You take your loved one to the emergency room…for the second time this month. You notice that their pain doesn’t appear to be well-controlled, and their nausea is steadily getting worse.

If this scenario is familiar, you should take advantage of the many benefits of inpatient hospice care.  Inpatient hospice care is one of the most important services we offer. Through this, we provide services in an environment where we can better alleviate your loved one’s symptoms. 

“Many families mistakenly believe that inpatient hospice care is like a nursing home. It’s not,” said Rhonda Creech BSN RN CHPN, our hospice inpatient facility clinical director for Kitty Askins Hospice Center. “We strive to make our hospice care centers remind them of home and surround them with the sincere, compassionate care of our staff, creating a peaceful and nurturing environment.”

How Can Inpatient Hospice Care Take the Burden Off the Family? 

If your loved one’s symptoms are not well-controlled, it creates an environment of stress and frustration. Over time, it takes an emotional toll. However, one of the benefits of inpatient hospice for families is that it provides a respite. You are free from the strain and exhaustion of caring for a family member, and you can have confidence they are receiving the care they need.

In addition, we can sometimes control symptoms better in an inpatient hospice setting, allowing your loved one the opportunity to make more precious memories with you and spend this part of their journey in peace and dignity. 

How Do I Know If My Loved One Needs Inpatient Care?

We’ll provide the guidance and education you need to make an informed decision. However, you or your loved one may need inpatient hospice services if:

• There is uncontrolled and continued nausea
• There are fractures
• The pain is not well-controlled
• Their medications need close monitoring
• Minor procedures (such as a drainage tube) are necessary for the patient’s comfort
• They need extensive and complicated wound care
• They have uncontrolled seizures
• They have uncontrolled respiratory distress

What Is The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Hospice…And What Does It Mean for My Loved One?

For outpatient hospice, your loved one is cared for at their home or the residence they are calling home. Inpatient hospice care means your loved one is cared for in a specialized environment with 24/7 nursing care readily available.

We want to be clear: inpatient hospice is not a nursing home. Most often they are specialized hospice care facilities such as our beautiful Kitty Askins Hospice Center. We always welcome visitors and strive to provide an environment that is as home-like and peaceful as possible.

You don’t want your loved one to have uncontrolled pain–and neither do we. We consider them a part of our family, and when they are uncomfortable, it affects us deeply. Sometimes, pain and other symptoms are better controlled in an inpatient setting. 

In addition, because 24/7 care is readily available, we can address any medical issues before they become medical emergencies.

Will My Loved One Feel Isolated in an Inpatient Hospice Facility?

No. Not only do we encourage visits from friends and family (when the patient is medically able), but they will be surrounded by the care of our 3HC family. 

Inpatient Hospice Care Provides Emotional Support for Families

We’ve often said that we consider your entire family–not just the hospice patient–as part of our family. But for us, that’s more than a mere statement. We take it to heart and it is at the center of all we do.

3HC Provides Inpatient Care That Encompasses The Whole Family

We know you may prefer for your loved one to be at home during this time. Often, that is possible. We do everything in our power to ensure they are surrounded by familiar things in a comforting environment. 

But sometimes, this is not possible due to uncontrollable symptoms or medical complications. 

Therefore, our inpatient hospice centers are excellent ways to continue our tradition of caring not just for your loved one, but for the entire family. These are not nursing homes, but rather comfortable and restful environments where your loved one has access to better symptom control and 24/7 nursing care. 

Not sure if your loved one qualifies for inpatient hospice? Please contact us  and we will provide the guidance and information you need.