How General In-Patient Care Services Are Conducted

When symptom management cannot be attained within a patient's home, general in-patient care may be advised. This type of service is offered to hospice patients and will provide around-the-clock care. When symptoms are under control, a patient is typically released and will be prompted to return to their previous care routine.

General Care

General care that is conducted within a medical setting may be provided on a short-term basis. This type of care is administered when there is no other way for a patient to receive the services they need. If an 'in-home' caregiver won't be available to aid a hospice patient or if there aren't any family members who can take on the duties of caring for their loved one, a medical practitioner may recommend that a patient is transported to a hospital.

A person who is receiving hospice care may or may not be facing death right away. A care program is intended to keep a patient as comfortable as possible. Services that are provided through in-patient care include the administering of medications, providing emotional and physical support services, and ensuring that a patient is comfortable and receives adequate rest. 

The Transition

A hospice patient who will receive general care within a medical facility may need to be transported from their primary residence. A medical practitioner who advises that a patient stays at a hospital for several days may make arrangements for a medical transport service to pick up the person who will be monitored. From the moment a client leaves their residence, they will be under the care of medical personnel.

During the transition, a client's vital statistics will be taken into account. Monitoring the patient is critical and will aid in choosing a treatment regimen that is effective. A hospice patient may be nearing the end of their life. This reality will not interfere with a treatment plan. A caregiver's duty is to treat the patient well and to target the symptoms that the individual has been experiencing.

An observation of a patient may be conducted at random intervals. Because there will be many caregivers within a medical facility, a hospice patient will be able to receive the services that they need, both during the day and at night. A caregiver may take notes, which they will relay to the hospice patient's primary caregiver. The status of the patient will be taken into account before releasing the hospice patient.

Contact a health care provider to learn more about general in-patient care.