What is Hospice?
Hospice is not a place, it is a philosophy; it is a model of care that involves your physical, spiritual, material, and emotional well-being, as well as, that of family and caregivers. It is a specialized care designed to provide comfort and support to you and your loved ones during an advanced illness, as well as, easing the stress and burdens, which accompany illness.
Hospice Myths, Misconceptions, and Misunderstanding:
“Hospice means I am giving up” :
Absolutely not; hospice care can actually improve a patient’s condition when coming onto hospice since the care is patient specific, continuous and planned by a team of medical professionals designed to assure optimal comfort, dignity, and respect.
“Hospice means I have to go to an institution/place” :
Absolutely note; hospice care can be provided wherever you call home and includes respite care as support for families and caregivers.
“Hospice means I have to give up my own doctor” :
Absolutely not; your primary physician can be included/advised on the plan of care.
“Hospice means a lot of money for care” :
Absolutely not; hospice care is another level of care beyond home health that is covered by Medicare / Medicaid / TRICARE/VA, and most private/commercial insurance.
“Hospice means once I sign on I can never go to the hospital” :
Absolutely not; at any time you can revoke from hospice if you choose to return to the hospital; however, the primary purpose of hospice is to eliminate bleak hospital environments for the comfort of one’s own home.
Hospice Feature, Benefits, and Choices:
- Hospice is a level of care that involves your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being that extends to family and caregivers with education and support
- Hospice is provided wherever you call home; your house, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or group home and helps avoid recurring visits to the hospital.
- Hospice is has as its main FEATURE continuity of care provided by a team of caring Doctors, Registered Nurses, CNA’s, Social Workers, Clergy, various Volunteers, and other Health Professionals as needed.
- Hospice is a BENEFIT of insurance that covers all prescriptions, medical equipment, physician, and nursing care for when a life limiting diagnosis of 6 months or less is needed to benefit from hospice care; and it can be extended as long as the illness remains.
- Hospice is a CHOICE and an alternative to hospital stays and intrusive sometimes invasive treatments that do nothing to improve the quality of life. It is a holistic approach to relief of suffering, as well as, easing the stress and burdens which accompany illness and to promote an optimal quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers.