Pathways will be sharing the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding hospice care beginning this week.
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Most of us have little first-hand knowledge of hospice, and need facts to make the best possible health care decisions. Here we’ll tell you about hospice care, and answer some of the common questions that people ask.
We welcome your call if you have more questions or would like to schedule an informational visit.
Call Pathways toll-free at 1.888.755.7855.
What is Hospice?
In the United States, hospice is a kind of care, not a place. Hospice is provided wherever you live. It is specialized care for people whose doctors believe they probably have six months or less to live.
People nearing the end of life often have many changes happening in a short period of time. There may be changes in medications, sleep habits, fatigue, diet, and family roles, to name just a few. It is the job of hospice to address each of these changes as they occur, to make the quality of life the best it can be.
People nearing the end of life often have many changes happening in a short period of time. There may be changes in medications, sleep habits, fatigue, diet, and family roles, to name just a few. It is the job of hospice to address each of these changes as they occur, to make the quality of life the best it can be.
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is a benefit covered under Medicare, Medi-Cal, senior HMOs, regular HMOs and private insurance. Hospice pays for all medications, medical equipment and supplies that are related to the life-ending disease.
Is hospice care just for people with cancer?
No. Most patients on hospice do not have cancer. They may have emphysema, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, kidney disease, Parkinson’s, or any of many other diseases. Some people do not have a certain disease, but seem to be declining from old age.
How can I manage to care for my loved one at home?
Hospice nurses and other team members provide care during their visits, and they will teach you what you need to know to provide care at home.
Who comes to visit us?
Hospice care is provided by a team. Each patient has a nurse case manager. You can decide if you would also like a hospice aide to give personal care, a spiritual care counselor to talk to, a social worker to assist with arranging practical matters, or a volunteer to run errands or keep the patient company.
Be sure to check back in with us next week for the next part of our blog series on commonly asked hospice questions and answers.
At the end of the blog series we will post a downloadable PDF with all of the questions and answers covered in this blog.
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