One common misconception about hospice care is the assumption that it takes place mainly at a facility. Actually, the majority of hospice care takes place at the patient’s residence. This approach has numerous benefits for the patient and their caregivers. Let’s go over these now.
- Fewer logistical hassles. Patients and their families are often used to running to and from clinics and hospitals on a regular basis prior to commencing hospice care. Once hospice begins, it can be a surprise to find out how much receiving home care can simplify things.
- Time and money saved. Home care through hospice can save patients and their families hours a week, and ample money as well. Having that time and money restored allows patients to put both toward meaningful purposes that would otherwise have been neglected.
- Stay connected to memories. A home is not just a place to live. It is a collection of memories and experiences accumulated over a lifetime. Being able to stay in that familiar setting and connect with those memories daily can have cognitive and emotional benefits. Some patients may also feel less anxious when their surroundings are familiar.
- Maintaining independence. A patient’s home is their own private domain, where they have autonomy and can exercise their agency to the fullest. The patient’s home may also already have modifications that support their needs, maximizing their safety and independence. Patients may also feel they are able to live with greater dignity at home than in a clinical environment.
- Close to family and friends. Oftentimes, the patient’s place of residence is already located close to family, friends, and trusted neighbors. These connections can not only be a source of practical, logistical help when needed, but also of profound emotional support. By receiving care at home, the patient is able to maintain these valuable personal connections. They are also able to participate in activities that they have their homes set up to accommodate (i.e. hobbies).
- Comfort and quality of life. Finally, one of the biggest benefits to receiving care at home is being able to maximize comfort and quality of life. The value of a home goes far beyond practical benefits; patients often love their homes, and feel deeply attached to them. The idea of moving out of where they feel safe and happy, surrounded by what they love, can be heartbreaking. Moreover, many people find clinical environments cold and unappealing, and do not want to spend time in them when it can be avoided. Being able to receive hospice care at home can often prevent that heartbreak, allowing patients to spend their final months in the place they love the most.
Learn More About How We Can Help
Journey Palliative and Hospice is based in Burbank, and can provide compassionate care to patients throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan region. To find out how we can help, please give us a call at (818) 748-3427.
