Understanding your hospice care options

“Families should talk about it early before a crisis occurs and, together with the patient, define their goals”, says Jeanette Bloch, Hospice Care of Kansas executive director. “Be an informed consumer. Ask lots of questions. Choose a hospice that has been around awhile and with a good reputation.”

Once a terminal diagnosis has been made, families are encouraged to get hospice involved early. Take advantage of all of the benefits offered, not just for the patient. Families also receive the information and support they need at this difficult time. There are opportunities for respite and inpatient care.

Patients keep their own physicians, who with the family, become part of the hospice team. Nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers provide a program based on the patient’s individual needs. Hospice Care of Kansas staff at all levels have advanced hospice training.

Cost is one less thing to worry about. Medicare and Medicaid and most private insurers cover the cost of the team and medications/equipment/supplies related to the terminal illness. Hospice is also a covered benefit for all enrolled veterans, authorized by the VA’s Medical Benefits Package.

Choose the hospice with calls answered evenings and weekends by hospice nurses, a pharmacist on staff for symptom management, a wound care nurse, local staff caring for people in their own communities, more nursing visits than are required and a summer camp for children who have experienced loss of a loved one.