How Hospice Works

Traditionally, hospice is appropriate for individuals facing a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less, if the disease follows its normal course. Hospice services are available for patients of any age when it has been determined that curative care is no longer an option and the objective becomes an issue of pain management and quality-of-life. Each situation is unique, but many patients receive hospice care in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes or wherever they reside.

A multi-disciplinary team of professionals all work together with the patient and the family to customize the patient’s care plan:

• The Medical Director oversees patient care and is the liaison with the patient’s personal physician, the medical community and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Nurses comfort patients and provide professional care to manage symptoms and ease pain.
• Home Health Aides help preserve each patient’s dignity and independence by offering compassionate personal care.
• Medical Social Workers help patients and loved ones cope with social, emotional and financial stress.
• Spiritual Counselors listen and allow patients and loved ones to choose their own spiritual path to peace, harmony and healing.
• Volunteers are the heart of hospice and offer helping hands for everyday things that need to be done.

How to Begin Hospice

The earlier a patient begins hospice, the greater the benefits they receive from it. Once a patient is diagnosed, it is important to meet with the primary care physician as soon as possible to discuss a referral to hospice. The doctor may have already recommended this, but if not, it is appropriate for the patient and his or her family to request admission to hospice care. You may also contact hospice directly and they will work with the physician to certify the patient’s medical condition and approve his or her admission.

Now that I have Hospice…

A hospice RN will schedule an appointment to visit the patient for an initial assessment. She/he will then make an introductory telephone call to the patient’s physician to determine the best course of comfort management. The nurse will set a regular visitation schedule with the patient, one to five times a week. The patient will know that hospice is available for response 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hospice does not take over care giving for the patient, but is ready to respond to the questions or to emergency situations relating to the disease process of the patient anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The patient is encouraged to pursue whatever quality of life is important at this time. Hospice works with the family members to help them understand the disease process, the emotions, the pain and frustration they are experiencing.

Hospice follows a Patient Rights and Responsibilities creed:

As a patient, you have the right to:

• Be cared for by a team of professionals who will provide high quality comprehensive hospice services
• Appropriate and compassionate care, regardless of diagnosis, race, age, gender, creed, disability, sexual orientation, place of residence, or the ability to pay for the services rendered
• Be fully informed regarding your health status in order to participate in the planning of your care
• Be treated with respect and dignity for you, your family, caregivers and property
• Have your family and/or caregivers trained in effective ways of caring for you
• Confidentiality
• Voice grievances
• Be informed of any charges or fees

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

• Participate in developing your plan of care
• Provide hospice with accurate and complete health information
• Remain under a doctor’s care
• Assist hospice staff in developing and maintaining a safe environment
• Inform hospice of any advance directives or any changes in advance directives
• Cooperate with the primary doctor, hospice staff and other caregivers
• Advise the hospice of any problems or dissatisfaction with your care
• Notify hospice of address or telephone number changes
• Provide a safe home environment in which care can be given
• Obtain medications, supplies and equipment ordered by the your physician if they cannot be obtained or supplied by hospice
• Treat hospice personnel with respect and consideration.