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What is Hospice?
Hospice is a concept of caring that provides comfort and support for those who have an illness that cannot be cured. People who choose hospice care are not “giving up” and they are not choosing to “do nothing”. When a person’s illness is not getting better, hospice care is a choice that addresses all the symptoms of a disease with a special emphasis on controlling pain and discomfort. Hospice allows the patient and family to focus on the emotional and spiritual aspects of care, so that all of the patients needs are met as they are dying. Hospice recognizes that death is a natural part of life. When facing death, patients and families often have many questions about what to expect and how to care for their loved one.
What does it mean that my illness is terminal?
- Sometimes when an illness stops responding to treatment, a doctor may feel that it is likely his or her patient may die within 6 months or less if the disease takes it normal course. Nobody can see into the future, and healthcare professionals do not know for certain when someone will die. However, at a certain point in a disease, it becomes clear that the disease will get worse. This often means the patient will become weaker and have an increased need for help with care. That is when hospice can help.
What can I expect and how can hospice help?
- What happens to patients as they die varies from person to person. Hospice’s goal is geared towards improving your quality of life. Hospice will provide a home health aide to help with your personal needs such as bathing when you are no longer able to do so by yourself. Hospice also provides a Registered Nurse who will visit you in your home and through coordination with your physician, keep your pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms under control.
I do not want to be a burden to my family. How will hospice help them?
- Most often, families do not see taking care of their loved one as a burden. However, they too need support. In addition to helping them address your physical needs, hospice also provides emotional and spiritual support through a social worker and a chaplain available to you and your family. This may include assistance with financial or legal issues, as well as, address spiritual concerns around questions like ‘why me?’ Support to your family will continue after you die to ensure their well being.
I want to die at home, but my family is unable to care for me. What options do I have?
- Sometimes caring for someone at home is not possible. When your need for pain and symptom management cannot be provided adequately at home or your family can no longer care for you, hospice will assist with your transfer to an inpatient hospice or nursing facility.
How is hospice paid for?
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances and HMO’s provide a hospice benefit. This benefit will cover your medications for comfort, hospital bed, and other necessary medical equipment such as oxygen. Your hospice benefit will also cover the nursing, social work, and chaplain services.
Where can I get more information?
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