How do I know if it’s the right time for hospice?
Whether you are considering hospice and comfort care for yourself or someone you love, the best strategy is to listen. Listen to your body and your heart. You know when your body is taking one step forward and two steps back. Those you care for know it, too. They may say things like, “I don’t want to go back to the hospital,” or “those treatments make me feel worse, not better,” or other similar statements. While it is often difficult, you need to be prepared to listen and truly hear what they are saying, honestly discuss their desires and goals, and look at your options for meeting those goals and fulfilling those desires. When comfort and quality of life are the primary considerations, it is time to think about hospice care. The staff at Home Hospice will be happy to discuss this choice with you, and even make a visit at no charge to help you determine if this is the right time to initiate this valuable care – for you and for your family.
When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?
When faced with a life-limiting illness it’s appropriate to discuss all options, including hospice. The choices about when to begin hospice care and which provider to use are the decision of the patient and his/her family. Home Hospice staff members are sensitive to your concerns and are available to discuss options with patients and their families.
How will I pay for hospice care?
Medicare and Medicaid have benefits which cover the cost. Some hospice organizations require a co-payment; Home Hospice does not. Many private insurance plans also have a provision for hospice care. If you have none of these resources, hospice care will still be provided by Home Hospice.
Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I do so first?
Some questions you might ask your physician are:
- Do some families choose comfort care or hospice at this point? If the answer is, “yes, some do,” then you know it is time to consider the next step.
- What will the next round of treatment accomplish? As her/his doctor what are your goals with this plan of care? Will this move us closer to restoring health?
- Remember, this is often a difficult time for your physician. When you ask about comfort care, goals, and quality of life, you open the door for real honest communication that can help you choose what is best for you.
Who should I consult to help me make a decision about my hospice provider?
Talk with friends, neighbors, clergy, your physician and other trusted medical professionals who are familiar with hospice. Find out about personal experiences with hospice care. Remember, the choice of a provider is yours.
Is caring for me at home the only way I can receive hospice services?
No. You can receive care where you live – in your own or some else’s home, in a nursing home, in personal care homes, in assisted living centers, and at times in a hospital.
How does hospice care begin?
When a formal request or referral is made, we first listen to what is most important to you and then we provide you with an assessment and appropriate options from which to choose so that care can begin. Home Hospice provides a free evaluation visit for anyone considering hospice care.
What kinds of supports are available for the family and other caregivers?
Home Hospice recognizes that loved ones have their own special support needs. Our staff will learn about the patient and the needs of family members and will work to help in a variety of ways.
Will medications prevent me from talking with my family or even enjoying life?
Usually not. Home Hospice’s goal is to keep you as pain free and alert as possible. By consulting with you and allowing you to guide your care, hospices have been very successful helping patients retain a good quality of life.
Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
No. Home Hospice does nothing to hasten death. Hospice workers provide a strong presence and expertise during the dying process to bring comfort and assure the best quality of life possible.
What role does the physician play?
Most often, patients choose to have their own physician involved in their care. The Home Hospice team coordinates care with your physician, keeping him or her informed at every step. In coordination with your doctor, the hospice medical director will bring specialized expertise and experience in hospice to your care.
What about help for my family after I’m gone?
Hospice continues to communicate with and provide support for caregivers and family members for at least a year. Optional services include bereavement care, individual counseling, support groups, written materials, regular phone calls, and memorial services.
