Hospice care is end-of-life care, and when a loved one requires this care, it's to ensure their comfort as they reach the end of their life. Surely this comfort is going to be found in familiar, comfortable surroundings? For this reason, many families opt for in-home hospice care for their loved one.

Length of Time

There is no predetermined length of time for hospice care. It may last days, weeks, or even months. It's typically implemented in cases of terminal illness, but can also be helpful when a person's death from natural causes (old age) is imminent. Although hospice care is often applied in a specific clinical setting (hospital ward or clinic), many people may not realize that this isn't mandatory. 

Management of Comfort

It must be acknowledged that hospice care is not treatment for your loved one's underlying condition. Instead, this care manages their comfort, meaning the infrastructure of a hospital is not needed. Hospice care is a combination of several disciplines. Some practical tasks must be performed by the caregiver (assisting with personal hygiene, cleaning, etc.); physical comfort must be attended to (by administering pain relief); and the patient's emotional and intellectual needs must also be fulfilled (by providing companionship and mental stimulation as needed). Some of these tasks are performed by professionals, and some by the patient's family. In-home hospice care is a group effort.

Emotionally and Logistically

You must be sure that you're able to make this effort because it's a considerable one—both emotionally and logistically. You will be present for your loved one's final decline, and this can be extremely confrontational. Please ensure that you have the required emotional support for this difficult time and that all other members of your household support each other. Logistics must also be addressed, such as providing a space that can contain the patient's hospital bed and wheelchair or other mobility aid.

Great Comfort

Although it's an extraordinarily difficult time, end-of-life in-home hospice care can bring considerable benefits. You and other family members need not fear that you're missing out on precious last moments with your loved one. You can be there until the literal end, which can bring great comfort afterwards. Conversely, your loved one can feel appreciated and cherished to have their family surrounding them at the end. Since hospice care is about maintaining their comfort, it stands to reason that they'll be more comfortable at home.

The impending inevitable must be acknowledged when hospice care becomes needed. You have no control over what will shortly happen, yet you certainly have control over the environment where it happens. And you undoubtedly want this environment to be as familiar and comfortable as it can be. For more information on in-home hospice care, contact a professional near you.