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Utilizing Hospice in Assisted Living - Lori Krech, RN, BSBM
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Categories: Pathway Perspectives
Currently, there are over a million Americans who call their Assisted Living building their home. Making this truly a home-like experience, we have to keep in mind that even as a resident's health deteriorates, care can be given right in the resident's home. Although aging in place is not a new concept, it is one that needs to be reiterated as more and more elders are choosing to stay in their homes longer. It is crucial that Assisted Living organizations and Hospice agencies foster strong and trusting relationships in order to ensure dignity and respect at the end of life.
The first step in creating this relationship between the two entities is trust. In starting a relationship with a Hospice agency, it is wise for the Assisted Living organization to recommend and partner with an agency with whom they have had a positive experience. Traditionally, the primary physician recommends a hospice agency that is affiliated with a hospital system he/she is affiliated with, but ultimately, the decision is the family's and most need to be guided by the direction of the Assisted Living. Having a working and trusting relationship between the two organizations is beneficial for all entities involved.
After a trusting relationship is formed, ensuring coordination of services is the next step. Since hospice is a product of Medicare, the Assisted Living organization needs to ensure there is not a duplication of services. It is always recommended to have defined Care Plan objectives at the time of admission and on-going. The Assisted Living staff is instrumental in making sure all care objectives are met and this can only be achieved through frequent communication. Throughout the process of including Hospice care for the resident, the Assisted Living organization is still responsible for the well-being and care of their resident. The Assisted Living organization must therefore ensure coordination between both systems.
Communication is key throughout the process of forming a relationship between the two entities. Communication can come in the form of meetings, on-going education and weekly updates. All these modes are beneficial to ensure that the resident is receiving the highest level of care possible. Knowing the roles and responsibilities of each care provider involved with the patient will help to alleviate staff stress and reduce unnecessary friction between the two entities.
Providing compassionate end of life care is a delicate task and Hospice agencies and Assisted Living communities need to foster strong and trusting relationships in order to effectively serve the residents and family members. By forging trusting partnerships, we can all work to help our residents age in place.
For more information about utilizing Hospice in Assisted Living, contact hospice@pathwayhealth.com.