What is continuous care in hospice?
When it comes to hospice care, one of the options available for patients is continuous care. Continuous care is a type of hospice care that provides around-the-clock nursing care for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms and require frequent monitoring and intervention.
Continuous care is designed to provide relief and comfort to patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. This type of care is typically provided in the patient’s home or in a hospice facility, depending on their needs and preferences.
So, what is continuous care in hospice? Let’s take a closer look at the details.
Continuous Care Definition
Continuous care is a type of hospice care that is designed to provide round-the-clock nursing care for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms related to their terminal illness. This type of care is typically provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.
The goal of continuous care is to provide patients with the necessary medical attention and emotional support they need during this difficult time. It also helps to provide peace of mind to family members who may be caring for their loved ones.
Continuous Care vs. Routine Hospice Care
One of the main differences between continuous care and routine hospice care is the level of attention and support provided to patients. Routine hospice care typically involves intermittent visits by healthcare professionals, while continuous care involves continuous nursing care and monitoring.
Continuous care is often recommended for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms that require frequent medical intervention. These symptoms may include severe pain, difficulty breathing, agitation, or other symptoms that require frequent monitoring and attention.
Types of Continuous Care
There are several different types of continuous care that may be provided to hospice patients, depending on their needs and preferences. These may include:
- In-home continuous care: This type of continuous care is provided in the patient’s home and involves a team of healthcare professionals who provide round-the-clock nursing care and support.
- Hospice facility continuous care: If the patient cannot be cared for in their home or if the family is unable to provide the necessary care, the patient may be moved to a hospice facility for continuous care.
- Hospital-based continuous care: Some hospitals have dedicated hospice units that provide continuous care to hospice patients who require round-the-clock medical attention.
Benefits of Continuous Care
Continuous care provides many benefits to hospice patients and their families. Some of these benefits include:
- Relief of severe symptoms: Continuous care can help to manage severe symptoms related to the patient’s terminal illness, such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety.
- Emotional support: Hospice care providers offer emotional support to both the patient and their family members during this difficult time.
- Peace of mind: Continuous care provides peace of mind to family members who may be caring for their loved ones, knowing that they are receiving the necessary medical attention and support.
- Improved quality of life: By managing symptoms and providing emotional support, continuous care can improve the quality of life for hospice patients.
Continuous Care vs. Assisted Living
It’s important to note that continuous care is not the same as assisted living. Assisted living facilities provide long-term care for individuals who require help with daily activities, while continuous care is specifically designed for patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness.
While both types of care can provide support and assistance to individuals who need it, they are not interchangeable. Hospice care is focused on providing comfort and quality of life to individuals in their final days, while assisted living is designed for individuals who need ongoing support and care due to age or disability.
In Conclusion
Continuous care is an important option for hospice patients who are experiencing severe symptoms related to their terminal illness. This type of care provides round-the-clock nursing care and support to manage symptoms and provide emotional support to patients. Please contact us today for more information!
