How Has Hospice Care Evolved Over The Years In The US?
The History of Hospice Care
Hospice care began in England in the 1960s, but the concept didn’t spread to the United States of America until a decade later. This form of specialized care, which was meant for patients who were considered terminally ill, didn’t fully take off until the 1970s when it was recognized by the federal government. Shortly after, the Medicare Hospice Benefit was created, which allowed terminal patients under Medicare to receive end-of-life hospice care. The National Hospice Organization was created and began setting standards of care for hospice, and worked towards creating equal opportunities for patients to receive the care they need while dying. Patients deserve to pass with dignity, not suffering and in discomfort. Hospice became an affordable and money-saving form of care that allows patients to spend their last days at home with their loved ones while still receiving high-quality medical care. Continue reading to learn about the development of hospice care and how services have improved over time.
Inclusivity Improvements within Hospice
Home hospice services have evolved over the last several decades to truly understand the needs of the patients. With a vast majority of healthcare workers being white, it has taken the industry some time to adapt its way of thinking to include all cultures and beliefs. Patients have different emotional and spiritual needs, which become more apparent when facing death. Trusting others during that chapter of life can be a difficult decision for minorities. As hospice care grew into an established form of healthcare, it became obvious that it needed to focus more on inclusivity. Over the last two decades, hospice patients have become more diverse, and minority groups have begun to receive the end-of-life care they need. As the hospice industry evolved, it made space to embrace diverse religious and spiritual beliefs. In hospice care, nurses and medical staff respect the wishes of the patient and offer them personalized support. A modern hospice program can offer spiritual services for patients across many creeds and belief systems. Patients can receive support to match their cultural backgrounds and identities to ensure they feel safe and have control over their own lives.
How Technology has Improved Home Hospice Efforts
What began in the United States over 40 years ago has rapidly advanced to new modern hospice programs. Hospice care is specifically designed to increase the comfort of the patient during their final months. As technology has evolved, so has the level of care we are able to provide. Modern health technology allows us to more closely personalize care. Patients with low mobility can have regular telehealth visits, including consultations, support groups, and medication changes, all without needing to travel to a hospital. Modern technology helps the hospice team to more closely monitor the patient and keep track of their medication doses. With monitors and wearable technology, we receive more frequent updates and can make healthcare decisions more quickly and with stronger confidence. Patients aren’t the only ones to benefit from the development of healthcare technology. The families of the patients can rest more easily knowing their loved one’s health is being closely monitored.
Individualized Care for Patients at Home
As hospice care has evolved over many years, so has the type of care and support provided. What began as offering patients general comfort has turned into highly individualized care. Every patient in hospice care has unique needs, from their symptom management to their spiritual needs, and modern hospice services are more personalized than ever before. When entering into hospice care, a completely personalized plan of care is created and will evolve with the patient’s needs. As a patient’s health changes over time, so will the care they’re receiving. This includes types of therapy, medicine, diet, exercises, and more. Our hospice staff is trained to not only observe patients and their individual needs, but also have conversations about how we can best support them in their journey. Patients all have their own histories and backgrounds, and it is a part of hospice care to ensure their care is customized to fit their needs.
How Modern Hospice Became a Strong Network of Help
The main objectives of hospice care are to manage symptoms and create a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. While families do their best to support their loved ones, we believe it takes a team of people to provide the care patients deserve. Hospice teams are made up of many people, including social workers, chaplains, doctors, nurses, and aides, all working together to offer the best quality of care. Bayou City Hospice has spent years developing strong relationships with the healthcare network in the Greater Houston Area. Hospice patients may be in long-term care, assisted living, or spending a stint in the hospital. We work closely with doctors, nurses, and all members of the medical community to create an efficient, collective effort towards caring for our patients.
Medicare Hospice Care for Dying Patients
In 1983, the Medicare Hospice Benefit was created to ensure that terminally ill patients covered by Medicare would receive important end-of-life care. While coverage changes from state to state, these services have offered dignity to countless people who otherwise may not have received any care. Before, patients were not guaranteed end-of-life care and would often be abandoned by hospitals once treatment no longer worked. With hospice care, patients receive continued support throughout the final months of their lives. This program expanded rapidly and continues to be one of the most comprehensive forms of care provided in the US.
Local Hospice Services in The Greater Houston Area
Bayou City Hospice offers comprehensive hospice care and palliative care for qualifying patients. Our team of dedicated nurses, social workers, doctors, and home aides collectively works to provide the highest quality of care. We believe patients have a right to receive the care they need, regardless of their state of health. End-of-life care is as crucial as any other form of patient care. As a local hospice company, we are proud to offer our services to the community in and around Houston. To find out if you or a loved one is qualified for hospice care, contact Bayou City Hospice today.