Nursing Facility Benefits: How HOPE Healthcare and Hospice Can Help

When a loved one is in a nursing facility, it can be challenging to feel like you are navigating their care. HOPE Healthcare and Hospice understands the unique needs of patients in nursing facilities and works in conjunction with the nursing home staff to create a plan of care that benefits the patient's specific needs. In this blog, we will explore the nursing facility benefits of HOPE Healthcare and Hospice and how they can help your loved one.

HOPE Healthcare and Hospice

HOPE provides patients with extra care and support during difficult times wherever they call home. When providing care in a nursing facility setting, our job is to complement and add to the patient’s existing care they are currently receiving when admitted. HOPE includes very specific expert management of pain and other symptoms, including spiritual counseling, care planning, and grief support. HOPE prioritizes timely communication of all updates and changes to the family.

Medicare Hospice Benefit

For eligible terminally ill patients, the Medicare Hospice Benefit supplies an interdisciplinary team with skills in pain management, symptom control, and bereavement assistance. The Medicare Hospice Benefit also covers the cost of durable medical equipment and medication. The services of the hospice team supplement the usual nursing home care at a time when staff, family, and the patient face increased and urgent needs associated with the dying process.

Services Provided to Eligible Nursing Home Residents

These services are included under the Medicare hospice benefit: 

• Hospice nursing care under the supervision of a specially trained nurse with expertise in end-of-life care. The hospice nurse visits the patient as needed and is on call with the hospice care team, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for support of the nursing home staff, the terminally ill patient, and the patient's family.
• Medical social services provided by a social worker.
• The hospice medical director provides consultations and oversight.
• Counseling services, including dietary recommendations and bereavement counseling, concerning the terminally ill patient and adjustment-to-death support for the patient's family and friends. Bereavement services are provided for a year after the patient's death.
• Friendly visits, compassionate listening, and companionship provided to the patient and family by trained hospice volunteers.
• Pastoral care assessment: the Clergy offers spiritual support as desired and establishes and/or maintains communication between the terminally ill patient and their regular congregation of worship.
• Other services, including physical, occupational, speech therapy, and home health aide, are provided as needed. There may be a special arrangement between the hospice and the nursing home for these services.

Nursing Facility Benefits of Hospice Care

24/7 Availability

HOPE Healthcare and Hospice understands that patient needs can arise at any time. That is why their nurses are on call and available 24/7 to support and care for patients. This around-the-clock availability ensures that patients receive timely care when they need it the most.

Expert End-of-Life Care

Patients in nursing facilities often require specialized care and attention. HOPE Healthcare and Hospice has a team of experts in end-of-life issues who can complement and add to the patient's care in the nursing home. Their RN, Social Worker, Certified Nurse Aides, and Spiritual and Bereavement Coordinators provide additional care visits related to the patient's hospice diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

Symptom Management

Managing symptoms can be crucial to caring for patients in nursing facilities. HOPE Healthcare and Hospice can help manage symptoms to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits. By working in conjunction with the nursing home staff, HOPE Healthcare and Hospice can develop a plan of care to manage the patient's symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Communication and Coordination

HOPE Healthcare and Hospice understands the importance of communication and coordination in providing quality hospice care. They communicate promptly with patients and family members with updates and changes, and a team member attends care plan meetings at the facility to coordinate and communicate with the nursing home staff regarding the patient's needs. This level of communication ensures that everyone involved in the patient's care is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

Additional Support

Navigating the care of a loved one in a nursing facility can be overwhelming. HOPE Healthcare and Hospice can provide additional support with care planning, including connecting clients and families with additional resources and helping with navigating financial concerns. Grief and bereavement services are also available for up to 13 months to surviving family members who are coping with the loss of their loved one.

Early Hospice Care

Hospice care is most beneficial when started as early as possible for symptom and pain management and developing a trusting relationship between the patient, family members, and the HOPE Healthcare and Hospice team. Early hospice care can improve the quality of life for patients in nursing facilities and their loved ones.

Hospice Care in Lafayette and Acadiana

In conclusion, HOPE Healthcare and Hospice can provide valuable nursing facility benefits to patients and their loved ones. Their 24/7 availability, expert end-of-life care, symptom management, communication and coordination, additional support, and early hospice care can improve the quality of life for patients in nursing facilities.

If you have a loved one in a nursing facility, consider contacting HOPE Healthcare and Hospice to learn more about their services and how they can help.

Our Interdisciplinary Team Supports You

Our experienced hospice care team is available to provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support throughout the journey, including medication delivery, medical equipment and supplies, end-of-life resources, and grief support when needed. 

HOPE Healthcare and Hospice

No one should go through the end-of-life process without support and dignity; that’s why HOPE Healthcare and Hospice exists. Our mission is simple—to bring comfort and dignity into the lives of those who need special assistance at this challenging time.

If you or someone you know is showing any signs listed above that may indicate it’s time for hospice care, reach out and contact us today! We are here to help you every step of the way.