November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, in order to recognize the health care and services that help people live their lives as safe and healthy as possible. Hospice care focuses on giving quality to every remaining day for people with a life limiting diagnosis and their families. According to a study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, hospice can potentially extend life for an average of 29 days. But what really goes into hospice care? What services are generally included in this type of home health care?

Pain Management

Pain management is one of the top priorities. Regardless of the patient’s current condition, hospice care aims to make the situation as comfortable and pain-free as possible. This can look different for every patient, with some patients needing minimal pain management at home and others needing more extensive care in a skilled nursing facility. The right hospice care team can help you determine what form of pain management is best for you or your loved one’s circumstances.

Home Health Aide

For some patients, remaining in the comfort of their own home is one of the ways they’re able to be the most at ease while receiving hospice care. In this situation, home health aides will work to provide assisted living, keeping patients in their homes for as long as possible. This independent living option can help patients go through hospice care with dignity and comfort, giving them control over their own care.

Emotional Support And Care

Finally, the decision to utilize hospice services can be challenging emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically for anyone. The right hospice care program can provide the emotional support structure needed for both the patient and the patient’s family during this difficult time. Regardless of whether the patient is seeking home or inpatient care, having a support structure is essential for creating a caring and comfortable environment for everyone involved.

This November, educate yourself and your family more in honor of National Home Care and Hospice Month; having awareness and information on this topic can help keep you and your family comfortable. For more information or to learn about hospice care options, contact Haven Hospice today.