Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hospice?
Hospice care is about choice and dignity. Hospice is not about how you die, but how you live. Hospice care helps patients and families make informed choices, improves patient care, improves the comfort of the patient, offers grief support, spiritual support, and identifies resources in the community that can benefit the family and patient
What is Palliative Care
Palliative care addresses the physical and emotional suffering that a patient is experiencing. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of the patient’s life and to support the patient and the family during and after the illness.
How is hospice paid for?
Hospice care is a benefit of Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurances. Agency fund raising and private donations allow Harrison’s Hope to provide care for individuals with no hospice benefit.
When should the decision be made to start hospice?
At any time during a life-limiting illness it is important to discuss all the patient’s options including hospice. The decision belongs to the patient and his or her physician. The earlier hospice is involved the more likely that patient’s final days will be comfortable and satisfying.
How does the Hospice care begin?
Referrals to Hospice may be made by the primary care physician, a family member, a friend, clergy or other health professional. The physician must certify that the patient has a terminal illness and qualifies for hospice care. Within 48 hours of the referral a hospice representative contacts the family and will complete an evaluation to make sure the patient qualifies for hospice services under the insurance guidelines.
Do I have to leave my physician to obtain Hospice care?
The primary care physician can serve on the hospice team as the attending physician. The medical director can work with the primary care physician providing expertise in pain management and end of life care.
