If you care for a relative who is coming to the end of their life, then you might be looking at hospice care options. While your relative can have this type of care in a hospital, assisted living home, nursing home, or specialist facility, some people choose to have home hospice care. Why is this a good idea?

Patients Can Stay in Their Own Homes

Some people accept that they have to leave their homes to have hospice care in a dedicated facility. However, some really don't want to leave their homes at this stage in their lives.

This move can be stressful. It can be a wrench to leave your home for the last time. You might want to die at home.

If your relative feels this way, then home care is a good option. Your hospice team will provide medical care and support. Doctors will oversee medical care; nurses and nursing assistants will visit regularly.

Your team will help you manage your relative's practical physical and medical needs. For example, they might bring in a hospital bed, monitoring equipment, a commode, and medication delivery systems.

While life at home won't be the same for your loved one, they will take some comfort from not having to leave. They will be more relaxed at this difficult time of life.

Patients Can Come to Terms With End-of-Life Care

People don't always find it easy to accept that they are reaching the end of their lives. Home hospice care can help them come to terms with this fact. It can ease them down the road to their deaths.

If you can care for your relative in their own home, then the move to end-of-life care is more gradual. They adapt to their changing needs in a safe environment. If your relative then has to move into a formal hospice environment, say because they have increased medical needs that can't be met at home, then they will be more prepared for the move.

Patients Can Spend More Time With Their Families

If your relative moves into a formal hospice setting, then you might not be able to spend as much time with them as you would like. You might have visitation hour limits. Your relative might only be allowed a small number of visitors at a time.

If you care for your relative at home, then they can see their family and friends whenever they want. You can be directly involved in looking after them on a day-to-day basis.

To find out more about home hospice care and the options available to you, talk to your relative's doctor or a health care team in your area such as Hospice and Palliative Care of California.