If the person you are caring for has received a terminal diagnosis or they have a life-limiting illness of any kind, you may have been introduced to support from your local hospice team. Although accessing hospice care can feel like a big step, which may feel upsetting, the role of hospice care can be a useful channel of support for people and their families from the point of diagnosis through to the end of their life. They offer palliative support aimed at reducing pain and suffering, and enhancing quality of life by addressing the medical, emotional, practical, psychological and spiritual needs of a person at the end of life, and the needs of the person's family and carers.
Hospice care can be offered either in a residential setting, where it can be accessed as an in-patient or an out-patient, or they can receive hospice care at home, with professionals coming to visit the home offering support and treatment there.
The level of support offered by the hospice will vary depending on the needs and preferences of the person. They could access hospice care for a day or a few weeks, then not need it again for a while. The person you are looking after might want to attend certain sessions during the day, and come home in the evenings, or stay at the hospice as an in-patient to receive specialist care and some emotional support, or to give you as their carer some respite time.
What does hospice care involve?
The care offered by each individual hospice will vary, however most will offer support with nursing care, pain management and the management of symptoms, as well as support with emotional and spiritual needs. They may also offer services like Occupational Therapy (OT) that can teach the person you are caring for certain techniques to help them relax and manage any pain, and rehabilitation and physio support to support them in maintaining their independence. Depending on the hospice, there may be complementary therapies like
gentle massage or aromatherapy available to help with easing pain and aiding relaxation, as well as support with practical matters like managing finances, or helping with tasks at home.
Another important aspect of the care offered by a hospice is emotional and bereavement support, and this means that counselling or therapy can be offered to the person you are caring for, to you as their carer, and your family, as you journey through this end of life period.
Accessing hospice care
Anyone can access hospice care for free as it is paid for through NHS funding and donations. You can also opt for private hospice care, and can find out what’s available near you by asking your GP or by searching online. You can contact your local hospice directly to find out about their services and to ask if they can support you and the person you are caring for, though you may have to provide a referral from your GP or nurse. Places for hospice care are limited and there might not always be one available right away; your GP or health team would be able to advise you about other options in the meantime.
Although hospices do offer care for people who are in the last days and hours of their life, they are not only for people for whom death is imminent. End of life care covers the entire period of time from diagnosis and this can be weeks, months and even years.
If the person you are caring for has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or a life-limiting condition of any kind you may be able to access hospice care at any point along that journey. Our article on supporting the transition to a hospice or care home may be a useful resource for you.