When is it appropriate to seek hospice care?
Once a terminal disease has been diagnosed, the patient, family or physician can initiate a hospice referral at any time. Hospice providers will then meet with the patient and the family to discuss available services and expectations and will consult the patient's personal physician to develop a plan of care designed specifically to meet the unique needs of both the patient and their caregivers.
How soon after a referral is made will hospice care begin?
Usually, hospice care may begin the same day a referral is made in coordination with the patient, their family and the patient's personal physician.
Who pays for hospice care?
Although hospice is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private commercial insurance, services are offered based upon need, rather than the ability to pay. The hospice program may provide for a wide range of support services including medications, medical equipment, supplies, home assistance, and respite care.
What specific assistance does hospice provide patients?
Hospice patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, hospice certified nursing assistants, clergy, therapists, and volunteers. Each provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise. In addition, Hospice Associates will provide medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services related to the terminal illness as well as additional helpers in the home when needed. Hospice Associates can also help to identify other community resources that might be available to you. Our counselors and clergy are available to assist family members as well as patients cope with the challenges they are likely to face during this time.
What will Hospice Associates do to keep the patient comfortable?
Managing pain is an important part of hospice care. Our staff works with the patient's physician to make sure that medication, therapies, and procedures are designed to achieve the comfort goals outlined in the patient's plan of care.
Can I be cared for by hospice if I reside in a nursing facility or other type of long-term care facility?
Yes, Hospice Associates will provide services to a terminally ill person wherever they live.
Is hospice available after hours?
Hospice Associates caregivers are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?
Hospice Associates provides continuing support for caregivers for up to 13 months following the death of a loved one.
Choosing hospice hastens the dying process.
Hospice neither hastens nor postpones dying, but instead provides professional guidance and practical support to terminally ill patients and their families.
The pain medications administered by hospice will prevent the patient from being able to talk or to know what's happening.
It is the goal of hospice to have the patient as pain free and alert as possible.
Hospice serves a religious organization.
While some churches and religious groups have started hospices, hospice care is a non-denominational philosophy of care that serves the community and does not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs.