Hospice

Home Health Care Hospice October 6, 2025

Home health care offers a deeply rewarding career path for nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists (SLP), and other dedicated healthcare professionals. Beyond providing compassionate care, a career in home health is about forming connections, supporting patients in the comfort of their own homes, and making a lasting difference in their lives.

Becoming a Home Health Nurse

As a home health nurse, you’re at the heart of helping patients heal, manage chronic conditions, and live as independently as possible at home. Unlike the fast pace of a hospital, home health gives you the chance to slow down and provide one-on-one care that is both clinically skilled and personally meaningful. A day in the life of a home health nurse may include:

Monitoring vital signs and symptoms
Administering medication and IV therapy
Wound care and post-surgical recovery support
Educating patients and families about health management
Coordinating with physicians and other care providers

We have open positions for home health nurses across our locations in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. You’ll find opportunities to practice with other exceptional nurses while building deeper relationships with your patients.

The Role of Physical Therapists in Home Health

Home health physical therapists work with patients in their homes to improve mobility, build strength, and maintain independence. Each visit is a chance to make a visible difference, whether you’re helping someone regain mobility after surgery, easing chronic pain, or lowering the risk of falls with personalized workouts. By working one-on-one, you can tailor every session to the patient’s unique environment and needs, turning everyday spaces into places of healing and progress.

Becoming a Home Health Speech Therapist

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in home health care, you’ll help patients strengthen their ability to communicate and safely swallow, often after a stroke, illness, or injury. Providing care in the home setting means your work is rooted in real-life moments, helping patients practice communicating around the dinner table or supporting them enjoy meals with confidence. A career in home health speech therapy is deeply rewarding because progress is personal. You’ll see the difference your care makes each day, not only for the patient but also for their family.

Benefits of a Career in Home Health

Working in home health care is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to bring healing and hope directly to people in their homes. For many clinicians, knowing they’ve helped someone stay independent and comfortable is the greatest reward. Whether you’re a nurse, physical therapist, or SLP, home health offers:

Flexibility and independence: Create schedules that fit your life while focusing on quality over quantity.
Personal connections: Build trust and relationships that last beyond a single hospital shift.
Diverse experiences: Every home and patient is unique, keeping your work dynamic and rewarding.
Impact that matters: Help patients recover, stay safe, and thrive at home.

Find Your Purpose in Home Health Care

We believe you deserve a career that is both fulfilling and supportive. If you’re interested in home health nursing jobs, physical therapist home health jobs, or opportunities as a home health SLP, we hope you’ll bring your skills and compassion to our team at Residential Home Health.

Hospice

Hospice September 17, 2025

Making decisions about end-of-life care is never easy. When treatment feels overwhelming or no longer brings the same benefit, hospice care can provide comfort, dignity, and peace. Choosing the right hospice provider is an important step in making sure you or your loved one receives the support needed during this transitional time.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is designed for people living with a serious illness when treatment is no longer the focus. Instead of trying to cure the disease, hospice care aims to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice care can be done at home, in a hospital, or in a long-term care facility. Having these options can help patients and their families feel comfortable and secure in their care.

What is Hospice Care at Home?

Hospice care at home allows patients with serious illnesses to receive care in the comfort of their home. Frequent hospital visits or extended stays can be costly and increase stress, but with home hospice, care comes to the patient with an individualized plan designed around their needs. A compassionate team of nurses, aides, social workers, and volunteers help with medical support, companionship, and emotional care.

Some of the benefits of hospice care at home include:

Personalized care plans tailored to the patient’s unique needs
Support from a dedicated hospice care team
Comfort of staying in a familiar environment
Reduced hospital visits and interventions
More time spent with family and friends
Emotional, spiritual, and social support alongside medical care

How Long Does Hospice Care Last?

Families often wonder how long hospice care will continue once it begins. The truth is, there isn’t a set timeline because every person’s journey is different. Hospice care is typically recommended when a doctor believes someone may have six months or less to live if the illness follows its usual course. But care doesn’t stop at six months, patients can stay in hospice longer if they still meet the guidelines and need support.

For some, hospice is only needed for a short time, just a few days or weeks. For others, it becomes a source of comfort and care for many months. No matter the length of time, the goal is always the same: to bring comfort, dignity, and support for both patients and families.

What Does Hospice Care Cover?

Hospice is designed to provide many different types of therapies and support for those in its’ care. At Residential Hospice, care can include:

Medical care and symptom management
Emotional and spiritual support
Assistance with personal care and companionship
Music, aroma, massage, and pet therapies
Caregiver respite
Grief and bereavement support

While hospice care offers many important services, it does not typically include 24-hour in-home care. Instead, hospice teams provide regular visits from nurses, aides, social workers, and other team members, along with on-call support available at any time of day or night.

Who Pays for Hospice Care?

Cost is one of the biggest concerns when families begin to consider hospice care. The good news is that hospice care is covered by most major insurances, so patients and families can focus on comfort instead of finances.

Medicare and Medicaid: Both programs cover hospice care in full for eligible patients, including services, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, and medical equipment.
Private Insurance: Many private health plans also offer hospice benefits that mirror Medicare coverage.
Veterans Benefits: Veterans may qualify for hospice cover through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, the Residential Hospice team can walk you through your benefits and help with any paperwork, so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones.

Choosing the Right Hospice Care Provider

Deciding on hospice care is never easy, but finding the right provider can make all the difference in ensuring peace for you or your loved one. At Residential Hospice, our team is here to walk beside you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring what hospice care at home looks like, wondering about coverage, or simply trying to understand your options, we’re here to help you make the choice that feels right for you and your family.

Hospice

Bereavement Home Health Care Hospice September 2, 2025

In the days following a loved one’s passing, your energy goes into honoring their life. While you make arrangements and plan a service, there are hugs, home-cooked meals, and check-ins from friends and family. But once the funeral is over and life moves forward for everyone else, the support can start to fade. Suddenly, you’re left in a quiet space that feels heavier than before. This is often when grief hits the hardest.

Grief support groups can help carry you through that silence. Whether in person or online, these groups connect you with others who truly understand, offering a place to talk and listen. Residential Hospice offers grief support services online or in person at no cost to families, caregivers, and anyone who is navigating the pain of loss.

What is a Grief Support Group?

A grief support group brings people together who are navigating loss. Whether you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or close friend, these groups offer a safe and welcoming space to share your story.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and you don’t have to face it alone. Support groups are led by trained facilitators or counselors who understand the grieving process. They help guide conversations and create an environment where everyone feels heard.

Some groups meet in person, while others are virtual, making it easier to find something that fits your schedule and comfort level. Residential Hospice provides free virtual support groups as well as in-person options in Elmhurst, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, and Plainfield, IL.

Easing into Support: How to Join a Grief Support Group

We know that joining a grief support group for the first time can feel intimidating. What will you say? Will people expect you to share right away? Will you be the only one feeling overwhelmed?

These are common concerns, but it’s important to remember that everyone is there for the same reason, and there’s no right or wrong way to participate. You can listen quietly or speak when you’re ready. You’re never forced to share more than you’re comfortable with. And you’re certainly not alone. Residential Hospice offers free online grief support groups, as well as in-person grief support groups that are made to be warm, inclusive, and judgment-free.

How Grief Support Groups Help Healing

Everyone’s grief is different, but many people share common struggles like feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to navigate daily life after loss. Grief support groups can help by:

Reducing feelings of isolation
Normalizing your emotions
Encouraging healthy coping
Offering steady support

Find a Grief Support Group Near You

If you’re searching for a “grief support group near me” or curious about whether joining a group might help, we encourage you to reach out. Residential offers free, accessible grief support groups both online and in person for anyone who needs it, whether or not you’ve had a loved one in our care.

Remember, there’s no timeline for healing. With the right support, you can move forward at your own pace with people who understand where you’ve been and want to walk beside you where you’re going. Find a grief support group or get in touch with us today to learn more about Residential Hospice’s grief support services.

