HOSPICE

Hospice is not specifically a physical place, rather it is a philosophy that is aimed to improve the quality of life of a dying individual.

Hospice's family care's philosophy reflects a strong emphasis on quality of life in the end stages of life. All people deserve the right to dignified control over their life at this time. All people deserve the option of remaining at home without fear of pain or isolation throughout their end stage illness.

Hospice care focuses on living when life expectancy is less than six months. This care is different from other home health benefits in the following ways:

• Often part of an insurance carrier's standard health care coverage
• Separate from other home health benefits
• Often covers the cost of expensive medications
• Services provided in the middle of the night from a hospice nurse
• House calls from doctors provided
• Explanation of the disease process
• Bathing of the patient provided by personal care aides
• Experienced professionals available to provide help with specific training in end stages of life.

Hospice helps to share physical and emotional burdens of illness by understanding the disease process and increasing the communication to the primary care physician. Also, bereavement services are available at no extra charge for one year after death.

Specially trained Hospice teams include:

• Nurses
• Social Workers
• Therapists
• Counselors
• Nutritionist
• Chaplains
• Homemakers
• Nursing Assistants
• Physicians
• Trained Volunteers

Eligibility is based on a six month prognosis determined by the patient's primary care physician and verified by a hospice physician. As the disease or illness progresses, Hospice is interested in improving the quality of life by providing current treatments and other modern technology.

Hospice is there for the patient 24 hours a day in the hospital, at home, in crisis, or in a nursing home. Hospice has inpatient care units that combine aggressive quality of life medical care in a unique home-like environment. Loved ones are welcome to stay overnight. Children and pets can visit anytime. Hospice physicians make daily rounds and are on call 24 hours a day even while the patient is being taken care of by their primary care physician.

Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100% of all professional services including inpatient care and respite, related outpatient prescriptions, medical equipment, and disposable supplies. No one is refused care for lack of financial resources.

Hospice is concerned for the quality of life of an individual with a terminal illness or disease. Hospice is there for the patient and the family.

To find out more, please visit the National Hospice Organization.

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