Key Highlights
Understanding At Home Hospice Care
At Home Hospice Care
Personal Care
Personal hygiene and dignity are important for your wellbeing. We assist with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom and managing continence. We understand that remaining independent while receiving Personal Care can be tough. Our Team is ready to help you while keeping your dignity in mind. We want you to feel dignified and respected, while also maintaining your hygiene and comfort.
Managing pain & monitoring symptoms
Managing pain and keeping symptoms under control are important parts of hospice care at home. You may see this service also referred to as ‘Comfort Care’. We want to help you feel as comfortable as possible in your own space. Our Team has a lot of experience and watches your health closely. With our dedicated care monitoring app., our Carers can track wellbeing, provide helpful medication reminders and log changes.
Running errands & companionship
We understand that even tasks which were once simple can be hard when you’re sick or dealing with a life-limiting illness. Our Carers step in to bridge the gap during difficult times. We provide support of all your daily needs. Our caring Team assists you with errands like taking the bins out, doing the laundry, picking up medicine and getting tasks important to you completed. We also know it’s important to talk to someone during tough times. Our Team of caregivers is full of friendly listeners that make ideal companions. We’re here for you if you want someone to talk to or can just sit quietly with you. We offer emotional support and comfort for loved ones too. Regardless of your situation, our Team can help so you don’t have to go through your journey alone.
Preparing meals & light housekeeping
Keeping on top of daily tasks is less of a priority when things are difficult. We offer help with light cleaning and activities like dusting, vacuuming and making your living areas tidy. Food needs and tastes can also change during the end of life. Our Carers are ready to help prepare meals that are tasty and enjoyable . We’ll listen to what you need and like to accommodate your preferences. Our aim is to reduce the stress of domestic tasks so you and your loved ones can pay more attention to enjoying time together.
Assisting mobility & supporting continence
Maintaining any movement and independence is important for many people at the end of life. Alina Homecare can help with mobility needs and encourage you to do as much or as little as you’d like, knowing that this will change every day. Part of this support includes continence care. We can help with using the bathroom while preserving as much of your dignity and independence as possible. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.
Planning end of life
Planning End of Life Care is almost always challenging. It’s not just emotionally taxing, but sometimes difficult to navigate the various resources available. Our Teams can talk with you about end of life advanced care planning. We’re here to help during this time. You can explore our website for helpful resources and contact your local Team for more information. Your comfort, dignity and peace of mind are very important to us. We’re here to support you and your family at every stage of this journey with making informed decisions.
Respite Care
If family caregivers are currently providing End of Life Care, at home Hospice Care can also provide respite support. Respite Care is when a professional Carer visits at regular intervals to give a primary caregiver a break. It can also involve a Carer performing intimate tasks like helping to wash and use the bathroom, so that the person receiving care feels more independent and maintains their dignity at the end of their life.
Specialist support
Some people require specialist care because of specific health diagnosis . We work together with healthcare experts, such as nurses, therapists and counsellors, to provide complete support. Our Teams undertake comprehensive training to support people with a wide variety of needs. If you or your loved one have very specific needs, our Carers can receive dedicated training to accommodate this.
What is the Cost of Hospice Care?
Where is Hospice Care provided?
How to arrange hospice care at home
What are the benefits of in home hospice care?
Quick questions
Who is Hospice Care for?
Hospice care at home is for people who have a terminal illness; this could be any condition and often includes cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s, COPD and more. The service is meant for those who want to spend the end of their life in their own home.
At home, many of our clients feel safer and more comfortable. This type of care focuses on giving them comfort, respect and the best quality of life possible under the circumstances.
What does it mean when someone is receiving Hospice Care at home?
Our Hospice Care at home services provide full care and emotional support. The main goal is to help with symptoms and provide comfort and dignity. It also aims to support your quality of life.
Where can you receive Hospice Care?
End of Life Care is offered in many places. You can receive it right in the comfort of your own home. A local hospice is another option for care. Some hospitals also provide special help. Lastly, some nursing homes can offer end of life support.
What’s the criteria to receive at home Hospice Care from the NHS?
To receive Hospice Care at home from the NHS, you usually need a referral from your relevant medical professional having received a terminal diagnosis. This means life expectancy is limited to six months or less. The care provided will shift from curative treatment to providing comfort and support at the end of your life.
What’s the difference between Palliative Care, End of Life Care and Hospice Care?
Palliative Care can help anyone no matter the stage of their illness. It aims to manage symptoms and improve life quality. End of Life Care is a type of Palliative Care where the person has a terminal illness. In turn, Hospice Care is a form of end of life care; it’s for people when their terminal illness is advanced. This care focuses on comfort and emotional support for those at the end of life.
What are the benefits of choosing at home Hospice Care?
At Home Hospice Care has many benefits. You can stay at home and receive care that is made just for you. It can help you feel more in control. Plus, your loved ones can provide personalised emotional support.
What’s the difference between Hospice Care at Home vs in a Hospice?
Hospice Care at home lets people stay where they feel comfortable. Being in a familiar place helps people feel safe and keeps life feeling normal. A hospice facility, however, offers ongoing medical care and support in a dedicated environment. The best option will depend on what you or your loved one needs and prefers.
How can family members be involved in providing Hospice Care at home?
Loved ones and family caregivers are often very important in Hospice Care at home. They sometimes help with Personal Care and often offer emotional support. They also can work together to make the care plan. The Hospice Care team is there to guide and support family members during this time. Our local Alina Homecare Teams can also support with this.
Are there any challenges or limitations to consider?
It can be challenging to organise End of Life Care. Families may struggle providing support around the clock while also coming to terms with loss. Relying on professional support can help relieve some pressure to focus on the things that matter most, such as quality time together.
How does at home Hospice Care impact quality of life?
At home Hospice Care can support quality of life for you and your loved ones. It offers comfort in a place they know well and helps keep families together. This type of care lets families look after their loved ones whilst having support and advice from their local hospice team. This support makes everyone feel more relaxed.
How can technology enhance at home Hospice Care services?
Technology can greatly improve Hospice Care at home; it can include monitoring care remotely, managing medications electronically and providing online resources for families. At Alina Homecare, we have a care monitoring app. that lets loved ones stay updated on the care we deliver as it happens.
What does Hospice Care cover?
Hospice Care is a broad term for services designed to help people with a terminal illness. It supports them in many areas, like their physical, emotional, social, and sometimes spiritual needs. The services offered include nursing care from skilled professionals. They also provide Palliative Care to ease pain and offer symptom management. Counselling is available for emotional and spiritual support, along with help from social workers. The main goal of Hospice Care is to give comfort and improve the quality of life for both the client and their family during this hard time.
At Alina Homecare, we specifically provide at home Hospice Care focused on home help, Companionship Care, Personal Care and managing symptoms.
When does Hospice Care start?
As with other types of End of Life Care, Hospice Care is usually suggested when a person is expected to live for six months or less. It’s also provided when curative treatments are not helping or are no longer wanted. It’s important to understand that Hospice Care is not just for the final stages of life.
To begin Hospice Care with the NHS, you generally need a referral from a healthcare professional after receiving a diagnosis. Starting Hospice Care early can help people and their families feel the support and comfort it provides for a longer time. You have the freedom to choose when to begin at home Hospice Care if you are privately funding your support.
How can I find a local hospice?
To find a local hospice, you can begin by asking your GP or you can look online. Community support groups and organisations that focus on End of Life Care can also help and can offer advice.
If you’re looking for an at home hospice provider, Alina Homecare can help. Simply contact us today to start a compassionate conversation. From regular daily visits to round the clock support, our friendly and professional Teams can make life easier at the most difficult of times.