Hospice

Hospice July 30, 2025

Every moment matters to a patient receiving hospice care. It’s a time to focus on comfort, dignity, and the simple things that bring peace. While our skilled care team plays a vital role, sometimes the most powerful healing presence comes with four legs and a wagging tail. Residential Hospice offers pet therapy to utilize the natural bond between humans and animals, bringing joy, humor, and companionship to those on their end-of-life journey.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal, typically a dog. It’s often used to support emotional health, reduce stress, and ease feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Pet therapy is typically facilitated by volunteer handlers and certified therapy dogs. Visits from a therapy dog can lift spirits, ease stress, and bring a sense of connection when it’s needed most.

How Does Pet Therapy Work?

Pet therapy works in quiet, meaningful ways. A therapy dog might curl up beside a patient or gently nuzzle their hand. That moment of contact can help lower stress hormones, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even spark joy or memory. Unlike people, dogs don’t need conversation; they simply offer presence, which can be deeply reassuring in hospice care. For many patients, therapy dogs offer a break from pain, grief, or isolation, providing comfort that doesn’t require words.

Therapy dogs are specifically trained to be calm, friendly, and responsive to human emotions. They often sit beside the patient or place their head in a lap, providing affection, warmth, and presence.

Benefits of Pet Therapy for Hospice Patients

Pet therapy in hospice care can serve many purposes:

Easing anxiety and depression
Reducing feelings of loneliness
Encouraging social interaction
Providing comfort through touch

For patients who may be withdrawn or unable to communicate easily, a therapy dog can still reach them in a way that feels natural and reassuring. It’s not uncommon to see a quiet patient light up at the sight of a dog, to witness moments of calm during periods of restlessness or confusion.

The Power of a Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs used in hospice care aren’t just pets; they’re trained companion animals who provide emotional support and connection. They don’t see illness. They don’t mind silence. They simply offer love, which can be incredibly powerful at the end of life.

At Residential Hospice, our pet therapy program is designed to meet each patient where they are. Whether it’s holding a paw, reminiscing about a beloved pet, or just enjoying a quiet visit, therapy dog visits often become a meaningful part of a patient’s care journey.

Hospice

Home Health Care Hospice March 24, 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects an estimated 35.5 million adults in the United States, according to National Kidney Foundation. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluids from our blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes. When the kidneys begin to lose their ability to perform these necessary functions, it can lead to kidney disease. In this article, we’ll review the stages of kidney disease, symptoms of each stage, and what you can do to manage and slow progression of CKD.

What is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), commonly referred to as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer efficiently filter blood, ultimately leading to kidney failure over time. CKD typically develops gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection and treatment essential. While diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes, other factors can also contribute to the development of kidney disease.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is generally classified into five stages based on the level of kidney function. As kidney function declines, the stage of kidney disease progresses. Here’s a breakdown of each stage of CKD:

Stage 1: Normal Kidney Function

At stage 1 of kidney disease, the kidneys are still functioning normally or nearly normally. However, there may be mild kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or other markers of kidney dysfunction. Most people in this stage do not experience symptoms, and kidney disease may not yet be apparent.

During stage 1 of kidney disease, it’s important to regularly monitor kidney function with blood tests, adopt healthy lifestyle changes (hydration, balanced diet, exercise) and manage underlying conditions that can lead to further kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Stage 2: Mild Kidney Damage

During stage 2, kidney function is mildly reduced but most individuals still do not show noticeable symptoms. It is still important to monitor kidney function closely, as this stage can progress to become more severe if not managed properly. Continue to monitor kidney function, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and control blood pressure and blood sugar to mitigate further damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Kidney Damage

At this stage, kidney function has declined moderately, and you may start to notice symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination. The kidneys are no longer able to efficiently filter waste, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the blood. During stage 3 of chronic kidney disease, you should consult a nephrologist for personalized care, track your kidney function regularly, continue to treat underlying health conditions, and make dietary changes, including limiting sodium and protein consumption.

