Who is eligible for hospice?
Hospice is available for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by your physician and the hospice medical director. For more information, ask your doctor, or contact Your Family Hospice today.
Who provides hospice care?
Hospice care is provided by doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, health aides and volunteers. This group is referred to as an interdisciplinary team, which is headed by a Medical Director.
Who decides whether I go on hospice service?
You do. The decision is made together with you, your physician and your loved ones. Once you begin hospice, you can make the decision to stop hospice services at any time if you change your mind or decide to seek treatments to cure a life-limiting illness.
Who can hospice help?
Hospice care is there for anyone with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less. Typical diagnosis of people who receive hospice care include:
- ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Cancer
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Heart Disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney Failure
- Liver Disease
- Lung Disease
- Neurological Diseases
What services does hospice provide?
Hospice services vary based on the needs of patients and families. Services include visits from nurses and other healthcare professionals, pain and symptom relief, personal care, spiritual and emotional support, training for caretakers, respite care, and bereavement counseling
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. Hospice is a financial relief to many because services related to the life-limiting illness, such as medication, equipment and supplies, are covered by hospice benefits–with few or no out-of-pocket expenses.
Where will I receive hospice care?
Hospice is not as much a specific place, as a philosophy of care. Care is provided based on the patient’s needs and situation. it can be anywhere a patient calls home, including a nursing home or group home.
What if I change my mind and decide to seek curative treatment?
It is your decision to receive hospice care, and you can revoke your participation in hospice at any time. There may be times where hospice is no longer appropriate, your condition may improve, or you may change your mind and decide to pursue treatment for your illness. You can also re-apply for hospice benefits if necessary.
Is it too difficult to care for my loved one at home?
Caring for a loved one who is seriously ill is never easy and can be challenging at times. Our staff is available around the clock to consult with you and visit as needed. Inpatient care is also available to give caregivers a break or treat patients whose needs have become too complex to be met at home.
Will I need to make changes in home or have special equipment?
Your Family Hospice will assess and recommend equipment needs, as well as help you make arrangements to have them set up in your home. Many types of equipment are covered by Medicare or insurance plans.
How often will I receive care?
Care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The frequency and level of care varies depending on the patient’s and family’s needs. Hospice visits are based on a care plan and the condition of the patient.
What if my condition improves?
It is possible for people to go on and off hospice as needed. If your condition improves, your disease is in remission or you change your mind and want to receive curative treatment, you may be discharged from hospice and return to regular care. The decision is yours.
Does hospice care for family members continue after death?
Yes, Your Family Hospice provides optional grief support for at least a year after their loved one dies. Grief support can begin even before the death of a loved one.
How does hospice care manage pain?
Most patients can reach a level of comfort that is acceptable to them with a combination of medication, counseling and therapies. We try to reach your preferred balance of relief and awareness.
Should I bring up hospice care to my physician or wait for a recommendation?
Even if you may not be ready to transition to hospice, it is important to have these discussions in advance and have your questions and concerns addressed. Feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with your physician, family, clergy and friends.
Will my benefits end after six months?
No. Medicare and most insurance providers will continue to pay for hospice care if the physician confirms a limited life expectancy.
Will my doctor still be involved in my care?
Yes. Your doctor works with the hospice team to plan care. Your doctor chooses his or her level of participation in your care.
How can I start the process to seek hospice care?
You may ask your physician to submit a referral, or you may contact Your Family Hospice if you’d like us to work directly with your physician. After your physician refers you to hospice care, you and your family will meet with an admissions nurse to determine your needs and arrange for an individualized care plan.