Once a doctor decides someone is unlikely to live six months or more, they usually shift their treatment plan and focus on treating the symptoms instead of the disease itself. This type of treatment is called hospice care or “comfort care” and it aims to keep the patient as comfortable as possible in the last months, weeks, and days of their life.

All hospice agencies offer the same basic services, but there are still differences between individual providers. To ensure that your or a loved one gets the best care possible, it’s important to do your due diligence before you select a hospice provider. Ultimately, your decision will affect the quality of the patient’s end-of-life care.

Location of staff

Hospice care is provided in a home, hospital, or nursing home, and most often, the care is provided through an independent agency. However, you should always ask about the location of the hospice on-call nurses, as this can affect how quickly they are able to respond to crises. Although the agency’s office may be located in a place that’s nearby, you’ll also want to make sure that the on-call nurses are close by. That way, you don’t have to wait several hours for a nurse in the event of an emergency.

Levels of care offered

Medicare defines four different levels of hospice care and all Medicare-certified hospice provider must offer them:

• Routine home care: This type of care provides medical care at your home. The medical services provided may include pain relief, specialized therapies, or other treatments to make sure the patient is comfortable.
• Continuous home care: Continuous home care is ideal in times of medical crisis because it provides more intensive nursing care to ensure that the patient is adequately monitored and cared for.
• Inpatient care: In some instances, a patient may need round-the-clock care for severe symptoms. Inpatient care provides this type of treatment and the patient stays at a hospital or inpatient facility.
• Respite care: Caregivers need time to rest so they can care for loved ones who are ill and support them as needed. Respite care allows the patient to be treated in an inpatient facility for a few days so their caregiver can have a break.

You or your loved one’s doctor and hospice care team will determine which level of care is best for the situation you are facing, based on you or your loved one’s condition, medical needs, and preferences. Visit this website if you are looking for New York senior resources.

The advice of a New York senior resources center or lawyer

Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision, so you should also consider meeting with a New York senior resources center or lawyer for additional advice and tips. Due to the type of services New York senior resources provide, these professionals are well-qualified to help you determine a suitable solution for you or your loved one’s end-of-life care.

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