Stage 4: Severe Kidney Damage

Kidney function is severely reduced during stage 4 of chronic kidney disease, and the kidneys can no longer perform their job effectively. Symptoms may become more evident, including swelling in the legs or ankles, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be discussed with your healthcare provider during stage 4. You should prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant if necessary, follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and continue monitoring kidney function if diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure

Stage 5, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), indicates that the kidneys can no longer function adequately to meet the body’s needs. At this point, kidney failure is inevitable, and survival depends on dialysis or a kidney transplant. During this stage, the focus shifts to improving quality of life. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to explore options like dialysis or a kidney transplant, as well as consider hospice care to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

How to Prevent and Slow Progression of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be managed especially in the early stages to slow progression. Here are some key strategies to protect your kidneys and minimize the risk of kidney disease:

Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control with medications and lifestyle changes.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regularly manage and monitor your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause significant kidney damage over time, resulting in kidney failure.
Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sodium and processed foods that can strain the kidneys.
Exercise Regularly: Staying active with physical exercise helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health, which can protect kidney function and minimize a risk of kidney failure.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking can worsen kidney disease and increase the risk of other health complications.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the kidneys flush out waste and maintain proper function. If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, consult your doctor about how much water you should be drinking.

Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care offers compassionate support and comfort to individuals in the advanced stages of kidney disease. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families. Residential Hospice provides in-home care for patients with end-stage kidney disease in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Find hospice care services in your area.

Hospice

Hospice December 11, 2024

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. While you may be focused on purchasing gifts for family and friends, one of the most meaningful ways to give a gift this holiday season is by contributing to a cause that makes a difference in the community. Consider donating to the Residential Hospice Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families facing terminal illnesses. Read about how your donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation can make a lasting impact in your community, especially during this season of giving.

What is Residential Hospice Foundation?

Residential Hospice Foundation was founded in response to many appreciative hospice families who asked how they could “pass it on” and help other families facing life-limiting illness. Residential Hospice Foundation increases access to hospice care, helps people understand the truth about hospice care, and provides financial assistance to hospice patients and caregivers. They provide support for basic needs, funeral and burial expenses, grief and bereavement assistance, and hospice education.

Why Donate to Residential Hospice Foundation

Hospice care provides comfort, dignity, and compassionate support for individuals at the end of their lives. By donating to Residential Hospice Foundation, you can directly contribute to improving the lives of those individuals and their families. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

Provide financial support to families in need: Many families struggle financially when a loved one faces the end of their life. Donations to Residential Hospice Foundation can help cover basic needs for these families. Your gift ensures that families can focus on spending quality time with their loved one rather than worrying about financial burdens.
Offer grief and bereavement support: Losing a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming. Residential Hospice Foundation provides grief and bereavement assistance to help families cope with their loss. Grief and bereavement services include counseling services, support groups, and other resources to help navigate this difficult time.
Promote hospice awareness and education: Many individuals and families are unaware of the benefits of hospice care until they are impacted by it directly. Donations allow Residential Hospice Foundation to provide education and raise awareness about the role of hospice care. By sharing research and information, more families can access the comfort and support they need.

How to Contribute to Residential Hospice Foundation

Donating to Residential Hospice Foundation is possible in a few ways:

Monetary Donation: You can make an immediate impact with a direct financial gift through the online payment portal or via check.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Honor the memory of a loved one or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or the holiday season by making a gift in their name.

Matching Gifts: Matching gifts can double or triple your contribution and help even more! Ask your employer whether the organization you work for participates in a matching gift program.

Planned Giving: Pre-planning enables you to donate a larger amount in the event of your death than you could while alive. Make an estate plan today to ensure that your support for Residential Hospice Foundation is part of your personal legacy.

Give the Gift of Compassion This Holiday Season

As you reflect on the spirit of giving this holiday season, consider making a donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation. Your generosity can help provide comfort, support, and hope to those who need it most. There’s no better way to make a difference than by giving the gift of compassion. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the families who need it most.

Hospice

Hospice Lung Disease October 24, 2024

Navigating the complexities of lung disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can be overwhelming, especially if treatments are no longer effective. For many patients and families, understanding when to consider hospice for lung disease is a difficult discussion. This guide will help you recognize the signs that indicate hospice may be the right choice.

What is End-Stage Lung Disease?

