice care, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The patient’s preference: Some patients may feel more comfortable remaining in their own homes. If this is the case, home hospice may be the best option.
- The caregiver’s availability: Home hospice care can be demanding on caregivers. If you’re considering home hospice, make sure you have someone who is available to provide care.
- The patient’s prognosis: Home hospice is typically for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. If the patient is expected to live longer, home hospice may not be the best option.
- The cost: Home hospice can often be more cost effective than traditional hospice, but that’s not always the case. Make sure to compare the cost of both types of hospice before making a decision.
Now that you know more about home hospice, let’s take a look at traditional hospice care.
Is Traditional Hospice Care Right For You?
Traditional hospice care takes place in a facility like a nursing home or hospital. One of the main benefits of traditional hospice is that it offers 24/hour care for patients. Another advantage of traditional hospice is that it can provide respite care for caregivers. However, one of the drawbacks of traditional hospice is that it can be emotionally difficult for patients to be away from home. Another downside of traditional hospice is that it can be more expensive than home hospice care.
So, is traditional hospice right for you? That depends on a variety of factors. If you’re considering traditional hospice care, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The patient’s prognosis: You will want to see if the hospice providers near you can provide the type of care your loved one needs.
- The patient’s preference: As we mentioned, some patients may not feel comfortable being away from home. If this is the case, traditional hospice care may not be the best option.
- The caregiver’s availability: Traditional hospice can provide respite care for caregivers, which can be a big help. However, if the patient will struggle being cared for by too many strangers then it may be better to try home hospice.
- The cost: Traditional hospice can be more expensive than home hospice, but that’s not always the case. Make sure to compare the cost of both types of hospice before making a decision.
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of traditional and home hospice care options in more detail, let’s talk more about the hospice process in general.
What to Expect During the Hospice Process
The hospice process begins with a referral from a doctor. Once the referral is made, a hospice team will meet with the patient and family to develop a care plan. This is where you will need to decide if home hospice or traditional hospice care will be best. You and the hospice provider will also look over your insurance plan to make sure that your hospice needs will be covered.
After a care plan and type of hospice have been decided upon, the hospice team will begin providing care. This care can include everything from pain management to emotional support. The hospice team will also provide support for caregivers. The length of time a patient remains in hospice care varies depending on the individual situation
The hospice team will provide care and support for the patient and family throughout the hospice journey. Once the patient passes away, the hospice team will continue to provide support for the family as needed. Hospice providers can also help with funeral arrangements and bereavement counseling if desired.
Is it Possible To Do A Hybrid Of Hospice Care?
Naturally, you may be wondering if it’s possible to do a hybrid of hospice care – meaning, can you have home hospice care part of the time and traditional hospice care for another part? The answer is: maybe. It really depends on the patient’s needs and what type of coverage their insurance plan provides. In most cases, trying to do a hybrid of hospice care is not recommended because it can be confusing for both the patient and the family.
You could, however, start with traditional hospice care and transition to home hospice (and vice versa) as the patient’s needs worsen or change. This would be something to discuss with your hospice care team. No matter what type of hospice care you choose, the most important thing is that you are getting the support and care that you need during this difficult time.
Final Notes
If you are considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to do your research and ask lots of questions. This is a big decision, and there is no wrong answer. The most important thing is that you choose the type of hospice care that will best meet the needs of you and your family.
If you have any questions about hospice care, or if you would like to learn more about our home hospice program, please contact us. We are here to help!
Related Questions
What if my loved one wants to die at home?
If your loved one wants to die at home, hospice care can make that happen. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that specifically focuses on providing comfort and support to patients who are terminally ill.
