Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
When is hospice appropriate?
A:
Hospice care is often appropriate when a patient has reached the final
phases of a terminal illness, but this option may be discussed at any
time during the illness. When patients choose hospice, they are making
the decision to forego extreme curative measures in favor of comfort
care, pain management and support for both patient and family.
Q:
Who is eligible for hospice care?
A:
A physician must certify that a hospice patient has a terminal illness
and an estimated life expectancy of six months or less if the illness
runs its normal course. The patient must agree to hospice care.
We accept everyone who meets these criteria, regardless of the
patient’s financial situation or insurance coverage. The patient does
not have to have family caregivers in the home.
Q: Should I wait for our physician to bring up the subject of hospice, or can I raise it first?
A: The decision to choose hospice should be made by the patient and family
with the input of a physician. Open and frank discussion about
treatment options should be held throughout the course of the illness.
If the patient or family feels that a physician is reluctant to discuss
hospice care, it is always appropriate for one or the other to approach
the subject. American Hospice can assist in the discussion with the physician.
Q: Can we keep our own doctor?
A: Yes. If this is not possible or preferred, specially trained hospice physicians can see the patient and guide the care plan.
Q: Where is hospice care administered?
A: The majority of hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, with
family and friends acting as caregivers. If there is no residence, the
agency can provide care in nursing homes or other types of residential
facilities. If a patient requires inpatient care in order to address
severe symptoms or to provide respite for a caregiver, we have
relationships with hospitals and nursing home facilities throughout our
service area, allowing patients to be served in their own communities.
Q: What if the patient’s condition improves?
A: Occasionally, hospice care can lead to improved life expectancy. When
this happens we will transfer
care to a non-hospice care provider. Later, when patients become
eligible for hospice again, they can re-elect the hospice benefit.
Q: Is hospice Medicare- and Medicaid-certified?
A: Yes.
Q: Do hospice medical directors have specialized training?
A: Our Chief Medical Director and Associate Medical Directors are board
certified. All of our medical directors participate in ongoing training
and education to keep their skills as current as possible.
Q: Does hospice staff regularly discuss pain control with patients and families?
A: Yes, the interdisciplinary team discusses the patient’s plan of care on a weekly basis.
Q: Does hospice staff address pain that is not of a physical nature?
A: We recognize that not all pain is physical. We have chaplains, social
workers and bereavement counselors to address spiritual and emotional
distress, not only with patients but also with their families and loved
ones.
Q:
Is someone available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
A:
Not all problems occur between the hours of 8 and 5. We have a triage
and continuous care team available 24/7. When you call in the evenings
or on weekends, you will always be able to speak directly with a nurse.
In addition, a physician and nurses are always available. A social worker
and chaplain are also on call in case the need is not medical in
nature. Unlike many other hospice programs, if an evening or weekend
visit is needed, you can count on us to be there for you
Q: Is inpatient respite care available?
A: We can arrange respite care in numerous facilities in the area.
Q: Are bereavement services provided?
A: Yes, spiritual and emotional support is provided for family and loved
ones and can continue for up to one year following the death of the
patient.
Q: Does hospice bill patients for pharmacy co-payments?
A: No.
Q: How many hours of direct service are given by nurses, aides, physicians, volunteers, social workers and clergy?
A: Our hospice team, along with the patient and family, will develop a plan of care to best fit the needs of the patient.
Q: Are patients and family caregivers told how many visits they can expect
from hospice staff and how they are informed about changing needs?
A: We provide a written care plan and depend on the family to tell us how
often to visit, and what information they want provided. Our focus is
on meeting the needs of everyone involved.
Q: Does hospice staff try to involve the patient in all care decisions?
A: Yes.
Q: Are medications and equipment delivered?
A: Yes, we deliver to the home, nursing and long-term care facilities, or wherever the patient resides.
Q: Does hospice staff respect the patient's preferences for daily activities and schedules?
A: We encourage patients to do all that they can to live life to the fullest and according to their wishes.
