Hospice care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. It is typically provided to patients who have a terminal illness or a life-limiting condition. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. Hospice care often involves pain management, symptom control, and emotional support for both the patient and their loved ones. It can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, a hospice facility, or a hospital.
Hospice care is typically available for individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less. This can include individuals with conditions such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, or other advanced illnesses. Eligibility for hospice care is determined by a healthcare professional, usually a doctor, who assesses the patient’s medical condition and prognosis. It is important to note that hospice care is focused on providing comfort and support rather than curative treatment, so individuals who are seeking aggressive or curative treatment may not be eligible for hospice care.
Hospice care should begin when a patient’s life expectancy is approximately six months or less. However, it is important to note that this is just a general guideline and the actual timing may vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances and needs.
Hospice encompasses many different end-of-life care services, including personalized care, bathing and hygiene, bereavement services, 24/7 crisis support, social worker visits, health aide visits, nurse visits, and free medical equipment, supplies, and medications.
Hospice care includes a range of services to support patients and their families. These services typically include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with daily activities, counseling and therapy, and coordination of care between different healthcare providers. Additionally, hospice care may also provide respite care for caregivers, bereavement support for families after the patient’s passing, and assistance with end-of-life planning and decision-making.
No, hospice care is not only for the last few weeks of life. It can begin when a patient’s life expectancy is approximately six months or less. However, it is important to note that hospice care can be provided for longer periods of time if the patient’s condition continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Our nurses are on call for 24/7 crisis care. Our team can be at your loved one’s side whenever they are needed.
Hospice care is an excellent way for dementia patients to receive the care they need. They’ll receive 24/7 access to care, support, and expertise from our trained professionals.
Hospice care is palliative and not curative in its goals and treatments. Referrals are usually made when a life limiting disease is believe to be advancing, when aggressive medical intervention has reached its maximum benefit, and when you or your family decide to focus on maintain your comfort and manage your symptoms. We do not seek to prolong life beyond its natural course, nor do we hasten death in any way.
Hospice services is an election of care and it is intended to be for the duration of six (6) months or less depending on the terminal condition. The current status of your disease process will be reviewed at every visit by our team members. If your condition stabilizes you will be discharged from care along with that you may decide that aggressive care is more in line with your disease process and you can come off of hospice at any point.
Routine level of care provides you and your family with supportive intermittent visits, medical supplies, equipment, medications. We help strategize your care based on your disease process. If the patient requires a caregiver, Skirball Hospice can refer to our community partners to assist the family to locate the appropriate caregiver for their loved ones. The family could use long term care insurance or in home support service hours from Medi-Cal to pay for the caregiver.
Continuous level of care (also known as Crisis Care) is a short term bedside nursing for a patient in crisis. If your loved one is appropriate for the level of care, we are required to provide at minimum 8 hours in a 24 hour period. The goal for crisis care is to provide care for the patient in the home like environment (private residence, board and care, assisted living facilities) that they are accustomed to. Once the crisis is managed the patient will return to the routine level of care.
Respite level of care is intended for your primary caregiver/family member a five (5) day period from caregiving responsibilities. This accomplished by moving the patient to a local skilled nursing facility during this time period.
General In Patient level of care is a temporary solution for a crisis. Skirball Hospice will transfer the patient to a local skilled nursing facility till the symptoms are managed and patient will be moved back to their home.
- Hospice offices palliative treatment instead of curative
- Hospice treats that patient and not the disease
- Hospice emphasized quality of days versus the quantity
- Hospice considers you and your family and one (1) unit of care
- Hospice offers help and support to you and your family 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Hospice utilizes volunteers for patient socialization, family caregiver relief and being a new set of ears or do life review