End-stage lung disease refers to the most severe form of lung disease, resulting from chronic conditions such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or progressive diseases like cystic fibrosis. A diagnosis of end-stage lung disease occurs when the lungs can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide or supply sufficient oxygen to meet the body’s basic needs.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Hospice for Lung Disease

When curative treatments for lung disease, including COPD, are limited or no longer desired, hospice care may be a suitable option. Some signs that it may be time to consider hospice care include:

Shortness of breath at rest that is poorly responsive to bronchodilators resulting in decreased functional capacity (ex. bed to chair existence, extreme fatigue, and cough)

Requiring use of supplemental oxygen most or all the time

Frequent hospitalizations due to shortness of breath or respiratory infections

Curative treatment options are limited or no longer desired

Weight loss associated with decreased appetite

Requiring more assistance with daily activities

Weakness and recent falls

Multiple changes to medications due to ineffectiveness

Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients with Lung Disease

At Residential Hospice, our expert care team works together to determine the appropriate care plan for patients with lung disease through our Alleviating Dyspnea and Pain with Treatment (ADAPT) program. Hospice care and the ADAPT program offer multiple benefits including:

Physical Comfort: Using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions for addressing dyspnea and pain, hospice care utilizes state-of-the-art medication delivery methods for effective symptom control.
Emotional Support: Hospice care incorporates specialty therapies, like music and massage therapy, aromatherapy, legacy projects and guided virtual reality experiences.
End-of-Life Planning: Meeting practice needs like estate planning and spiritual needs like making peace with others can help patients and families face difficult decisions that need to be made during hospice care.
Companionship: Visits from volunteers, including hospice doulas, offer comfort and support, helping patients feel less isolated during their hospice journey.

Residential Hospice for Patients with Lung Disease

Residential Hospice’s program for patients with lung disease and COPD, the ADAPT program, addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany lung disease, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and more. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have lung disease receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers in-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Hospice

Hospice October 10, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 7 million people in the United States. As Alzheimer’s disease advances, families often face difficult healthcare decisions. Our hospice care professionals support many families in making the decision about when to consider hospice for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Signs That It May Be Time for Hospice Care

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia comes with cognitive decline, memory loss, and loss of independence. As this disease progresses, patients may require more support and care, impacting the quality of life for both patients and their families. Signs that it may be time for hospice care include:

Significant cognitive decline

Frequent hospitalizations

Weight loss and poor nutrition

Dependence on caregivers

Pain and discomfort

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia must identify with the following qualifiers:

Dependence on others for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)

Inability to walk without assistance

Speaking only a few words and phrases

Continuous anxiety and stress

Falls

Multiple hospitalizations, ER trips

Infections

Eating problems

Incontinence

Benefits of Hospice Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive care for individuals during the end of their life. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Hospice can provide various benefits for individuals who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Benefits of hospice care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease include:

Pain & symptom management

Emotional & spiritual support

Specialized therapy (aromatherapy, massage therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy)

Caregiver relief

Grief & bereavement services

Residential Hospice for Alzheimer’s Patients

Residential Hospice’s program for Alzheimer’s patients, PEACE (Program for Easing Anxiety and Cultivating Engagement) helps alleviate distressing symptoms and enhance quality of life for both hospice patients and their families. Residential Hospice offers at-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Hospice

Hospice July 2, 2024

Hospice volunteers are an important part of the hospice care team. They provide compassion and support to patients, caregivers, and hospice nurses. Hospice volunteering is a way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while experiencing joy and companionship that comes from serving those throughout their end-of-life care.

Hospice volunteer reading with a hospice patient

Hospice Volunteering Opportunities

No matter the time, talents, and knowledge you can contribute to being a hospice volunteer. There are opportunities to fit a range of skills and interests. Some of the key roles for hospice volunteers include:

Companionship Volunteer

Companionship volunteers visit hospice patients at home or in a long-term care facility. Responsibilities of a companionship volunteer may include:

Reading and talking with patients
Playing games
Writing letters
Sharing and recording a patient’s personal story
Providing respite and support to caregivers

Hospice volunteer playing chess with a hospice patient

Hospice Doula Volunteer

Hospice doulas play a unique role by providing hospice patients and their loved ones with information, emotional support and physical comfort during and right after the dying process. Hospice doulas receive specialized training, materials, and continuous support to fulfill their volunteer responsibilities effectively.

