Hospice Care
Hospice is a service every family should take advantage of when the possibility of a loved one passing becomes a reality.
Hospice is comfort care, not curative care. Hospice is not to sustain life, but to enhance end of life by reducing pain and suffering.
Hospice is not a place, it is a service. Hospice can be performed in the home, in assisted living, or in a designated hospice home.
Hospice care in San Diego provides an interdisciplinary approach with several team members involved in the person’s care. The team members will visit the patient according to the care plan laid out with the family before hospice services begin.
Hospice services are on call 24/7 once care is started.
Hospice is prescribed by a doctor when a person is thought to have 6 months or less to live.
Hospice care is covered by private health insurance, Medi-Care or Medi-Cal.
What Services Are Included In Hospice Care?
Nurse and/or Case Management
He or she will develop the plan of care and coordinate all other services. A nurse’s duties will include pain management and overseeing medications and supplies.
Home Care Aid
This person will provide help with all activities of daily living, such as hygiene, bathing and dressing. They can also help with miscellaneous household duties depending upon need.
Social Worker
This person will address the emotional needs of the patient and family, including bereavement counseling and end of life coping skills. They can also provide resources for financial and legal matters.
Clergy
If requested, a chaplain or clergyman can come in to provide religious, spiritual or other related services and rituals that are important to the patient.
Volunteers
Hospice care would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who selflessly devote their time helping families. A volunteer can perform most any task needed, as long as it is not medical or requiring a special license.
Integrative Therapies
Some hospice services are now offering integrative therapies such as massage, music therapy and aromatherapy.
Lise of Elder Answers and her mom.