Hospice at home care

A hospice team may help manage pain, breathlessness, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, constipation and other changes caused by advanced illness. Support can include nursing visits, care planning, equipment advice, medicines for comfort and emotional or spiritual support.

The service usually coordinates with the person's doctor and family. The team explains what changes to expect, how to give medicines safely and whom to call outside a visit. Care is shaped around the person's wishes, culture, privacy and preferred place of care.

Ask the hospice service how to contact it day and night, which medicines and equipment will be supplied, and what family caregivers are expected to do. Keep an up-to-date medicine list and place important telephone numbers where everyone can find them.

Discuss who should make decisions if the person becomes unable to speak for themselves. A palliative care team can also help with symptom control and support during serious illness, whether or not hospice is chosen.

Call the hospice team promptly for uncontrolled pain, new severe breathlessness, repeated vomiting, agitation, inability to take essential comfort medicines or a sudden change that worries the family. Follow the agreed emergency plan; call emergency services when the hospice team advises it or when immediate danger is present.

Would hospice at home fit the person's goals now? Which symptoms can the team manage at home? Who visits and how often? Is support available overnight? What equipment, medicines and caregiver teaching will be arranged?