Caring for a loved one can be a lot of work, and while most caregivers willingly choose this labor out of love, sometimes they’ll need some hands-on assistance, and that’s where a hospice aide comes in.
What is a Hospice Aide?
Hospice aides are vital members of the care team and play a vital role in ensuring that patients continue to receive the highest level of care at all times. They can help all members of the care team, such as doctors, nurses, volunteers, social workers, and dieticians, ensure that the care plan is carried out as it should be.
As certified nursing assistants, hospice aids can help with all practical needs, such as medical equipment, feeding, and even light housekeeping. The goal is to help prevent caregiver burnout and provide practical, hands-on support for the care team.
Sometimes, their help doesn’t even have to be practical. Hospice aides also sit with the patient and listen to stories. Being a source of company can be a massive help, and building strong relationships with patients and their families is a crucial part of hospice care.
The Role of Hospice Aides
For hospice aides, no two days are the same, and they will have different duties depending on the patient’s needs and what kind of help the care team needs.
- Providing compassionate personal care.
The dignity of a patient during the end stage of life is incredibly important, and hospice aides can play a big role in making this happen. They can help with duties like:
- Bathing and dressing patients
- Wound care
- Brushing hair, applying skin lotion, and assisting with dental care
- While hospice aides are not permitted to cut finger or toenails, they can file them for neatness
- Assisting with toileting or incontinence care
- Re-position bed-bound patients
Hospice aides will have a hands-on role in assisting with various daily living activities under the instructions of the care team.
- Light housekeeping. Hospice aides can help ensure the patient rooms are clean and comfortable. This can include light cleaning and changing bedding. Sometimes, hospice aides may help with light meal preparation.
- Monitoring and reporting. Hospice aides will observe and note changes in the patient’s condition and report them to the care team and family.
