Hospice Care
One of our specialized services is end-of-life or hospice care. Our goal is to support and guide families through this extremely difficult time while ensuring their loved ones’ final days are filled with comfort, safety, and dignity.
Approximately 1.5 million Americans receive hospice care each year (via Medicare) in order to improve their quality of life when their time is limited.
Our compassionate staff at Blue Water Homecare and Hospice is led by Registered Nurse Jennifer Prescott, who has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare. This hands-on training in end-of-life care is invaluable when helping to manage your family’s journey.
In addition, every member of our team is knowledgeable about the stages of terminal decline and familiar with industry-standard end-of-life protocols for symptom management.
Get Started With Us
Telephone No.512-647-2341
Here are a few of the benefits of using Blue Water Hospice during this difficult time:
- Our nurses are on call 24-hours a day/7-days a week
- After-hours admissions is available so care can be started immediately
- A dedicated RN will carefully design and implement your plan, holding your hand every step of the way
- Caregivers are specially trained to detect and identify subtle changes occurring in your loved one to help maximize their comfort
Hospice Care Services Offered by Blue Water Homecare and Hospice
We understand that you may have needs outside the time that Blue Water Hospice employees are in your home. We partner with Blue Water Homecare to provide in-home end of life support.
These services include:
- Provide baths, perform gentle massage, administer oral hygiene, and help oversee general grooming and nail care
- Laundry and light housekeeping
- Assist with dressing and undressing
- Help with toileting and incontinence care
- Care and cleaning of indwelling urinary catheters
- Shopping for food or prescription pick-ups
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals
- Assistance with feeding and fluid intake
- Documentation of intake, output, and other vital signs
- Skin care
- Positioning/turning to prevent skin breakdown
- Maintenance of safe environment to minimize risk of falls
- Assistance with safe ambulation throughout the house
- Range of motion exercises
- Provide companionship, conversation, and diversion activities as directed
- Assist with medication reminders and/or provide guidance on self-administered medications
Hospice Care FAQ
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people who are in the final stages of a serious illness. It is designed to help patients and their families manage pain, symptoms, and emotional distress during the end-of-life process. Hospice care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care to patients and their families.
What happens when my loved one is admitted to hospice care?
When someone is admitted to hospice care, our hospice team will conduct an assessment and develop a care plan that is tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Our team will work closely with you and your loved one to ensure that the care plan is effective and minimizes discomfort and distress.
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Hospice care is available to people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Eligibility for hospice care is determined by a physician and is based on the patient’s medical history, current condition, and prognosis.
What services are provided by hospice care?
Blue Water Hospice provides and coordinates a wide range of services, including medical care, pain management, symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual support. Our hospice team works together to provide comprehensive care to patients and their families.
Can family members be involved in hospice care?
Family members are an important part of hospice care. Our hospice team works closely with the patient’s family to provide support and education on how to care for their loved one. Family members can also be involved in making decisions about their loved one’s care plan and providing emotional support to them.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care may be provided in a variety of settings, including your loved one’s home, assisted living, a nursing home, a memory care facility, a hospice facility, or a hospital. Blue Water Hospice provides end-of-life care in any location that is needed.
What is the role of the hospice team?
At Blue Water Hospice, our collaborative hospice team of professionals includes nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers who work together to address the physical and emotional needs of both patients and their families. Each family has a dedicated RN Case Manager who is focused on coordinating care and support. Our boutique hospice care services allow our care team the ability to take as much time as needed with each family and have 24/7 nursing and physician coverage.
How long does hospice care last?
Hospice care can last for a very short time or 6 months or in some cases, a longer period of time if your loved one continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Can hospice care be provided at home?
Absolutely. Blue Water Hospice provides in-home support for people needing end-of-life care. Many patients prefer to receive hospice care at home because it allows them to remain in a familiar environment and be surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care providers can provide medical equipment, medications, and other necessary supplies to ensure that the patient is comfortable and safe at home.
What happens if my loved one’s condition improves while receiving hospice care?
If your loved one’s condition improves while receiving hospice care, our hospice team will reassess their needs and determine if they still meet the eligibility criteria for hospice care. If they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, they may be discharged from hospice care.
What happens if my loved one’s condition worsens while receiving hospice care?
If your loved one’s condition worsens while receiving hospice care, our hospice team will adjust the care plan to ensure that their needs are being met. The team will work closely with you and your loved one to manage symptoms and provide comfort and support.
To learn more about Blue Water Homecare and Hospice extensive end-of-life program, visit our pages on When to Consider Hospice Care and Bereavement Support.
CONTACT US for a free in-home assessment or a consultation. Let us introduce your family to the Blue Water family and help you take the next step towards end-of-life care.
Telephone No.512-647-2341