Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?

At any time during a life-limiting illness, it's appropriate to discuss all of a patient's  care options, including hospice.  By law the decision belongs to the patient.  Most hospices accept patients who have a life-expectancy of six months or less and who are referred by their personal physician.

2.  Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.

3.  Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly.  If the patient's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life.  If the discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

4.  What does the hospice admission process involve?

One of the first things the hospice program will do is contact the patients physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time.  (Local Hospice has medical staff available to help patients who have no physician.)  The patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms.  The form Medicare patients sign also tells how electing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage.

5.  Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

Local Hospice will assess your needs, recommend any equipment, and help make arrangements to obtain any necessary equipment.  Often the need for equipment is minimal at first and increases as the disease progresses.  In general, Local Hospice will assist in any way it can to make home care as convenient, clean and safe as possible.

6.  How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?

There's no set number.  One of the first things that Local Hospice will do is prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of caregiving needed by the patient.  Local Hospice staff members will visit regularly and are always available to answer medical questions.

7.  What assistnace does Local Hospice provide it's patients?

Local's patients are cared for by a team consisting of a physician, a nurse, social workers, home health aides, clergy, and volunteers.  Each one provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise.  In addition, Local Hospice provides medications, supplies , equipment, and other services related to the terminal illness.

8.  Does Local Hospice postone or hasten the dying process?

Local Hospice neither hastens nor postpones dying.  Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of child birth, Local Hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

9.  Is caring for the patient at home the only place Local Hospice care can be delivered?

No.  Hospice patients receive care in their personal residences, nursing homes, hospital units and inpatient hospice centers.

10.  How does Local Hospice "manage pain"?

Local Hospice believes that emotinal and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so it can address each.  Local Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief.  In addition, physical and occupational therapists can assist patients to be as mobile and self sufficient as they wish.  Various counselors, including clergy , are available to assist family members as well as patients.

11.  Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what's happening?

Usually not.  It is Local Hospice's goal to  have the patient as pain free and alert as possible.  By constantly consulting with the patient, hospices have been very successful in reaching this goal.

12.  Is Hospice care covered by insurance?

Hospice coverage is widely available.  It is provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in 47 states, and by most private insurance providers.  To be sure of coverage, families should, of course, check with their employer or health insurance provider.

13.  If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expense to be paid?

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the full scope of medical and support services for a life-limiting illness.  Hospice care also supports the family and loved ones of the person through a variety of services.  This benefit covers almost all aspects of hospice care with little expense to the patient or family.