Most Commonly Asked Questions About Hospice

 

1. When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made, and who should make it?

At any time during a life limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient, family and physician. Understanding, that by law the decision belongs to the patient.

2. Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends.
3. What if our physician doesn ’t know about hospice?
Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information, it is available from your local agency, Legacy 888-771-9099 or National Hospice Organization 800-658-8898.
4. Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment? 
Yes! If a patient’s condition improves, the patient can be discharged. If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
5. What does the hospice admission process involve?
The first step would be to evaluate the patient to see if criteria for hospice is met. Second, would be to contact the patient’s physician to make sure that he/she agrees that hospice care is appropriate. Third, is to get signed consent and insurance forms from the patient.
6. Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?  
Your hospice provider will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment, and help make arrangements to obtain it. In general, hospice will assist in any way it can to make home care as convenient, clean, and safe as possible.
7. How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?  
There is no set number. An individualized care plan will be prepared to address the patient’s needs. Hospice staff will visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.
8. Must someone be with the patient at all times?
It is not necessary for someone to be with the patient at all times. However, one of the most common fears of patients is the fear of dying alone, and so hospice does recommend someone be there continuously as the patient gets closer to death.
9. How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
It’s never easy. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. Hospice is here to help, and does have staff available around the clock to consult family and visit when appropriate.
10. What specific assistance does hospice provide home-based patients?
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 his or her area of expertise. In addition, hospices help provide medications, supplies, equipment, and additional helpers in the home as appropriate.  
11. Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospices do nothing to either speed up or to slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of child birth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.
12. Is the home the only place hospice care can be delivered?
No. Although most hospice services are delivered in personal residence, some patients live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospice centers.
13. How does hospice “manage pain?”
Hospice nurses and doctors are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so it addresses these, as well. Counselors, including clergy, are available to assist family members as well as patients.
14. What is hospice ’s success rate in battling pain?
Very high! Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.
15. Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what ’s happening?
Usually not. It is the goal of hospice to help patients be as comfortable and alert as they desire. By constantly consulting with the patient, hospices have been very successful in reaching this goal.
16. Is hospice affiliated with any religious organization?
Hospice care is not an off-shoot of any religion. Although some religious organizations have started hospices, they serve the community as a whole and do not adhere to any particular set of beliefs.
17. Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in some 38 states (Utah is one), and by most private health insurance policies. To be sure of coverage, families should of course, check with their employer or health insurance provider.
18. If the patient is not covered by Medicare or any other health insurance, will hospice still proved care?  
However, most hospices will provide care for those who cannot pay, using money raised from the community or from memorial or foundation gifts.
19. Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?  
Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement and support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, a friend, or loved one.
20. If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expenses to be paid?  
Medicare covers all services and supplies related to the terminal illness for the hospice patient. In some hospices, the patient may be required to pay a 5% or $5 “co-payment” on medication and a 5% “co-payment” for respite care. You should find out about these costs when choosing a hospice. [Legacy Healthcare will not charge these fees to the patient or family].
(Information provided by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)