Advanced Home Health - Bringing Healthcare Home

Who can benefit from hospice care?

Hospice care is for a terminally ill person who is expected to have six months or less to live.

This doesn’t mean that hospice care will be provided only for six months, however. Hospice care can be provided as long as the person’s doctor and hospice care team certify that the condition remains life-limiting.

Many people who receive hospice care have cancer, while others may have conditions such as heart disease, dementia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Enrolling in hospice care early may help you or your loved one develop a strong relationship with the hospice staff, who can help with preparation for end-of-life needs.

Patient services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), communicable disease, or place of national origin.

Who’s involved in hospice care?

Members of the hospice staff will make regular visits to your home or other setting to provide care and other services. A hospice care team typically includes:

• Doctors- A primary care doctor and the hospice program’s medical director will oversee your or your loved one’s care.
• Nurses- Nurses will come to your or your loved one’s home or other setting to provide care. Nurses also address symptom management and concerns about end-of-life issues, as well as provide support for loved ones.
• Home health aides- Home health aides can provide extra support for routine care, such as dressing, bathing and eating.
• Spiritual counselors- Chaplains, priests, lay ministers or other spiritual counselors can provide spiritual care and guidance for the entire family.
• Social workers- Social workers provide counseling and support. They can also help you address insurance and financial concerns.
• Volunteers- Trained hospice volunteers offer a variety of services depending on your needs, from providing company or respite for caregivers to helping with transportation or other practical needs.
• Bereavement counselors- Trained bereavement counselors offer support and guidance before and up to one year after the death of a loved one in hospice.