Does hospice mean giving up hope?
Hospice care Hospice is care designed for patients with a life-limiting illness. Hospice is not where you go to die; really, hospice professionals are trained to assist patients in living their lives fully, completely, and without pain until the end of their lives. Starting hospice care early provides patients an opportunity to stabilize the management of their symptoms and optimize their quality of life.
Is hospice only for people at the very end of life?
Hospice patients and families receive care for an unlimited amount of time, depending upon the course of the illness. There is no fixed limit on the amount of time a patient may continue to receive hospice services when help is needed.
Isn't quality care at the end of life is expensive?
Medicare and/or Medi-Cal beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice services. Most private insurances, HMO’s, and managed care plans also cover hospice care services for their members.. A main feature is that hospice never sleeps! Our 24/7 on-call team ensures that patients will receive timely comfort measures whenever needed.
Does hospice care means I will have to leave my home?
Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home. This includes private residences, a nursing home or assisted living facility., or almost any other shelter one can think of as long as we can safely provide care in the environment.
Does hospice replace friends and family in caring for someone with a life-limiting illness?
No, family members are encouraged, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help family and friends care for their loved ones, but we are not live in or shift care.
Hospices also provide support to a patient's loved ones.
Isn't hospice care only for people who have AIDS or some form of cancer?
Fifty percent of hospice patients are diagnosed with conditions other than cancer or AIDS. Other progressive illnesses include liver or renal failure, diseases of the heart or lungs, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, ALS, or stroke tp name a few.
Is hospice is just for older people who are ill?
Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.
After the patient’s death, hospice care ends.
Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for up to one year after the death of a patient. We recognize that the illness and passing of a loved one means caregivers need support too.
If I start hospice care, won't I have to give up my primary care doctor?
No, you can continue to see your doctor for non-curative care while on hospice. We will work with your doctor to take care of you and keep your doctor informed of your condition.
Does my doctor have to refer me to hospice?
Anyone can ask for a hospice consultation. The hospice will consult with your doctor to obtain permission to do a comprehensive assessment and admit if appropriate. .
Will hospice care mean a lot of suffering?
No. Managing pain and other symptoms are the primary goals of hospice care. Hospice aims to provide the best possible quality of life to patients to promote positive quality of life.