“Making Each Day Count”

What Is Hospice?

Hospice is a philosophy of care, centered on quality of life.

Hospice care provides comfort and symptom management when an individual is no longer benefiting from or seeking curative treatment.

How do I initiate hospice? Anyone can request a hospice evaluation by speaking with their doctor or nursing facility, or by contacting a hospice company directly.

Can I choose my hospice company?
Patients and their families always have the right to choose their hospice company. Ask your hospital, doctor, or nursing facility for recommended hospice companies, as there are MANY to choose from and the options can be overwhelming.

When do services begin?
Once a referral is made, the hospice provider will set up a meeting with the patient and their caregiver(s). If a patient/family elects to receive hospice care, consent forms are signed and a Registered Nurse will begin the patient’s plan of care.

FAQ’S

Where can patients receive hospice care?

A patient can receive hospice care wherever they call “home.” This can be a private residence, a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living facility, a residential facility or a hospital.

What are some signs that my loved one may be ready for hospice care?

Curative treatments are no longer effective and may even be negatively affecting quality of life
Inability to control pain
Frequent trips to the hospital
Unintended weight loss and/or difficulty swallowing
Not eating or drinking
Oxygen dependence
Frequent falls
Frequent infection
Withdrawal from daily activities

Will hospice care provide my loved one with 24/7 care?

Scheduled visits occur Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm, but we are available 24/7 for emergent needs. If more hands or caregivers are needed for patient care in the home, our team can assist with recommending companies that provide hourly or daily “private duty” care.

Who pays for hospice?

Part “A” of Medicare covers 100% of hospice services. Most hospice companies work with Medicaid, private insurances, and provide financial assistance programs as well.

How can I initiate hospice services?

Evaluating the patient is the first step. A patient, family, or healthcare provider can request an evaluation from a hospice provider. A doctor’s order is then obtained to allow for the evaluation and possible admission. The patient/family signs consent forms, and once a qualified hospice medical professional has evaluated the patient and deemed them appropriate for hospice, the hospice provider will initiate the steps to activate a plan of care.

Will we still have say over our loved one’s care?

Yes, your input is a guiding force behind developing the most effective care plan for your loved one. We are here to walk beside you, educate you and provide comfort. If at any time you feel that you no longer want to receive hospice services, you can elect to discharge from service or switch companies. The patient/family’s rights and wishes are our first priority.

What happens when my loved one is actively dying?

A member of the hospice team will be educating the patient/family along the journey to ensure they recognize the different phases of the dying process. Ideally, a hospice professional will be at the bedside during the last moments of life. Once the patient has passed, the hospice team will prepare the body and make necessary phone calls, while supporting the family.

What does hospice cover?

Along with the team of professionals seeing your loved one routinely, hospice also covers the following:

Any medication related to the terminal illness/hospice diagnosis
Any medical equipment the patient may need for comfort and safety
Any supplies related to the direct care of the patient

Finding Joy in the Journey