As a hospice nurse, it took me a few years to understand the value of emergency admissions. Dying is not typically considered an emergency, and hospice is not the same as emergency medical services (EMS). The healthcare provider that would sign off and provide the prescriptions for comfort medications and the pharmacy involved cannot guarantee prompt delivery times, especially in rural areas. Yet, the longer I have worked in hospice, I’ve found value in emergency admissions when the patient is imminent, meaning they will either die naturally during the admission or within the next one to two weeks. In this article, I will present what an emergency admission in hospice looks like from behind the scenes to the patient and family.
Referral and Intake
When someone is extremely sick and needs hospice care right away, they can get an emergency admission. This means that they can start hospice care as soon as possible without waiting for a long time. Hospice care is a special kind that helps dying people feel comfortable and peaceful.
To get an emergency admission, someone must refer the patient to hospice. A referral can come from different people, such as doctors, nurses, family members, or friends. They must tell the hospice team why the patient needs hospice care urgently. For example, the patient may have a lot of pain, trouble breathing, or other serious problems.
After the hospice team gets the referral, they will call the patient or their family to set up a meeting. In this meeting, they will check the patient’s health and see what help they need. They will also explain what hospice care is and how it works. They will ask the patient and their family questions to ensure that hospice care is their best option. If the patient and their family agree, they will sign some papers to start hospice care.
Delivery of Durable Medical Equipment and Comfort Medications
When someone starts hospice care in an emergency, they need some special things to make them feel better. These things are called durable medical equipment and comfort medications. Durable medical equipment lasts a long time and helps the patient’s health. For example, a hospital bed can make patients more comfortable and help them move around. Oxygen equipment can help the patient breathe easier. Comfort medications help the patient with their pain and other symptoms. For example, morphine can help the patient feel less pain and more relaxed.
The hospice team will try to bring these things to the patient’s home as quickly as possible. They will also teach the patient and their family how to use them. They will show them how to set up the equipment, take the medications, and what to do if there is a problem. They will also answer any questions the patient and their family may have. The hospice team wants to ensure the patient and their family are comfortable and safe.
Admission with a Focus on Comfort
After the hospice team brings the things that the patient needs to their home, they will start the hospice care. This means they will complete some forms and papers to make it official. They will also tell the patient and their family who the people in the hospice team are and what they will do to help them. The hospice team will try to finish this process as fast as possible so the patient can immediately get the necessary care. The hospice team will ensure the patient feels good and has everything they need. They will also be there for the patient and their family if they need someone to talk to, pray with, or get other help from. The hospice team cares about the patient and their family and wants to make them feel better.
Conclusion
When someone is sick and needs hospice care immediately, they go through an emergency admission. This means they must do some things quickly to start hospice care. They have to get a referral from someone who knows they need hospice care. They have to meet with the hospice team and sign some papers. They must get things that will help them feel better, like a bed, oxygen, and medicine.
The hospice team is there to help them with all these things and to care for them and their families. They are kind and friendly and understand what they are going through. They want to make them comfortable and happy. They also want to help their family and others who care for them. They can offer them emotional support, spiritual care, and other services as needed.
Hospice care is a special kind that helps dying people be peaceful and calm. Sometimes, people may die during the emergency admission process, which can be very hard for their family and friends. But the hospice team will still be there for them. They will help them cope with their loss and grief. They will also help them remember their good times with their loved ones. The hospice team wants to ensure everyone gets the comfort and support they need during this challenging time.
