How Important Are Continuous Care Services?
Many healthcare facilities like hospices offer continuous care services for their patients. Especially for dire cases, this is very much recommended, especially if the patient prefers to be in the comfort of their own homes.
But not everyone would agree to avail of these services, especially those who are on a tight budget. Many people who live modest lives would rather make do with their situation, even if it means making the sacrifices of not reaping the benefits of continuous care.
This article will highlight the importance of continuous care, especially for older patients suffering from debilitating illnesses. And we’ll do so by answering some frequently asked questions.
What Exactly Are Continuous Care Services?
As you can get from the name itself, continuous care is a service provided by a healthcare facility to monitor their patients at home. The amount of round-the-clock attention a patient gets will depend on the severity of their situation. Those who are in a “crisis state” where they’re unable to provide themselves with proper care and attention will usually be visited by medical professionals multiple times a day.
Some good examples of which are patients who suffer from falls and bleeding, those who deal with constant nausea and vomiting, and those who suffer from respiratory ailments and have trouble breathing.
Who Are Qualified to Provide Continuous Care Services?
Ideally, you’d want doctors to provide you with the round-the-clock service that you need if you’re a patient suffering from a serious condition. But since MDs are usually busy, a registered nurse (RN) will be on standby to take on the duty. They have the capability to administer medication and offer educational and actionable advice to patients.
In some less severe cases, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) will do. Unlike an RN, an LPN does not yet have the qualifications to administer any form of medication. However, they can provide the basic forms of medical care like the checking of blood pressure, and inserting catheters, for example.
The main role of an LPN is to provide comfort to a struggling patient, which includes bathing and/or dressing them, if necessary.
How Do Continuous Care Services Work?
Each specific method will differ from one facility to another. But generally, a caregiver will be in the patient’s residence for around eight hours within a 24-hour period. Some would prefer breaking it up into smaller four-hour blocks, while others would take on the full eight hours in one go.
As earlier mentioned, this type of continuous care will only be applicable to patients who suffer from debilitating conditions that would hinder them from living alone. In most cases, this 24-hour care will only last for two to three days.
What Are the Benefits of Continuous Care Services?
The important thing about providing continuous care is to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible, with minimal stress. If done right, they can expect greater patient satisfaction, and ultimately, greater adherence to treatment. This is an important one, especially for those suffering from severe conditions who no longer want any form of necessary care or therapy. Overall, it makes the experience easier for everyone involved.
A Facility That Provides Excellent Continuous Care Services
We at Arclight Hospice pride ourselves on providing top-notch continuous care for our patients. With the help of our nurses and home health aides, we’re able to make this happen. For inquiries, visit our website or call us at (747) 777-9545.
