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Senior Resources » Hospice Care » 5 Common Services Hospice Provides

5 Common Services Hospice Provides

senior man in a hospital bed with wife holding hand in hospice

Hospice is specialized care and medical support for those who are nearing the end of life. Patients whose life expectancy is 6 months or less can use hospice services. Care provided is focused on comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatments. The goal is quality over quantity.

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Hospice care can include a wide range of supports. Here are some of the most common services you can expect.

Access to Medical Supplies and Equipment

walker

Whether a person is receiving in-home care or inpatient hospice care, medical supplies and equipment are available. Supplies like bandages, catheters, and bedpans can be provided at no cost. Additionally, equipment like wheelchairs or even walkers may also be provided. Anything that a care team deems necessary for comfort may be included.

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Medication

pills

A person who is nearing the end of life may experience symptoms such as pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, and more. A care team will provide medication that can help alleviate (but not cure) these symptoms. Common drugs prescribed for comfort are:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Antidepressants
  • Bisacodyl
  • Haldol
  • Lorazepam
  • Morphine
  • Trazodone
  • And more.

Spiritual Counseling

reading the Bible

It’s important to remember that hospice addresses all of a patient’s needs—not just the physical ones. In other words, emotional and spiritual needs are looked after, too! If a patient who is near the end of life wishes, hospice will provide spiritual counseling. This can include a chaplain or any other religious or spiritual leader from any faith. Spiritual counseling can help a patient and their family understand and accept their circumstances, as well as provide comfort.

Skilled Nursing

hospial iv bag

Hospice care, whether administered at home or in a facility, also includes skilled nursing services. This includes:

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  • Administration of medication for pain management or controlling symptoms and adjusting dosages as necessary to ensure the patient’s comfort.
  • Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
  • Wound care. Healthcare professionals will make sure wounds are cleaned and dressed properly to prevent infection.

Respite Care

respite care word blocks

Respite care is a service that provides short-term relief to caregivers. When someone in hospice receives most of their care at home, that person may stay at a hospital or other facility to give their primary caregiver a break. The duration of the stay is usually a few days, or maybe just one.

More Help with Hospice

support word held by hands

A loved one nearing the end of life deserves the best care possible.

Find hospice care near me.

For more help and info, check out these great resources:

Medicare.gov – Hospice Care

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CMS.gov

World Health Organization – Palliative Care

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Originally published October 30, 2023

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