If you’ve never had a loved one in a nursing home or seen them in a situation where they were provided hospice care, it might seem like those are simply interchangeable terms. While it could seem like that at first glance, that’s a misconception as they hold very different purposes. Looking at the broad stroke similarities first, both provide care to those who are unable to do so themselves.
Hospice care in particular is for those who have been diagnosed with the terminal illness and typically have a life expectancy of under 6 months. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are intended to provide long-term care and assistance in daily activities such as eating, bathing, and general care. Besides what’s already mentioned, here’s how else the two are different.
The Physical Setting
As we all understand, a nursing home is a physical building. There’s going to be a large staff on hand, during all hours of the day, to make sure you or your loved one is cared for, no matter the specific needs. Think of a nursing home like your family doctor, it’s not a place for specialty care but somewhere that can monitor medication and basic needs.
The idea of hospice care isn’t quite as one-size-fits-all so in keeping with our comparison, think of that as a specialty doctor. Hospice care is actually a service certain nursing homes can offer, but not all will be able to provide this type of care. There are also specialty facilities that offer hospice care exclusively. That type of care is also something that can be given right from the patient’s home.
The Social Setting
Looking at it through the social lens, here’s where some similarities can be found. In hospice in particular, there is nothing that can be done for their diagnosis. With that in mind, there is a focus on making the rest of the patient’s time alive as comfortable as possible. A large portion of that comfort is going to be company to make the experience all the more soothing.
Compared to a nursing home, the patient is going to much more likely be more socially isolated. This is all the more likely if the patient is receiving care in their own home. With the traditional nursing home, the social aspect is looked at differently. There’s a strong encouragement for the family to come visit as much as possible and the residents are encouraged to socialize with one another. They will have to be common areas and events to help facilitate socializing.
The Mental Setting
Some people will be extremely upset about facing the fact that it now makes sense for them to live in a nursing home. It is okay that they feel that way and hopefully it is something they will eventually find comfort in. Even as your loved one enters the stage where they need little care to get through their day, there is still the idea that they have many good years left in them.
The same cannot be said for hospice care. Some patients will be extremely positive about their situation in life, and others will show the pain and dread that comes with their diagnosis. The idea of hospice is making their remaining day this comfortable as possible but their time left is limited and then will impact every remaining moment they have.