Hospice
What is hospice....
A special kind of care for dying people and their families that:
treat the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient,
takes place in the patients home, or in a home like setting,
concentrates on making patients as pain free and comfortable as possible so they can make the most of the time that remains to them,
considers helping family members an essential part of its mission.
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Commonly asked questions...
When should a decision about entering hospice be made and who should make it?
Anytime during a life-limiting illness, available options should be discussed, including hospice. It is ultimately the patient's decision to enter the hospice program.
Should I wait for my physician to bring up the subject of hospice or should I bring it up?
Patient and family are encouraged to discuss hospice care at anytime with their primary physician.
Who can have hospice services?
Individuals who have a life-limiting illness of six months or less if their disease runs it's normal course, providing they are not seeking curative or experimental treatments.
Who pays for hospice services?
Hospice services are reimbursed under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies. Donations and memorials are also accepted to offset costs for those who have no insurance resources.
Can Hospice care follow a patient into a nursing home?
Yes, hospice care is available in intermediate level-of-care nursing homes.
What do hospice services consist of?
Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and volunteers - and each provides assistance based on hi or her area of expertise. In addition, hospice provides medications, supplies, equipment, hospital services and additional helpers in the home if and when needed.
Must someone be with the patient at all times?
No, as long as the patient is comfortable staying alone, and being alone will not compromise the patient's safety or well - being. Later, however, since one of the most common fears of a patient is dying alone, hospice generally recommends that someone be there continuously.
Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during childbirth, hospice provides its presence and understanding of the dying process.
How often does Benton County Hospice staff visit?
Staff visits will be scheduled as the needs of the patient and family change. If necessary, scheduled nursing visits will be made on the weekends. A hospice nurse is on-call 24 hours a day to handle any crisis or questions that may occur.
How do I start hospice services?
Anyone can call Benton County Hospice to request services. The hospice staff will take information and call the patient's doctor to certify that the patient meets admission criteria.
I'm on Home Health Services right now, can I keep the same nurse?
There is a good chance your Benton County Home Health nurse can continue to see you when you are on Benton County Hospice.
Do I have to change doctors?
Every hospice patient maintains their own doctor; however, Benton County Hospice has a Medical Director who occasionally makes house calls to assist the patient's primary doctor and Benton County Hospice staff.
