- Are you feeling anxious about deciding where your loved one should spend their final days, weeks, or months?
- Do you want your loved one cared for in their home, yet don’t feel prepared?
- Would you be surprised to learn that most people prefer to die in their own home?
What matters most at a time like this?
Given a choice, most of us prefer to be at home when we are not feeling well. You will be interested to know that it’s no different for people at the end of life. Research shows that most people with a terminal illness prefer to be cared for in the place they call home. Their home may be a private residence or the home of a loved one, an assisted living center, or perhaps a skilled nursing facility.
Over 90% of Nathan Adelson Hospice patients receive care in the place they call home. We bring our professional care team to our patients, no matter where they reside. Should the need arise for acute pain and symptom management, patients may receive care in one of our inpatient facilities.
Four types of care
Hospice offers four levels of care that respond to the needs of different patients at different stages of their illness.
- Routine Care. The most common level of hospice care includes nursing and certified nursing assistant services.
- Continuous Care. This takes place when a patient needs continuous nursing care during a time of crisis.
- General Inpatient Care. Short-term care is provided when significant pain and symptoms must be managed in a hospital setting or medical facility.
- Respite Care. Short-term relief is available when a patient’s caregivers need a break from their responsibilities.
What are the benefits of receiving hospice care at home?
The care you need comes to you
In-home hospice care is convenient for patients and families. Traveling can become increasingly difficult as your loved one nears the end of life. With in-home hospice care, the professionals you need will travel to you. Professional care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Personal comfort in familiar surroundings
With in-home care, your loved one is the only patient in the room. There are no call lights, beeping machines, or other distractions. Patients can spend their final days calmly, comfortably, and peacefully - surrounded by familiar sights and sounds.
Convenient for family members, friends, and caregivers
Family members have a familiar place to stay around the clock. Visitors are free to prepare meals, get comfortable, and stay as long as they like as the patient receives hospice care at home.
What is the purpose of an Inpatient Unit?
Inpatient Units play a special role in hospice care. Some patients may experience symptoms or issues that require specialized care, such as when patients have:
- Symptoms or pain that cannot be treated safely at home
- Come directly from an acute care facility
- Complex needs that require the supervision only available in a medical facility
- The need to give the family a brief respite from home care responsibilities
In these situations, patients may receive intensive short-term pain management in an inpatient unit. Once stabilized, patients can comfortably and safely be transported to their home to continue their care.
Am I doing the right thing?
The fact that you are exploring hospice is a positive sign. It means you are considering what would be best for a terminally-ill person and their family.
What do I do now?
Now that you know what hospice is, you may want some additional information. Other topics that may interest you include:
For additional information or to discuss a hospice referral, call Nathan Adelson Hospice’s qualified admission personnel at 702.733.0320 to answer any questions you have.
We can be your trusted partner.
The philosophy of Nathan Adelson Hospice is to provide support and care so that people with a life-limiting illness may live as fully and comfortably as possible. As southern Nevada’s hospice of choice, we demonstrate an unwavering commitment to make sure that no one in our care ends the journey of life alone, afraid or in pain.
