Home care services can work in conjunction with hospice care to provide assistance to the whole family.
If you were to ask those who have a life-limiting illness what specifically is most important to them, you are very likely to hear answers including:
- Remaining in control over which services will be provided
- To be free from pain
- Emotional and spiritual support
- To remain at home
In-home hospice care meets all of these needs and many more, particularly when paired with non-medical home care services, like those provided by Abby Senior Care. Together, home care and hospice providers can ensure physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs are all addressed, according to the care recipient’s final wishes.
Hospice and Home Care Meet Physical Needs
Towards the end of a person’s life, pain, fatigue, digestive issues, difficulty with breathing, skin irritation, seizures, and various other physical issues can occur. It’s important to know how to read the individual’s nonverbal cues and take the appropriate steps to help ease symptoms. A hospice nurse will supply medical relief, while a home caregiver is able to:
- Help the person engage in relaxation techniques, such as aromatherapy, soft music, reading aloud in a soothing voice, etc.
- Offer engaging distractions, such as playing a game or cards together, working on an art project, or looking through photo albums
- Provide companionship so that the person knows she or he is not alone
Furthermore, the care team will closely monitor the individual’s skin. Dry skin and pressure sores are not unusual, and may be eased through frequent repositioning, using lip balm to soothe dry lips and ice chips if the inside of the mouth is dry, and making sure skin stays clean and moisturized.
Hospice and Home Care Meet Emotional/Spiritual Needs
Being available to listen to whatever the person wants to say or discuss can be a significant comfort. A caregiver can be there for as much or as little time as desired to permit the person to talk about any feelings and thoughts nonjudgmentally. Our caregivers understand the importance of never correcting or disagreeing with the person, or attempting to change his or her thoughts or feelings in any respect. The hospice provider and in-home caregiver will also respect and honor the person’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and help provide whatever brings the individual comfort.
Meeting Practical Needs
Minimizing the burden of simple, everyday tasks is an incredibly important service for family members. It frees up valuable time for them to spend with the individual receiving hospice care. Depending on the family’s wishes, our care team can help with:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Preparing meals
- Running errands
- Personal hygiene care, such as bathing/showering or bed baths, hair and oral care, incontinence care, and much more
If someone you love is receiving hospice or palliative care, contact Abby Senior Care at 303-699-8840 for a complimentary in-home consultation. We’re here to answer questions any time, and to share more information on how our home care assistance in Denver and nearby areas can enrich quality of life for both the person in need of care, and for you as well.