There comes a time when curative treatments no longer work for a serious illness. Patients or families may also choose to stop aggressive treatment for various reasons. In these moments, priorities shift. Instead of extending life, the goal becomes comfort, dignity, and peace. Hospice care focuses on these intentions.
Some think hospice care is about giving up, but in reality, it’s about the quality of life. When you decide to go for at-home hospice care in Saint Paul, MN, what can you expect?
Choosing Between Hospice Agencies
The first step is finding a provider. If you’ve started searching online for “hospice agencies near me,” you’ve likely realized there are many options. Choosing the right and best one, then, may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Ask for Recommendations: Speak with your doctors, hospital discharge planners, or friends who have received hospice care for referrals.
- Check for Medicare Certification: See if the provider is Medicare-certified to ensure they meet federal requirements.
- Read Online Reviews: Reading the experiences of others can shed light on how the agency operates and treats patients.
- Understand the Services Offered: Ask what types of support the agency delivers beyond basic medical care.
- Meet the Team: A reputable agency will be willing to introduce you to the hospice team so you can get a feel for their approach and values.
Hospice Care Services Vary
Hospice care services in Saint Paul, MN, are available at four levels: routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care. No matter which level of care is needed, the Superior Hospice team is there to guide and support patients and families. Services may include:
- Symptoms and Pain Management: Pain relief is a top priority. Professionals collaborate to adjust medications and plans so the patient is always comfortable.
- Spiritual and Emotional Support: End-of-life journeys come with many emotions, such as fear, anger, resentment, regret, sadness, and more. Patients, families and community staff receive help from spiritual care coordinators or chaplains to find peace and meaning during this time, regardless of religious background.
- Grief and Bereavement Support: When a patient passes, the Hospice Care team continues to serve the family and those close with the patient through grief counseling and bereavement services.
- Volunteer Visits: Trained volunteers bring companionship, assist with errands, or simply lend a listening ear to ease isolation.
- Non-Medical Therapies: Hospice agencies can do musical support, massage therapy and pet visit or art programs to lift spirits.
The Hospice Care Team
A patient will be cared for by a team that includes nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual spiritual care coordinators, certified nursing assistants, and more.
You Are in Control
Every member’s job is to support you, not take over. Staff will respect your household routines, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. You will work together, all for your loved one’s consistent care.
The First Week May Feel Overwhelming
Transitioning into hospice care, whether at home or in a facility, can feel like an emotional and logistical whirlwind. It is natural to feel hesitant about meeting new caregivers, adjusting routines, or inviting additional support into such a personal space.
During the first week, patients and families may go through a variety of activities — setting up equipment, meeting members of the care team, reviewing medications, and establishing new routines. In a facility, this may include learning how the hospice team collaborates with the nursing staff already in place.
Everything may feel chaotic at first, but the pace typically settles down after the initial adjustment. Once routines are established, hospice care — whether at home or in a facility — follows a more predictable rhythm, helping patients and families feel supported and reassured.
Your Family Can Participate and Rest
At-home hospice care is not just for patients; it also empowers families.
Unlike in hospitals where visiting hours are restricted, home-based care lets family and friends come and go freely. Everyone who wants to take part in caregiving is welcome.
At the same time, hospice care gives primary caregivers a much-needed chance to rest. Nurses and aides step in to deliver professional assistance, giving loved ones time to sleep, eat, or simply take a moment to breathe.
The Best End-of-Life Journey for Your Loved One
Ultimately, at-home hospice care helps provide an improved quality of life for your loved one in their final moments. Many individuals wish to spend this stage of life in a familiar and comforting place — whether that’s their own home, an assisted living community, or another setting surrounded by people and memories that bring them peace. Honoring those preferences allows them to live fully and with dignity until the very end.
Get Hospice Care in Saint Paul, MN
Saying yes to hospice care is never an easy decision, but it can be one of the most meaningful. Every journey looks different — whether at home, in a facility, or another place of comfort — yet the goal remains the same: ensuring peace, dignity, and quality of life.
If you’re searching for hospice care services in Saint Paul, MN, trust the compassionate team at Superior Hospice. Our mission is to provide high-quality care that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
No one should walk this journey alone. Call Superior Hospice at (763) 277-8777 or contact us online today to learn how we can be your partner in care.