Different Areas Patients can have their end of life care .
Most people who are nearing the end of their lives pass away in one of three settings: their own home, a hospital, or a residential care center. Although not everyone is able to choose where their final days will take place, those who are aware that time may be limited often have the opportunity to think ahead and make arrangements.
Planning for this stage of life can be guided by several important considerations. These may include understanding the kind of medical support and comfort care you prefer, as well as identifying the locations where that level of care can realistically be provided., advance care directives, costs, and availability of family and friends to help.
End-of-life care at home
Being at home often provides the most private and personal environment for someone receiving end-of-life care. It lets family and friends visit freely and can create a comforting atmosphere for the person who is dying. Support can be arranged at home, including visits from nurses and the provision of specialized equipment like a hospital bed or bedside commode to make care more manageable.
Caregivers and family members should collaborate closely with the healthcare team to determine the best comfort-focused care for someone at home, aiming to ensure the person’s comfort during their final days. Much of this care can be provided by family members or friends, even without formal medical training, while a doctor continues to supervise the overall care plan. Home hospice services are often used to support this process.
Caring for someone who is at home at the end of life can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding for the people providing the care. Extra support from paid caregivers or home service providers, also known as respite care, can help. If the person who is dying is returning home from the hospital, sometimes a hospital discharge planner, who is often a social worker, will be able to help with the logistics. Your local Area Agency on Aging might be able to recommend other sources of help.
End-of-life care in hospitals
Being in a hospital can offer a sense of security, with skilled medical staff available to care for someone in their final days. This support can bring reassurance and peace of mind to both the person who is dying and their family.
Many hospitals also have palliative or hospice care teams who specialize in easing discomfort, whether it’s pain, digestive issues, or other symptoms. These teams are there not only to provide comfort but also to guide and support families through difficult decisions, helping everyone feel cared for during this emotional time.
End-of-life care in nursing homes or other care facilities
Many people are in care facilities, such as nursing homes, at the end of life. In a nursing home, nursing staff are always present. Unlike a hospital, a doctor is not in the facility at all times but is available when needed.
Some people are discharged from a hospital to a care facility, while others may already be living in one. If you have lived in a nursing home or long-term care facility for a while, you may choose to stay and receive end-of-life care there. You and your family may already have a relationship with staff who work there, which can help make the care feel more personalized than in a hospital.
If you are receiving hospice care, the hospice team can assist the care facility staff with end-of-life care.
You may also be interested in
- Learning about hospice and palliative care
- Pain Management during terminal illnesses making decisions for someone at the end of life
- Exploring information on paying for long-term care
For more information about care settings at the end of life
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116
eldercarelocator@USAging.org
https://eldercare.acl.gov
CaringInfo
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
800-658-8898
caringinfo@nhpco.org
www.caringinfo.org
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
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