In the early weeks of care, it is usually not necessary for someone to be with the patient all the time. Later, however, since one of the most common fears of patients is the fear of dying alone, hospice generally recommends someone be there continuously. There are a variety of ways that respite care can be provided to the caregiver. The process of dying is different for every person - how long it takes, how disabling it is. Caregiving can become challenging.
Nights can be long and scary and sleep disrupted.
Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, therapists, and volunteers - and each provides assistance as needed based on his or her area of expertise. In addition, hospices help provide medications, supplies, equipment, hospital services, and additional helpers in the home, if and when needed. Hospices do nothing either to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of childbirth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain.