Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is health care that focuses on improving the quality of life and alleviating the suffering of people with terminal serious and complex illnesses. In addition to a patients symptoms, it focuses on providing support for the emotional and mental well being of a patient and their family.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is not a place or a location that a patient goes to, rather it refers to the service that a patient receives wherever they live. Hospice care can be provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, nursing home, assisted living facility, independent living facility, group homes, residential care facilities, and at home. We come to you, to take care of you and your loved ones.
Is hospice care only for certain faiths?
No, hospice care has no religious affiliation and is focused on providing medical health care for people of all cultures and backgrounds. Spiritual care is part of the services we can offer involving religion/faith as much or little as you want.
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is an entitlement of medicare. Think of it as social security. Just like you are entitled to social security after putting in years of hard work, you are also entitled to hospice services. It is paid for by Medicare or other insurances in most instances.
Isn’t Hospice for the very end?
No, hospice is meant to provide an overall benefit to a patient’s quality of life. It is meant to be used in the last 6 months of life (as best as it can be determined by your doctor). Most patients live longer on hospice than without hospice due to the extra support and care they are provided. They also have a better quality of life, receive additional support, and extra medical care/attention.
Is Hospice really available 24/7?
Yes, you have our number (817-406-1500). It is answered day or night, 7 days a week, on holidays, even during ice storms when everything is shutting down!
Does hospice cover medication/equipment?
Yes, as long as it is related to the terminal condition (the reason you are being admitted to hospice), medications (pain medications, medications for your terminal condition), equipment (hospital bed, wheelchair, shower chair, walker, etc), and supplies (gloves, briefs, incontinence supplies, wound care supplies, etc.) are covered by the hospice at no cost to you! Nursing staff will assess you for needs and order appropriate equipment/supplies.
I’m not ready to die, but I need help
Hospice is not about dying. It is about LIVING. Our goal is to focus on quality of life, to improve how you LIVE. We do not hurry along death, or do anything to shorten a patient’s lives. Morally, ethically and legally we cannot nor will we ever do anything to shorten someone’s life intentionally, even if it is requested. We will instead address the underlying issue that is causing suffering to improve quality of life. The purpose of hospice is to treat what issues (whether they be medical or not) distress the patient to allow the patient and family to experience bliss and enjoy life in the time we have left.
How do I talk to my loved ones about hospice?
Talking about hospice can be scary and emotional. Focusing on the purpose of pursuing hospice helps. What is the purpose? To live better, to get help and support so the patient and family can focus on living rather than surviving. Having more eyes on your loved one to catch small changes and address them allows for higher quality of life. This extra attention allows for a better life and a better outcome (Yes, patients tend to live longer on hospice when admitted earlier in their disease process).
Do I need a doctor’s permission?
While a medical opinion is necessary to get enrolled in hospice, we can help you jump through the hurdles. If you feel you or your loved one needs hospice, give us a call and we will discuss your case with your physicians to see if you qualify. If you do not qualify, we will not abandon you, we will help find other resources you may be eligible for.
How do I make a referral or how do I start?
Hospice his highly regulated by Medicare and there are a lot of legal and medical requirements. You don’t need to worry about what they are or where to start. Pick up the phone or send us an email and we will take care of the legwork. We can help just answer questions if that is all you need, point you in the right direction if hospice is not for you, or get you admitted to hospice services if that is what is best for you.
I want hospice, but I don’t qualify.
No problem. We understand that we all need help and sometimes hospice is not the appropriate way to receive this help. We have several services and work with numerous partners to get you the support you need. If you don’t qualify for hospice, but still need help, give us a call, we can help connect you with the right providers. The healthcare landscape is very confusing, and we are more than happy to help you navigate it.
Need More Information?
Send us an email or give us a call.