Faith Hospice
How is the Hospice decision made?
When a patient is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate
to consider all the care options available, including hospice. Study after
study have determined that while hospice remains the most compassionate and
cost-effective system for people at the end-of-life, patients are routinely
admitted to hospice programs far too late to fully benefit from the breadth
of hospice services.
Who decides when to consider hospice?
The patient and family can discuss hospice at any time with their personal
physician, friends, healthcare professionals and with the staff at Hospice
of Holland Home.
What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?
Most physicians know about hospice, but are not always aware of the
breadth of medical attention and supportive care hospice provides
patients
and families.
Holland Home has a medical director to discuss hospice care directly with your physician.
How is a patient admitted to a hospice program?
The hospice admission is simple, but there are specific procedures
that must be followed. The admission contact may come from the patient's physician,
the patient, the patient's family or friend. A nurse from our admissions
department will contact the patient's physician to make sure he/she agrees
the patient is hospice appropriate and then visit the patient and family. The
admission is also reviewed by one of our medical directors. The patient will
be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These forms state that the patient
understands that curative treatment will no longer be sought and outlines the
services available. Medicare patients sign a form that explains how electing
the Medicare Hospice Benefits affects other Medicare coverage for a terminal
illness.
Are there any special preparations needed before beginning hospice
care?
Faith Hospice will conduct a careful
assessment of the patient's condition and living situation and recommend
any necessary equipment and help make the arrangements to obtain it. Often
the need for equipment is minimal at first and increases over time.
How is care provided?
One of the first things we do is prepare an individualized care plan
to address the patient's care needs. The hospice staff works
with the patient and caregiver, educating them about the illness,
answering questions and
providing support. Nurses, nurse's aides, social workers, chaplains
and volunteers regularly visit. The frequency is determined
by the care plan. This care plan is updated as needed. Supportive
services are also available
on an "as needed" basis.
Must someone be with the patient at all times?
If a patient is referred to hospice soon enough, it is usually not
necessary for someone to be with the patient at all times. In fact,
with their
pain and symptoms under control, many patients are able to enjoy
activities outside the home. Later, as a disease progresses, the
intensity of
care increases.
Since one of the biggest fears is to die alone, hospice generally
recommends someone be there continually. Hospice volunteers are often
called on
to
sit with patients while caregivers run errands or take a break.
How difficult is it to care for a dying loved one at home?
It's never easy and sometimes can be quite difficult. That's
why our staff is available 24 hours a day for caregivers to call
with questions
and concerns. In emergencies, nurses will make visits at night.
What specific assistance does hospice provide home based patients?
An interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social
workers, chaplains, therapists and volunteers provide care in the
area of his or her
expertise. Hospice also provides medications, supplies, equipment,
hospital services related to the illness, and additional helpers
in the home,
as appropriate.
Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Absolutely not. The goal of hospice is to alleviate pain and suffering
and enhance the quality of life at any stage of life. Contrary to
common misconception,
hospice professionals do not hasten death. Together with the patient
and family, decisions may be made which influence the course of disease,
such
as cessation
of fruitless, life-prolonging interventions. The patient's
physician often makes these recommendations; but it is the paitent's and family's
final decision, a decision for which we can only provide professional
and emotional support.
Is the home the only place hospice care is delivered?
No. Hospice care can also be provided in a contracted long-term care
or assisted living facility. We also provide hospice care in our
Peter C. and Pat Cook Hospice Center, a 13-bed
home-like environment for people who
require
intensive
pain
and symptom management,
or who need a place that provides hospice care around the clock.
How does hospice manage pain?
Hospice staff are educated and trained in the latest procedures and
medications for pain relief. Most medications are provided in a non-pervasive
manner, paying careful attention to the patient's comfort. In hospice care, pain can
also be social, emotional and spiritual, as well. Hospice-trained social workers,
counselors and chaplains assist the patient and family members.
Will medications prevent patients from being able to talk or know what's happening?
Not often. The goal of hospice is to enhance the quality of the patient's
life, and that means keeping patients comfortable and as alert as they desire.
Continuous assessment of the patient's condition helps keep their pain
under control.
Is hospice affiliated with any religious organizations?
Hospice is a compassionate, medical and supportive approach to caring
for dying patients that embraces people of all faiths and spiritual
backgrounds. Our program is particularly ecumenical in approach. It is Faith based in caring for the Mind, Body and Spirit.
Is hospice covered by insurance?
Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare/Medicaid,
many insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs, and managed care groups. We
will help patients and their families review their insurance policies to
determine their hospice benefits.
What services are provided to help the family after the patient dies?
Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family members
for 13 months following the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling
and support groups for adults and children are available to hospice families and the
community at large.
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