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What is Hospice? |
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A:
Hospice is a special way of caring for terminally ill people, their families and caregivers.
Hospice focuses on CARE not CURE.
“Hospice affirms life and focuses on the quality of life. Hospice exist to provide support
and care for persons in the last phases of and incurable disease so that they might live as
fully and comfortable as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as normal process whether or not
resulting from disease. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exist in the
hope and belief that through appropriate care and the support of a caring community sensitive
to their needs, patients and families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual
preparation for death that is satisfactory to them.” (NHPCO)
Hospice:
* Focuses on CARE, not CURE.
* Treats the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their
patients and families
* Believes quality of life is as important as the length of life.
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Who is eligible for hospice? |
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A:
You are eligible for hospice when your doctor and the hospice medical director
certify that you are terminally ill and have a statistical probability to live
six months or less and you agree to receive palliative care verses curative therapy.
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How can you afford hospice care? |
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A:
80% of people who use hospice care are over 65, and are entitled to the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
This benefit covers virtually all aspects of hospice care. In addition to Medicare, most private
health plans and Medicaid in 42 states and the District of Columbia cover hospice services.
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What services does hospice provide? |
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A:
Hospice provides a variety of services that is tailored especially for you, the patient and your
family. These services are available to you and your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every person is unique and hospice care is no different. Each patient and families plan of
care is unique to them. Hospice strives to meet the patient’s immediate needs and to help
foresee needs that may arise in the future. Click here to learn more about the services offered
by Hospice Complete.
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Who is the Hospice Team? |
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A:
The Hospice Team is comprised of an Interdisciplinary Care Team that focuses and designs an individual
plan of care for each patient. Team Members that will be involved in your care will be:
* Attending Physicians
* Hospice Medical Director
* Registered Nurses
* Licensed Practical Nurses
* Home Health Aides
* Licensed Social Workers
* Chaplains
* Volunteers
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What are Bereavement Support Services? |
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A:
Bereavement supports services are given in order to help the family and loved ones
cope with the grieving process. Grief is a normal, expected set of feelings and
experiences that begins with anticipation of loss and continues throughout the
months and years following a death. Click here
to learn more.
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What are some common misconceptions about hospice? |
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A:
Misconception: Hospice services are only available in the home setting.
Fact: Hospice services can be provided to patients in nursing homes with
which the hospice has contractual agreements.
Misconception: Hospice patients have to die at home.
Fact: While most hospice patients choose to die at home, the hospice team
will assist and support families in planning for alternative choices.
Misconception: Hospice patients cannot be hospitalized.
Fact: Hospice patients may be admitted to a hospital with pre-authorization
from the hospice team for symptom management.
Misconception: Hospice patients can no longer receive treatment.
Fact: Hospice accepts patients who are receiving, or may receive, palliative
treatment. Each patient situation is considered and evaluated by the hospice team.
Misconception: Primary physicians are no longer involved in care of patients they refer to
hospice.
Fact: Hospice encourages the primary physician to be part of the interdisciplinary team. Hospice
supplements rather than replaces the physician. Hospice works with physicians to support patient needs.
Misconception: Hospice patients must have a DNR.
Fact: Hospice accepts patients for routine home care who have not agreed to a DNR as long as
their goals are for palliative care.
Misconception: Hospice only sees patients with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Fact: Hospice is appropriate for many end-stage terminal diagnoses including cancer, AIDS, ALS,
heart disease, respiratory and lung disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Misconception: The patient must be close to death in order to be admitted to a hospice program.
Fact: Patients with a prognosis with a statistical probability of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal
course are appropriate for hospice. Hospice care is most beneficial to the patient and family when there is
sufficient time to fully assess needs and strengths and to establish a trusting relationship.
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Facts & FAQs
