Abstract
The provision of equitable care at the end-of-life, especially for marginalized populations, is a serious public health issue requiring community action and involvement. To address the challenging barriers to end-of-life care, communities across the U.S. have been opening non-medical, residential care homes (RCHs) that employ a social model of hospice care where members of the community volunteer to serve as surrogate family so that individuals can access hospice services in a home setting. These homes strive to address the critical gap in case for individuals who are eligible for hospice but who are unable to access these services due to housing and/or caregiver insecurity. In this paper, we share data on the characteristics of social model hospice homes and their residents, based on a retrospective chart review of 500 residents, and highlight the potential of these community-run RCHs to promote well-being for both the dying and their caregivers. We also share data on an experiential training model for interprofessional education in end-of-life care that combines online learning, weekly seminars, and the provision of bedside care in a social model hospice home. Implications for building capacity for research and training at social model hospice homes is discussed.
Presenters
Kelly MelekisAssociate Professor and MSW Program Coordinator, Social Work, University of Vermont, Vermont, United States Carol Weisse
Professor of Psychology/Director of Health Professions, Psychology, Union College, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Hospice, End-of-Life, Interprofessional Education, Community Care
