What is Hospice?
It’s a special way of caring for people with terminal illness and their families. Hospice treats the whole person.
Why is Hospice Care important?
Because it provides many benefits that aren’t possible in a traditional health-care setting. Hospice means: a coming together with family and greater control for patients.
What is the Hospice focus?
Hospice focuses on the unique needs of patients and families. Giving special attention to: Physical needs, Social needs, Emotional needs, and Spiritual needs.
What makes Hospice special?
Hospice is special because it concentrates on care-not cure. Hospice emphasizes:
Pain control, Living life fully, Care at home, Treating patients and loved ones as a unit.
What services does the hospice provide?
A “TEAM” provides care, Family and friends learn care techniques, Help is always available, Bereavements counseling is provided.
Who are the members of the hospice team?
A hospice coordinator or director, Physicians (Medical Director), Nurses, Chaplains, Social Workers, Volunteers, Dietitian, Home Health Aides, Counselors, Pharmacist, and Therapist (physical, occupational, etc.)
Where is care provided?
In a setting that best suits the needs of the patient and caregivers. Care may be provided:
Home, An inpatient facility, Combination of places.
Who pays for hospice programs?
Reimbursement for services may come from: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance carriers, hospice accepts patients based on their health needs-not their ability to pay.
Is hospice only for elderly people?
People of all ages may receive hospice care.
What are advance directives?
They’re documents that allow the patient to state what kind of medical treatment they want or don’t want in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes.
What are some of the services volunteers provide?
Volunteers may help patients and families directly with chores, and companionship. Support is a very important part of being a hospice volunteer.
How can I become a hospice volunteer?
Contact the hospice by filling out the form on the web site. You may be required to:
have an interview, complete a training program.
