It is essential to know who is going to take care of your loved one. Having someone with a terminal illness is not easy to handle. It’s difficult not only for the patient but for the family members and the caretaker.
But let’s face it, we are only human, and we cannot do everything by ourselves. That’s why having a specialized hospice nurse care for your loved one is essential.
What are some Hospice Nurses’ responsibilities?
Unlike traditional nurses, hospice nurses ensure your loved ones are comfortable until the end. While maintaining this standard, they also have different responsibilities that need to be done on a daily basis.
It is crucial to have documentation on the patient’s vital signs to notice if there are irregularities and, if so, act accordingly.
Responsible for giving medicine at the time needed and according to the care plan.
A big part of their responsibilities is to make the patient as comfortable as possible during the last months. If medication is not working to ease the pain, they also utilize muscle therapy.
Mental and emotional support is as important as physical support. Being in this stage is not easy. Hospice nurses become close to the patient, and they can support them and encourage them with their current situation.
Some people might ignore this point but knowing in depth what your loved one is going through and how they feel is key. Hospice nurses let the family members and close ones know the the illness is progressing and what to expect in the coming months, weeks, or days.
Does insurance cover Hospice Nursing?
Under Medicare, most or all of the care is covered by insurance. But patients that are eligible for the program usually have 100% of the expenses covered, including nursing care.
The most important thing is to make your loved one feel as comfortable and loved as possible. You and the wonderful hospice nurses will make this happen. They can help you with daily tasks, but their primary purpose is to help you to go through this process.
About us
At Ascend Hospice, we can help you and your family with this process. We invite you to read more about our services and story, so we are there for you if you ever need it. We are available to you any time with just one phone call away.
