In short
With hospice at home, nurses, aides, social workers and other team members visit on a schedule, and a hospice nurse and doctor are on call 24 hours a day. The hospice supplies drugs for symptoms, equipment such as a hospital bed, and supplies. Family or paid caregivers provide most day-to-day care, with respite available.
What the hospice brings
- Scheduled nurse and aide visits
- Equipment and supplies
- Drugs for pain and symptoms
- Counseling and grief support
- Short respite stays for caregivers
What family usually does
NIA notes much comfort care at home can be provided by family and friends without medical training, with a doctor overseeing the plan, and that the work can be demanding. Plan for breaks.
Questions families ask
Does hospice at home mean a nurse is there all the time?
No. Visits are scheduled, with a nurse on call around the clock; continuous care is only for brief crises.
What equipment does hospice provide?
Items like hospital beds, wheelchairs and supplies related to the terminal illness.
Can we get help with personal care?
Hospice aides help with bathing and personal care during visits.
What if we can't manage at home?
Ask about respite or inpatient care, or hospice in a facility.