What Are The Differences Between Continuous And Routine Care?
Hospice care is intended to give support and comfort to individuals who are near the end of their lives. There are two main types of hospice services that are available: continuous care and routine care. Both options provide the same personalized care plan for the patient, but they have different levels of support. Knowing the difference can help you determine which level of care or supervision your loved one needs. Both options focus on keeping the patient comfortable, but they are intended for different situations and different levels of medical needs.
Below, we break down the differences between the two so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Routine Care?
Routine hospice care is the standard level of hospice care that a hospice patient receives. This is used when someone is near the end of their life, and the focus has shifted to keeping them comfortable and stable. These services are personalized to each patient and are catered to their needs. Not all routine care plans are the same. Some patients need more help than others. It is important for you to work with your hospice team to make sure your loved one is getting the care that they need. Your loved one’s routine care team may include nurses, aides, and volunteers. From managing pain to providing emotional support, routine care covers a variety of areas for the comfort of your loved one.
When Is It Needed?
Routine hospice care is needed when a person is experiencing a life-limiting illness but is stable enough not to need constant medical attention. Through scheduled visits, a hospice team will come up with a plan to ensure that the patient’s pain is managed and that they are receiving any support they need to keep them comfortable. They will adjust their care plan based on the patient’s condition.
What Is Continuous Care?
Continuous care is for patients who are in the middle of a medical crisis. This is for people who are in need of a high level of care and need to be closely monitored. This type of care is when nurses and caregivers stay with the patient for a long period of time. This is so they can care for your loved one and keep them stable without the need to rely on being in a hospital.
It is important to know that continuous home care does not have to be permanent, and it is not intended to be. If the patient finds themselves getting their symptoms under control, they should be able to transition to a routine care plan.
When Is Continuous Home Care Needed?
Continuous care is needed by people who are experiencing pain or major discomfort while in hospice. This type of home care is used to help get a patient’s symptoms under control without needing to go to the emergency room or the hospital. The care that the hospice team will provide is focused on finding ways to maintain their comfort and prevent additional issues from arising. Once the care team feels as if the patient’s symptoms have improved and are under control, they will make the suggestion to return the patient to a routine care plan.
Deciding Which Level Of Care Your Loved One Needs
Navigating hospice is very overwhelming and can make finding the right home care for your loved one hard. During this already difficult time, it is imperative that you find the right support for both your loved one and your family to ensure everyone’s needs are met and the patient remains comfortable at all times.
Sometimes it can be hard to determine which level of care is right for your loved one and your family. Routine home care gives families the peace of mind that their loved one is being taken care of, but the patients still have some independence. If the patient’s condition is stable, routine care is enough to keep everyone comfortable and focused on healing.
If your loved one has developed a crisis or you are finding that you need more periodic support with their health, it may be time to start transitioning to a more intense care plan. It is important to work with your hospice team to come up with an appropriate care plan that will keep your loved one safe and comfortable during their time in hospice.
Reliable Support For Patients At Any Stage Of Hospice Care
Finding a team that provides reliable hospice care is important. The quality of life for individuals in hospice care is directly related to the team that is behind their hospice journey. The team at Star City Hospice provides consistent care services for all of our patients. Whether your loved one is receiving routine or continuous care, you can trust that Star City Hospice is going to support your loved one and your family every step of the way. We create home care plans that are made to support people and their families through the challenges of hospice. It is our mission to make sure that your loved one is always comfortable.
Contact Star City Hospice To Learn More About Our Hospice Services
If your loved one is in hospice or you think they need hospice support, contact Star City Hospice today. Our caregivers are here to help you navigate finding a care plan that works for your family. Whether you need quick check-ins or round-the-clock care, Star City Hospice will find a routine that will keep the patient’s comfort always front of mind. If you have questions or want to learn more about continuous or routine hospice care services, contact Star City Hospice today.