A person diagnosed with a terminal illness and having a limited life expectancy has a lot to deal with. The family also goes through emotionalchallenges and feels quite overwhelmed at times. In such a scenario, having hospice respite care can provide emotional relief to family and friends of them. With in-home hospice care, your loved one can receive the best care facility and support from caregivers. Hospice caregivers help develop care plans, provide information about their health condition, answer questions, and offer practical tips and advice to them and their families.

In the following post, we will learn about the roles of hospice caregivers who play a significant role in improving the quality of life. So, by the end of the post, you will know how hospice care can bring a remarkable change in an individual's life who is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care, otherwise known as palliative care, is specialized care that focuses on providing quality care to an individual diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. This includes the last stage of dementia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and so on. The additional support and care offered by the palliative caregiver aim to provide extra emotional support for chronic pain management.

Caregivers offering palliative care help families understand the sensitivity of mental and emotional challenges. They advise them on the correct treatment plan for chronic pain management. Let's learn about the primary role of a hospice respite caregiver and how they offer quality care to a person diagnosed with a terminal illness. 

Responsibilities of a Hospice Caregiver

Taking Care of Your Loved One

Caregivers offer personal care to keep the hygiene routine of the person in need of care intact. This includes maintaining oral hygiene, bed bathing, a skin care regimen, and so on. The caregivers keep a record of the symptoms and take care of them while assisting them in various activities. You can also learn about the benefits of hiring a hospice care provider before hiring from a certified home care agency. 

Ensure Safety in the House

Hospice care providers must ensure that the house is safe and secured around the clock. The hospice caregiver can make changes in the living arrangement of the house so that your loved one can feel safe and secure at times. The caregivers can help provide some advice to families on how they can feel secure at home by installing safety gear, handrails, and bars. 

Providing Medications On-Time

The objective of hospice care is to manage the symptoms rather than treat the conditions or the cause of the illness. The care plans provided by the caregivers aim to alleviate chronic pain by giving the right medications and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. The main focus is on providing comfort and pain relief from the illness.

Knowledge About Medical Equipment

A caregiver providing hospice care must know the usage of medical equipment and help the person with a life-limiting illness and family caregivers deal with the challenges of using wheelchairs, the proper dosage of medication, and so forth. The hospice medical equipment includes oxygen equipment like ventilators, Bi-pap, or C-pap machines that help with breathing while asleep.

Addressing Emotional Needs

Apart from addressing the physical needs of persons diagnosed with terminal illnesses, caregivers must also look after the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of theirs and their families. The caregivers must respect the wishes and goals of the individual and their families, trying to find out ways to fulfill them and offer the best quality care to them at home.

How to Find Hospice Respite Care For Your Loved Ones in Silver Spring

There are plenty of home care agencies in Silver Spring that offer hospice care to your loved ones, but choosing the right kind of hospice care is essential to enhancing life. However, knowing when an individual needs hospice care services is essential. Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and so on are signs that need attention. Read this article here to learn about the top medical attention for hospice care.

With Comfikare Homecare, you can receive the best hospice respite care in Silver Spring for your loved ones. The skilled caregivers offer 24-hour care support with personal care and light housekeeping to offer relief to families and the care recipient. The trained caregivers with years of experience in the senior care industry know what is best for persons in need of care and help coordinate between family and medical care providers. For more information, contact us to learn more about our hospice and respite caregivers in Silver Spring.