Preparing for At-Home Hospice Care

What Is Hospice Care?

The term “hospice care” refers to the physical, emotional, social and spiritual support of people with terminal illnesses. Trained providers can administer this type of care at a hospice center, but many people choose to receive hospice care at home.

This article explains how to prepare your home for hospice care so the patient can spend their remaining time in a comfortable, familiar environment.

Benefits of At-Home Hospice Care

Patients and their families benefit in several ways from at-home hospice care, including:

• Comfort: Being in a familiar environment is more comfortable for patients, both physically and psychologically.
• Improved quality of life: Being at home can improve a hospice patient’s experience in many ways. For example, they might be able to continue pursuing hobbies and interests that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
• Family support: Being around loved ones can help a patient cope better with their circumstances.
• Greater sense of control: Many patients say they fear losing their autonomy at hospitals or hospice centers. Getting hospice care at home can help patients feel more in control of their situation.
• Convenience: Having loved ones at home makes spending time with them easier.

Knowing how to prepare for hospice care at home helps families maximize these benefits.

When To Consider Hospice Care

The decision to pursue hospice care is best reached in collaboration with the patient’s doctor and family members. Many people turn their focus to hospice care upon learning that actively treating their medical condition isn’t likely to improve it or significantly extend their lives.

However, every person’s end-of-life journey is unique, so respecting their wishes and supporting their decisions is crucial. If they decide to stop treatment and want to spend their remaining time at home, you can take steps to prepare for hospice care there.

Assessing Home Readiness

A critical step in preparing to bring a family member home for hospice is to evaluate the home environment and make changes as needed to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable.

Safety Considerations

People with terminal illnesses may have problems with functions like mobility that can create safety issues. You can help reduce the risks by modifying the layouts of rooms to minimize the distances a patient travels (such as to the bathroom), remove tripping hazards, etc. In addition to evaluating the environment, it’s also essential to consider how to prepare someone for hospice at home, including discussing measures for keeping them safe.

Equipment Needs (Bed, Wheelchair, Oxygen, etc.)

Will your loved one require a hospital bed or other equipment to maximize their comfort and make it easier to provide any necessary care? It’s important to consider the person’s wants and needs before beginning at-home hospice care.

Space Requirements for Medical Equipment

If the patient will require medical equipment, do you have the space to accommodate it, or could you rearrange the layout of your home to create enough space?

Bathroom Accessibility

Ensuring easy access to a bathroom is a vital aspect of preparing for hospice at home. Are there steps you can take to make it easier for the patient to get to one?

Meal Planning and Preparation

Caring for a loved one at home typically requires significant effort and can cut into the time available to prepare meals. Consequently, it can be helpful to consider how and when you’ll address the nutritional needs of everyone in your household.

Hospice Care Team

Whether at a hospice center or in the patient’s home, hospice care is most effective when it’s a team effort. If you or a loved one will be needing hospice care, your Baptist Health doctor can provide insights on preparing for hospice at home. If you choose to go to a center, they can describe how to prepare for the hospice intake process.

Learn more about how we support people needing hospice services.

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Learn More About Home Care
Find a Home Care Provider
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
How to Choose a Hospice Provider