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Some people assume that if you are receiving care in a nursing home or residential facility that you do not need or cannot access hospice care at the end of life. Hospice is a program that provides care wherever clients live; it is not a place. Individuals can receive care at their place of residence; including their private home, nursing home, residential facility, or a hospice inpatient facility, such as the UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice’s McClure Miller Respite House. We also hear that people are afraid to lose their nursing home caregivers by enrolling in hospice care. Hospice care is a complimentary form of care that works in conjunction with the care you already have. If you live at a nursing home or assisted living facility the hospice team will work with the staff there to provide additional services. Your UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Hospice team will coordinate your care with any other care providers you have; we will not replace caregivers that you currently have relationships with.

There are many benefits to hospice care which will complement and add to the care you may receive at a nursing home. Most significantly, you will benefit from the hospice team’s expertise on end-of-life issues and concerns. The team will offer education and support around what to expect in the dying process and provide comfort measures for both clients and families. Hospice services uniquely offer expert pain and symptom management from experienced nurses. As pain and discomfort may increase towards the end-of-life we can provide comfort based on your needs.

Also, unique to hospice care, is the spiritual and emotional support you and your loved-ones receive. Grief and bereavement services are also available for survivors coping with loss for 13 months. Hospice care can also support with care planning, including connecting clients and families with additional resources, and help with navigating financial concerns.

Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for you to discuss your wishes before you and your family are in crisis. Additionally, hospice care is most beneficial when started as early as possible affording adequate time for symptom and pain management and development of trusting relationships between patient, family and Hospice Team. The UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospices of Vermont offer a program called “Start the Conversation” which provides helpful information for anyone interested in learning about end-of-life care options and resources for Vermonters who wish to set up an Advance Directive. Speak to the UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice or your physician; or visit the www.starttheconversationvt.org for more information.

At any point in your decision making process, you can call the UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice hospice team to ask questions about hospice or request services. You can also request an evaluation from a hospice nurse if you are not sure if you or your loved one is ready.

To contact UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Hospice, call 802 860-4410.