- Is hospice just for people with cancer?
Hospice services are available to anyone of any age who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. HospiceCare cares for people with a variety of diseases including AIDS, ALS, Alzheimer's, cancer, dementia, congestive heart failure and lung disease, among others.
- When should hospice be considered?
Hospice provides care for those whose illness is beyond curative treatment. Hospice focuses on quality of life, and is most effective when commenced before the end stage of illness. Families often say they wish they had known about hospice sooner in the illness.
- Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery or who changes his mind be returned to regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If improvement in the condition occurs and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy if they wish. The patient can be readmitted to hospice should any changes occur.
- What does the hospice admission process involve?
When a patient is referred, hospice will first contact the patient's physician to verify that hospice care is appropriate. A nurse will then meet with the patient and assess his or her needs and condition. A social worker will also offer assistance, addressing any emotional, social or spiritual needs the family or patient may have.
- Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospice does nothing either to hasten or delay the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during childbirth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.
- Is HospiceCare affiliated with any religious organization or other institution?
HospiceCare is not affiliated with any particular religion. Its staff helps facilitate the patient's own belief system and does not promote one philosophy over another. The agency is independent of all other hospices and hospitals. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community members.
- Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances provide hospice coverage.
- If the patient is not covered by any insurance, will hospice still provide care?
HospiceCare will provide services to anyone who meets admission criteria, regardless of their ability to pay. The agency receives funds through community donations to offset the cost of care for patients who do not have insurance.
- Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?
HospiceCare provides continuing contact and support to families for at least one year following the death of a loved one through its Grief and Loss Resource Department. Support groups are available to family members and friends as well as teenagers and children.
- Does hospice provide respite care? HospiceCare relies heavily on the support of volunteers.
These special people will sit with a patient when a family member needs a break. This is usually for a small amount of time. For larger spans of time or multiple days, the family can contact the patient's nurse or social worker for referrals. The Hubbard Hospice House also can be made available for respite care.
Should you have further questions about hospice services, please call HospiceCare or contact your physician.
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