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Pet therapy volunteers bring their certified therapy dogs on visits to see hospice patients, helping reduce symptoms of depression and stress. Visits with animals often bring joy, humor, love, and compassion to hospice patients, enhancing their quality of life.

Administrative Volunteer

Administrative hospice volunteers assist office staff with basic but important clerical work including mailing, making phone calls, filing, and material preparation.

Reasons to Become a Hospice Volunteer

In addition to benefiting hospice patients with a hospice care program near you offers personal and professional benefits, such as:

Bringing comfort to someone who needs it
Witnessing the beauty of families coming together
Adding meaning and purpose to your life
Using your skills, time, and talents for the good of others
Bringing joy to others
Experiencing the powerful impact of hospice care

“Each person’s life and story are so unique, it’s fascinating to have this opportunity to be a good listener and learn so much from our patients. While the purpose of volunteering is to bless the hospice patient, the far greater blessing is truly my own!” – Darva

Volunteer With Residential Hospice

Becoming a hospice volunteer is a rewarding way to contribute to your community and make a significant impact in the lives of those experiencing end-of-life care. Residential Hospice is seeking dedicated hospice volunteers in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Become a hospice volunteer today!

Hospice

Hospice June 24, 2024

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), can be a life-changing event for a patient and their family. Stroke recovery can often be challenging, and in some cases, the damage caused by a stroke can be so severe that the care focus shifts from rehabilitation to ensuring patient’s comfort and quality of life, which is where hospice comes into play. Here are some key factors to guide the important decision of hospice care for stroke patients.

Signs to Consider Hospice for Stroke Patients

A stroke is what happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, causing oxygen deprivation to brain tissue. The ability to recover from a stroke depends on the severity of the stroke and how quickly you get medical attention. Below are some indicators that hospice care may be appropriate if recovery is not progressing:

Severe neurological impairment

A stroke can cause significant brain damage, leading to cognitive and physical impairments, such as dementia, lack of cognitive ability and memory loss.

Frequent hospitalizations

Hospitalizations due to stroke complications like infections, pneumonia, or heart failure may be indications that a patient’s condition is deteriorating. Hospice can help manage these symptoms at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.

Difficulty with Basic Functions

When a stroke patient has difficulty with functions such as eating, drinking, and swallowing, it often leads to a decline in their health. Hospice care can provide nutritional support while managing these symptoms to ensure comfort.

Inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

If a patient can no longer perform ADLs like bathing, getting dressed, or using the bathroom, without assistance, it may be an indicator that it’s time for hospice care. This dependency can benefit from the comprehensive support that hospice provides.

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Stroke Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients who’ve experienced a stroke must identify with the following qualifiers:

Difficulty swallowing, preventing patient from being able to eat or drink
Current history of aspiration
Weight loss > 10% over the last 6 months
Mainly chair or bed bound
Dependent to meet care needs
Incontinence of bowel and bladder
Serum albumin level of 2.5 or less
Stage 3 to 4 wounds

Benefits of Hospice Care for Stroke Patients

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive care for individuals in the final stages of their life. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than the treatment of an illness or condition, such as a stroke. Hospice can provide several benefits for individuals who have experienced a stroke and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Some benefits of hospice care for stroke patients include:

Symptom management: Hospice care provides pain and symptom management for stroke symptoms including neurological difficulties and emotional effects.
Emotional & spiritual support: In addition to medical care, hospice offers patients and their families emotional and spiritual support tailored to their needs and desires. This is essential in navigating the challenges of end-of-life care for all individuals involved.
Specialized therapy: Our hospice care programs include specialized therapy programs including music therapy, aromatherapy, and pet therapy to ensure comfort and peace for hospice patients.
Caregiver relief: Hospice care can offer caregivers and loved ones a much-needed break while ensuring the patient is still receiving high-quality care and support.
Grief & bereavement services: Following the passing of a hospice care patient, families receive grief and bereavement services to deal with the loss of a loved one including grief support groups, memorial services, and children’s resources.

Residential Hospice for Stroke Patients

Residential Hospice’s program for stroke patients, IMPRESS (Individualized Management for Pain Relief and Easing of Stroke Symptoms), addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany stroke, including dysphasia, balance problems and weakness. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have experienced a stroke receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers at-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.