When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, making decisions about their care can be overwhelming. One of the most common concerns is whether hospice care can be provided in the comfort of their home or if it’s only available in specialized facilities. At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, we understand that every patient is unique, and their care should be too.

Whether your loved one prefers to be surrounded by family at home or requires the round-the-clock support of a nursing home or assisted living facility, hospice care is designed to meet their needs wherever they call home.

Table of Contents:

• Where Can Hospice Care Be Provided?
• Who Qualifies for Hospice Care at Home?
• Benefits of Hospice Care at Home vs. In a Facility
• Common Misconceptions About Hospice Care Locations
• What Services Are Provided in Hospice Care, Regardless of Location?
• How to Decide if Home or Facility Hospice Care is Right for Your Loved One
• Finding the Right Care Setting with ProCare Hospice of Nevada
• FAQs

Where Can Hospice Care Be Provided?

One of the common questions we hear at ProCare Hospice of Nevada is, “Can hospice care be provided at home or only in facilities?” The simple answer is that hospice care is designed to meet the needs of the patient in Las Vegas, and that can happen in a variety of settings.

Hospice Care at Home

Hospice care at home allows patients to receive care in the place they feel most comfortable—whether that’s their own home or the home of a family member. At-home hospice is often an attractive option for patients in Las Vegas who want to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones in a familiar environment.

Home hospice care involves a coordinated effort between the hospice team and the patient’s family or caregivers. Medical professionals come to the home regularly to provide necessary care, including pain management, symptom control, and emotional support.

At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, our team is available 24/7, offering regular visits and as-needed care to ensure your loved one is comfortable and supported, no matter the time of day.

Hospice Care in Assisted Living Facilities

Hospice care can be provided in that same environment for those living in assisted living communities. Often, patients in these communities have developed relationships with the staff and feel comfortable staying there. Hospice care providers work alongside the existing staff to make sure the patient’s needs are met, offering the same level of care they would provide in a private home.

Hospice Care in Nursing Homes

Patients residing in nursing homes can also receive hospice care. Many nursing homes work closely with hospice providers in Las Vegas to ensure that end-of-life care is specialized, personalized, and attentive. For patients already in a nursing home, receiving hospice care there allows them to remain in a familiar space while benefiting from the comprehensive support hospice provides.

Hospice Care in Hospitals

Hospice care can also be provided in hospitals, though this is less common unless the patient requires acute symptom management or is in a specialized inpatient hospice unit. Some hospitals have hospice-specific wings, but most patients opt for home-based or facility-based care due to the comfort and personal attention available outside of a hospital setting.

ProCare Hospice Inpatient Unit

At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, our Inpatient Unit provides a home-like atmosphere with large private rooms that feature fully handicap-accessible bathrooms, a comfortable recliner, cable TV, aroma therapy, a landline phone, and free WiFi access.

In addition to these private rooms, the unit includes a spacious outdoor courtyard, a family room, and a spiritual room, creating spaces for peace and reflection. We also offer multiple family areas, including a large gathering room with a coffee station and microwave, designed to make family visits as comfortable as possible.

We are also proud of our designated room for military Veterans, honoring those who have served our country. At ProCare Hospice, every detail has been designed with care to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of both patients and their families.

Who Qualifies for Hospice Care at Home?

Eligibility for hospice care is determined when a physician certifies that a patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. However, the decision of whether hospice care should be provided at home or in a facility is often based on the patient’s needs, preferences, and the ability of the family or caregivers to manage care at home with the support of the hospice team.

At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, we work with families in Las Vegas to assess their unique situation. We consider factors like the patient’s physical condition, the home environment, and the availability of caregivers. Our goal is to make the transition to hospice care as smooth and comfortable as possible, no matter where care is provided.

Benefits of Hospice Care at Home vs. In a Facility

Benefits of Hospice Care at Home:

• Comfort of Familiarity: Patients are surrounded by familiar surroundings, which can reduce anxiety and stress.
• Personal Control: Families can set the tone of the environment—whether that’s keeping things quiet and peaceful or lively with family visits.
• One-on-One Attention: Families often feel more in control of their loved one’s care, with close interaction with the hospice team.

Benefits of Hospice Care in a Facility:

• 24/7 Medical Support: In facilities like nursing homes, trained staff are available around the clock to provide medical attention, often without the need to wait for a visit from the hospice team.
• Less Responsibility for Families: Caregivers can avoid the emotional and physical strain of managing care at home while still visiting their loved one often.
• Specialized Equipment and Care: Some patients may require specialized equipment or care that’s easier to provide in a facility setting.

How to Decide if Home or Facility Hospice Care is Right for Your Loved One

Choosing between home hospice care and facility-based hospice care is a deeply personal decision that depends on various factors, including the patient’s condition, family dynamics, and the level of available caregiving. Here are some questions to ask yourself when making this choice:

• Is the home environment equipped to handle any medical equipment or adjustments needed?
• Do family members or caregivers have the time and emotional resources to provide regular care at home?
• Would the patient prefer to stay in a familiar environment or receive care in a facility with full-time medical staff?
• Does the patient need specialized care that might be more accessible in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

Our team at ProCare Hospice of Nevada is here to guide families in Las Vegas through this decision-making process, offering insights and support at every step.

Finding the Right Care Setting with ProCare Hospice of Nevada

At ProCare Hospice of Nevada, we believe that hospice care is about providing compassionate, patient-centered care wherever you or your loved one feels most comfortable. Whether that’s at home, in an assisted living community, or in a nursing home, our team is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the care they deserve during this important stage of life.

If you have any questions about hospice care and whether it’s the right time to begin, contact ProCare Hospice of Nevada today. We’re here to help you navigate your options and find the best solution for your family’s needs. Contact us today at 702.380.8300 or fill out our contact form here!

FAQs

• Can hospice care be provided in an apartment?

Yes, hospice care can be provided in any place the patient calls home, including apartments.

• Does insurance cover home hospice care?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover hospice care, whether it’s provided at home or in a facility.

• How often does the hospice team visit the home?

The frequency of visits varies depending on the patient’s needs but can range from daily visits to a few times a week.

• What if symptoms get worse while receiving home hospice care?

Hospice care teams are available 24/7 to address worsening symptoms. If needed, patients can be transferred to a facility for more intensive care.

• Can hospice care be temporary?

Hospice care is typically for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. However, patients may improve and no longer need hospice, or they may transition between home and facility-based care as their needs change.