As the Director of Digital Marketing Strategy at Patriot Healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of crafting campaigns that share the compassionate and comprehensive care our organization provides. But it wasn’t until my personal life intersected with the world of hospice care that I truly began to grasp its profound impact – especially in settings beyond the home.
Like many families, mine has faced the challenging journey of caring for loved ones in their final chapters of life. My stepdad, a kind and hardworking man, is living with dementia as well as a variety of other serious illnesses, conditions that have slowly and heartbreakingly stolen fragments of his essence (it’s important to note that his dementia symptoms came on very fast, as in, days fast). My mom, his rock for decades, has been his primary caregiver. Her love and dedication are unwavering, but the physical and emotional demands of caregiving 24/7 become overwhelming. Hospice care entered our lives as not just a service, but a lifeline.
The Need for Hospice Care Outside the Home
Initially, my family’s vision of hospice care centered around the home – a space filled with love and familiarity. However, as my stepdad’s dementia and illnesses progressed, it became clear that his needs surpassed what my mom could manage alone. Around-the-clock care, managing medications, and addressing behavioral changes were all taking a toll on her health. I realized that sometimes, the most loving choice is seeking additional support.
That’s when we explored Patriot Healthcare’s hospice care outside of the home. This decision wasn’t easy, but it brought clarity to a misconception many families share: hospice care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Partnerships with facilities like hospice inpatient units and collaborations with skilled nursing facilities provide essential options for families like ours, ensuring that both the patient and their caregivers receive the support they need.
Learning from the Hospice Journey
From my dual perspective as a family member and a professional in healthcare, I’ve come to appreciate the unique role hospice plays in non-home settings. These are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
The Importance of Tailored Care
Hospice facilities are designed to address complex medical needs and symptoms that cannot be managed at home. For my stepdad, this meant having access to a team of professionals who understood the intricacies of dementia and his other illnesses, and provided a comforting environment tailored to his needs. This allowed my mom to step back from the medical aspects of care and focus on simply being present as his wife.
Supporting the Caregiver’s Well-Being
As much as hospice care is about the patient, it’s equally about the family. My mom’s health was beginning to suffer under the weight of caregiving, and the hospice team’s support gave her much-needed respite. Facilities offer accommodations and emotional resources that help families navigate this journey with grace and dignity.
Collaboration and Communication are Key
The partnership between hospice providers and facilities like skilled nursing facilities or assisted living centers is seamless when communication is prioritized. Hospice teams work closely with facility staff to ensure patients receive consistent, high-quality care. This collaboration brought me peace of mind, knowing my stepdad was in capable and compassionate hands.
Balancing Personal and Professional Perspectives
My experience with hospice care outside of the home has profoundly influenced my work at Patriot Healthcare. It has deepened my empathy and given me a personal connection to the stories we share through our marketing efforts. When we highlight the value of hospice care in different settings, I now understand -on a deeply emotional level – how these services change lives.
For families navigating similar challenges, I want to emphasize this: asking for help is not a failure. It’s an act of love and a step toward ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care. Whether at home, in a facility, or in a dedicated hospice unit, the goal remains the same – comfort, dignity, and peace.
A Call to Action
To my fellow caregivers and families: if you’re struggling with the decision of whether to explore hospice care outside the home, know that you are not alone. Take the time to research your options, ask questions, and lean on the expertise of hospice professionals, such as those at Patriot Healthcare. These resources exist to support you and your loved one during one of life’s most challenging yet sacred journeys.
The following information is a compilation of questions that I had, and through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. I hope this helps anyone who can use it.
Is hospice care covered by Medicare in non-home settings?
- Yes, Medicare covers hospice care services (e.g., medical care, medications, supplies) in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice inpatient units.
- However, room and board costs in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or assisted living facilities are not covered under Medicare unless the patient qualifies for a specific level of care, such as General Inpatient Care (GIP).
What costs are typically not covered in non-home hospice care?
- Room and board in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities.
- Personal care services provided by the facility, unless part of the hospice plan.
- Additional amenities or private room fees charged by the facility.
What is General Inpatient Care (GIP)?
- GIP is a level of hospice care provided in facilities for patients with severe symptoms that cannot be managed at home.
- GIP is fully covered by Medicare, including facility costs, but it is temporary and only for acute medical needs.
Can hospice care be provided in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities?
- Yes, hospice care can be provided in these settings. The hospice team works in partnership with the facility’s staff to provide end-of-life care.
- The hospice provider (such as Patriot Healthcare) handles medical and supportive services, while the facility continues to provide day-to-day personal care and room and board.
How does respite care work in non-home hospice settings?
- Respite care provides short-term relief for family caregivers.
- Medicare covers up to 5 days of respite care in a Medicare-approved facility.
- Families may need to pay for additional days if respite care extends beyond the covered period.
Are there hospice-specific facilities?
- Yes, some facilities are dedicated exclusively to hospice care, offering:
- Private rooms with a home-like atmosphere.
- Specialized staff trained in end-of-life care.
- Amenities for families, such as overnight accommodations and counseling spaces.
Can family members stay with the patient in a facility?
- Most hospice facilities encourage family visits and provide accommodations, such as private rooms, lounge areas, or spaces for overnight stays.
- Policies may vary, so it’s best to confirm with the specific facility.
What is continuous care, and when is it offered in non-home settings?
- Continuous care involves around-the-clock care for patients experiencing severe symptoms or crises.
- This level of care may be provided temporarily in a hospital or hospice inpatient unit. It can also be provided at home if the patient meets certain criteria.
Can patients transition between home and facility-based hospice care?
- Yes, patients can transition based on their needs. For example:
- A patient may receive hospice care at home and move to a facility temporarily for symptom management.
- Patients can return home once symptoms are stabilized.
What happens if a patient’s needs exceed hospice care?
- If a patient requires treatments or interventions not covered by hospice (e.g., curative treatments), they may need to transition out of hospice and into traditional medical care.
- Our hospice care team will help coordinate this transition.
How do I choose the right non-home hospice setting?
- Evaluate patient needs: Does the patient require symptom management, respite care, or a peaceful hospice environment?
- Consider location: Choose a facility that is convenient for family visits.
- Check credentials: Ensure the facility is certified and works with a reputable hospice provider.
- Ask about services: Understand what is included in the facility’s costs and how they collaborate with hospice.
Is hospice care in non-home settings only for the very end of life?
- No, hospice care can begin as soon as a terminal diagnosis is confirmed, and the patient opts for comfort-focused care.
- Patients may stay in facilities for extended periods if their condition requires it.
What emotional and spiritual support is available?
- Hospice facilities provide:
- Counseling and education for patients and families.
- Spiritual care through chaplains or faith leaders.
- Bereavement support for families after a loved one passes.
Are there specific criteria for hospice care outside of the home?
- Yes, eligibility includes:
- A terminal diagnosis.
- A decision to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatments.
- Specific medical needs (e.g., GIP or respite care) to justify non-home hospice care.
Through my personal journey, I’ve come to see the incredible value of extending this care beyond the home, and I am honored to be part of an organization that is committed to providing compassionate care wherever it’s needed. I can now say without hesitation, this has become the lifeline for so many families, knowing that their loved one is comfortable, safe, and is able to spend their final days with dignity.
For more information or to find out how we can help, call (888) 515-3007 or email us at .
