Understanding Hospice at Home in Riverside: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for your loved one to receive hospice care in Riverside, CA, it probably is. Many patients can receive hospice care at home, and the good news is that Medicare covers this type of care, along with medical equipment, supplies, and more.
Why Choose Hospice Care?
Hospice care improves a person’s quality of life for end-of-life care. Hospice offers services beyond just medical care and focuses on alleviating pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other physical symptoms. In addition to offering emotional comfort and reduced stress, it offers many other advantages, including:
- Providing comfort and dignity
- Reducing stress related to emergencies and hospital stays
- Cutting down on panic related to shortness of breath and other symptoms
- Offering essential supports to enhance quality of life
In some cases, hospice care can even extend life expectancy. Patients feel more comfortable and are in less pain, so they get the opportunity for more quality time with you and other loved ones.
As your loved one’s needs change, so does the hospice approach. For example, team members can adjust medications as necessary for symptom management. Regular team meetings (usually weekly) review the plan of care and revise it when needed.
Your Role
Family members tend to be their loved one’s main caregivers. Hospice allows you to bring in paid professionals to care for your family members. You’ll also receive training on what to do, how, and when.
Ultimately, hospice care provides families with peace of mind.
The top benefit of hospice care is allowing yourself a break from caring for your loved one when hospice care members visit.
The Care Team
Hospice care teams in Riverside often include a physician, nurse, social worker, bereavement coordinator, spiritual Counselor, and hospice aide. Here’s what you should know:
- Their goal is to help care for your loved one, not to control anything.
- Things get easier each time they visit.
- You can help each other. They need guidance on how to best care for your loved ones. They can also answer your questions.
- They provide physical, practical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care.
Care team members are gentle, kind, and confident, and each has a special purpose. For example, hospice aides perform tasks such as bathing, feeding, and grooming. They can give you a break from caregiving.
Social workers help with emotional issues, community resources, government assistance, and even funeral planning. Chaplains can offer companionship and spiritual guidance.
Medical Equipment, Supplies, and Medications
When people start receiving hospice care, healthcare professionals assess their condition and needs. This helps determine the medical equipment, supplies, and medications your family member needs for hospice care in Riverside.
Hospice team members explain how to use each piece of equipment. Common equipment examples include wheelchairs, hospital beds, and commodes. Supplies could be gloves, incontinence gear, and bandages.
Find Out More About Hospice Care in Riverside from Care Dimensions Healthcare
Care Dimensions Healthcare offers hospice care in Riverside, CA, and the surrounding areas. Our nurses and care coordinators work with you to determine the best care approach for your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more.
