Hospice Care

Sometimes it's difficult to admit or decide that it's time to make a choice in the type of care a loved one should have at a certain point in an illness. Approaching these end-of-life decisions is not simple or easy. Hospice is there to help you and your family through this process, starting with a very simple question: Are you or is your loved one ready for hospice? Consider the following to help in the decision-making process: Have you or has your loved one... Been told by a doctor that life expectancy  is limited?

Providing hospice services can vary as much as hospitals, physicians, and other professional services. From hospice to hospice there are varying levels of expertise...different approaches to supporting patients and families...alternative philosophies of care. The choices can be bewildering for patients and families who are trying to find the hospice that is right for them. Here are some issues every family or caregiver should consider as they learn more about hospice, and how to obtain the kind of service and support their loved one deserves.

Mission Statement Hospice Care is committed to providing and promoting the highest quality of care to those facing end-of-life issues. Core Principles As a health care team, we will provide the highest quality patient centered care to the terminally ill and those significant in their lives without regard to personal diversity. Our patients, those significant in their lives, our employees, volunteers and business partners must always be treated with honestly, respect and dignity.

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.

Medicare, Medicaid, and virtually all managed care or fee-for-service plans cover hospice services 100%. The expense of healthcare at the end of life can potentially be a burden, but hospice care can greatly reduce that financial burden. The Medicare Hospice Benefit is good news! Medicare offers a hospice election that is separate from its other reimbursement structures. All services, medications, treatments, respite care, supplies and equipment that are part of a hospice plan of care are fully covered.