In-home hospice care and home care services work together to meet a variety of needs.
If you asked people who are within the last six months of their lives precisely what is most important to them, you are very likely to hear replies such as:
- Maintaining 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 more, especially when paired with non-medical home care services, like those offered by Inspired Home Care. Together, home care and hospice providers can ensure physical, spiritual, emotional, and practical needs are all addressed, in accordance with 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, seizures, skin irritation, and various other types of physical distress might occur. It’s essential to know how to read the person’s nonverbal cues and take steps to help relieve symptoms. A hospice nurse will provide medical relief, while a home care provider can:
- 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 cards or a game together, working on an art project, or looking through photo albums
- Offer companionship to let the person know she or he is not alone
Furthermore, the care team will pay close attention to the individual’s skin. Dry skin and pressure sores are not unusual, and can be eased through consistent repositioning, using lip balm to soothe dry lips and ice chips in the event the inside of the mouth is dry, and ensuring skin stays moisturized and clean.
Hospice and Home Care Meet Spiritual/Emotional Needs
Being available to listen to whatever the person needs to discuss or say can be a tremendous relief. A caregiver can be there for as much or as little time as needed to permit the person to talk about any feelings and thoughts nonjudgmentally. Our caregivers know the importance of never correcting or arguing with the person, or attempting to change his/her thoughts or feelings in any way. The hospice provider and in-home caregiver will also honor and respect the person’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and help provide whatever brings the individual comfort.
Hospice and Home Care Meet Practical Needs
Minimizing the burden of simple, daily tasks is a wonderful service for family members. It frees up precious time for them to spend with the individual receiving hospice care. Based on the family’s wishes, our caregivers 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 so much more
If someone you love is receiving hospice or palliative care, contact Inspired Home Care at 847-787-7572 for a free in-home consultation. We’re here to answer questions any time, and also to share more information on how our award-winning in home care in Algonquin can enhance quality of life for both the person in need of care, and for you, too. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Locations Served page.