HOSPICE CARE

How Hospice Care Providers and Hospitals Work Together

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness, it can be a devastating experience for the patient and their family. It can be somewhat overwhelming to navigate the healthcare system and find the right care for your loved one. Fortunately, hospices and hospitals can work together to provide comprehensive care to patients with terminal and chronic illnesses. This collaboration helps to ensure that patients receive the medical treatment they need while also receiving emotional support and comfort during their difficult journey.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a specialized type of care focusing on providing comfort and support to patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Hospice care is often provided in the patient’s home but can also be provided in a hospice facility or hospital. Hospice care aims to improve patient’s quality of life by managing their symptoms and providing emotional support to them and their families.

Hospice care is usually provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. The healthcare team works closely with the patient’s family to develop a care plan that meets the patient’s unique needs. The care plan may include pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care.

Hospital Care

Hospitals, on the other hand, are healthcare facilities providing various medical services to patients with various health conditions. Hospitals are typically equipped with advanced medical technologies and a team of highly trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. Hospitals offer various services, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostic tests, and treatments for chronic illnesses.

Hospitals are designed to provide acute care, which is focused on treating patients with severe health conditions that require immediate medical attention. The hospital’s healthcare team works together to provide comprehensive care to the patient, including monitoring their condition, administering medication, and providing emotional support.

How Hospices and Hospitals Work Together

Hospices and hospitals often work together to provide comprehensive care to patients with terminal illnesses. When a patient’s condition worsens, they may need to be admitted to a hospital for acute medical care. During this time, the hospice team continues supporting the patient and their family members.

When the hospital discharges patients, the patients may return home or to the hospice facility. The hospice team will then resume their care plan, which may include pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care. The hospice team works closely with the hospital’s healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition of care and to ensure that the patient’s needs are met.

Hospices and hospitals also work together to provide palliative care to patients with chronic illnesses. Palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life by managing their symptoms and providing emotional support. Palliative care can be provided in a hospice facility, a hospital, or the patient’s home.

When a patient is admitted to a hospital for palliative care, the hospital’s healthcare team works closely with the hospice team to develop a care plan that meets the patient’s unique needs. The care plan may include medication management, pain control, emotional support, and spiritual care. When the patient is discharged from the hospital, the hospice team will continue to provide palliative care to the patient.

Final Thoughts

Hospices and hospitals play important roles in providing comprehensive care to patients with terminal and chronic illnesses. While hospices focus on providing comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses, hospitals offer a wide range of medical services to patients with various health conditions. Hospices and hospitals often work together to provide seamless patient care, including palliative and acute care. This collaboration helps to improve the patient’s quality of life and offers emotional support for their family members.

Give your loved one the care they deserve with the help of Inspire Hospice. We are a home hospice service that aims to provide exceptional end-of-life care that focuses on quality of life, peace, and comfort for our patients and their families in the Atlanta area. Our dedicated and interdisciplinary team of hospice professionals is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care that addresses the physical, psycho-social, and spiritual needs of each individual we serve. Get in touch with us today!