Faq's
What is Hospice care? When is Hospice care appropriate?
Who can refer a patient to Home Hospice?
Who is Hospice care for?
Who is part of the Home Hospice care team?
Won't our physician tell us when Hospice is appropriate?
Do all Home Hospice patients have cancer?
How is Hospice care paid for?
Where is hospice care provided?
What makes Home Hospice special?
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
For printable on-line forms and information regarding Advance Directives
visit the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization website:
www.caringinfo.org/files/public/Texas.pdf
What is Hospice care?
Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care for patients facing terminal illness. It is a choice that addresses pain and symptom management, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their loved ones. Hospice seeks to allow patients to continue an alert, pain-free life, and to manage their symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by love. Hospice focuses on caring for the patient, not curingthe disease.
Hospice care addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, financial, and legal needs of the patient and family. In most cases, care is provided in the patient's home, but other settings may include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, or our freestanding facility,the Hospice House.
When is Hospice care appropriate?
When the goals of treatment change from cure to comfort (palliative) care, you should be able to discuss the issue openly with your health care team. Since emphasis is on comfort and support, the decision to enter a hospice program should be made early enough for the patient to fully benefit from all services. Hospice is most effective when sufficient time is available to establish a trusting relationship with the patient and the family. The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals,clergy or friends.
Who can refer a patient to Home Hospice?
By law, anyone can refer a patient to a hospice program. However, a physician must give the order to admit a patient into hospice care. Referrals can be made by the patient, a family member, physician, a member of clergy, discharge planner or another concerned professional or friend.
Patients in the final stages of life, and often patients in the progressive stages of a life-threatening illness, can receive hospice care. This includes peopleof all ages, including children. Patients are usually admitted to the program when their life expectancy is measured in terms of months. Persons of any illness, age, race, color, physical or mental handicap, religion or national origin may benefit from hospice services, regardless of ability to pay.
Who is part of the Home Hospice care team?
Members of the Hospice team include:
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You and your loved ones are key members of the team. You have chosen us to accompany you on a very special journey, and we respect your concerns and desires at every step. We will provide you with all the information needed to make the best choices.
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Your doctor will continue in the role of your attending physician. However, Home Hospice doctors, who specialize in palliative, comfort care will also become a vital part of the care team.
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A complete-skilled nursing care team will make regular visits to monitor your condition, manage medications, and provide answers to medical questions. They also provide teaching to family members and caregivers on how to care for your loved one and provide answers to questions about death and dying. A nurse is available on call 24 hours a day.
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Social workers are on-hand as experienced counselors and experts on community resources. A social worker can also help families communicate, arrange support for caregivers, and help to find financial and legal assistance.
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Certified Nursing Assistants help the caregiver by providing personal care such as bathing, changing linens, or tidying up the patient's room, as needed.
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Specially trained volunteers offer assistance with personal care and household tasks, such as cleaning or food shopping and preparation, as needed. They can run errands or provide a few hours of respite care, giving the caregiver a much needed break.
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Non-denominational chaplains can provide assistance in many areas: spiritual counseling for people of all faiths, planning funeral services, offering communion, and serving as a liaison between the family and clergy of the community.
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Bereavement coordinators offer grief support and services to family members and loved ones for more than a year after death. These include support groups, individual counseling, and educational workshops.
Won't our physician tell us when Hospice is appropriate?
It is best to request information about hospice before you need it, so that you can understand your options and access appropriate services when you want and need them. Your doctor may feel that your condition is not yet appropriate for hospice, but you should feel free to raise the issue with your physician. If you would like additional information at that time, speak with a hospice staff member.
Do all Home Hospice patients have cancer?
Hospices have a lot of experience with managing pain, and many people with cancer benefit from hospice care. However, people with severe heart failure, end-stage lung disease, neuromuscular diseases, dementia and other life-limiting conditions also qualify for hospice care.
Most hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance. No patient is ever turned away due to the lack of insurance or inability to pay, and no patient or family ever receives a bill.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is provided in the client's home, whether that is a nursing home, assisted living residence, hospital or in our inpatient facility, the Hospice House.
What makes Home Hospice special?
We are a community based hospice, owned by three individuals who live and work to providethe very best hospice care to the people in the communities we serve. We pride ourselves on providing a deeper, more personal level of care to our patients, and handle even the most complex cases. The mission of hospice is constantly in our hearts and minds as we strive to serve individuals and their families.
National Hospice Foundation research shows there are 10 key things people want for a loved one facing life limiting illness:
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Assurance that the patient's wishes are honored and respected
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Choice among the types of treatments, care and services that are available
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Pain and symptom control tailored to the patient's wishes
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Emotional support for the patient and their loved ones
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An opportunity for the patient to put his/her affairs and life in order
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Spiritual support for the patient and family
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The option to choose where the patient will be cared for, including remaining at home
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A team of professionals to offer comprehensive care for the patient
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Continuity of caregivers, no matter where a patient resides
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Comfort, dignity and understanding are critical aspects of the service
The care we provide is centered on these concerns.
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Absolutely! If a patient's condition improves, they may be discharged from hospice care, to return to aggressive therapy or normal daily life. It is possible for a discharged patient to return to hospice care if needed again in the future.