Final answer:
True, the primary caregiver is responsible for the hospice patient's care in the absence of medical staff. This role is essential in providing emotional support and practical assistance, fostering a comfortable environment for the terminally ill patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: The primary caregiver is indeed the person designated to provide care for the hospice patient when hospice staff is not available. This role is crucial, especially considering the hospice model that prioritizes comfort and dignity over curative treatments for terminally ill patients. Caregivers are a cornerstone of this approach, offering not only practical assistance but also emotional support in absence of hospice professionals.
The concept of hospice has evolved to center on patient comfort, often at home, which may reduce the burden on family members as they are complemented by skilled hospice staff. Moreover, research indicates that patients and their families tend to have increased satisfaction with hospice care due to the added family support and improved coping mechanisms it brings. Contrarily, in several cultures, and especially in some demographics within the United States, there is a reluctance to outsource elder care to facilities due to various factors, including financial constraints and cultural expectations for family to serve as caregivers.