“There’s no place like home,” was Dorothy’s mantra in the Wizard of Oz. Throughout our life most of us feel that way as well, but especially as we near the end of life. We crave the familiarity and happy memories, holiday dinners, the friends, and relatives who have visited over the years. That’s why the home is the preferred environment for hospice care. It equals peace and love. Let’s look at practical considerations about hospice care at home: what to expect and how to prepare.
Getting a Plan in Place
In order to prepare for hospice at home, start by reviewing local providers. Find out if their services will match what you need, check out their professional reputation, and meet with a representative. Allegiance Hospice is happy to meet with you as you consider home hospice care.
Bring lots of questions to be certain the hospice provider will meet your expectations and to find out what is expected of their caregivers, of you, and any other family members. This is crucial information before you make a decision. There needs to be a match between their services and what you need.
Whether your loved one is a spouse or a parent who has been living with you, the bottom line is you want to be certain they will be cared for in a compassionate way at all times.
Preparing Your Home for Home Hospice Care
The next step is to make your home accommodative for hospice. Decide on what medical equipment you will need in consultation with the physician and the hospice facility. Whether it’s a shower chair, a walker or a special hospital bed, Medicare should cover all the costs, deliver the equipment, and set it up.
Allegiance Hospice is here to help you work through many preparations and decisions:
- Where to place the hospital bed is the first consideration. It could be a bedroom or it could also be in the living area. This depends on space, noise level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, and comfort. Your loved one might like to be close to the family activities and enjoy those noises. Be certain you have sufficient space for everything needed like medical equipment, oxygen, or a bedside commode.
- Decluttering and cleaning their room is a beneficial endeavor. Remove everything unnecessary to allow for your loved one to be able to easily get up and move whether with a walker or a wheelchair. Maybe hire a professional cleaner to begin their hospice time in an ultra clean and bacteria-free space.
- Get the bathroom ready with grab bars, non-slip mats, a shower chair, and removable shower heads.
Other safety precautions could include:
- Remove all throw rugs
- Install night lights
- Have set pathways for easy movement
- Ask for help managing medications
Allegiance Hospice is here to assure the process goes as smoothly as possible. We can also assist with extra help if you need time away. We offer guidance, support, and assistance for your loved one and their families throughout the Houston area.
Contact Allegiance Hospice at (713) 492-0329 if you want help planning hospice care at home for your loved one, or request a consultation through our secure online form.
Sources: Home – Family Caregiver Alliance
5 Easy Ways to Prepare for Hospice Care – VNA Health Group (vnahg.org)