Frequently Asked Questions
For Hospice Patients and Families
WHAT IS HOSPICE?
Hospice is a philosophy of care for people faced with a life limiting illness. It is designed to help patients with pain and symptom management without the use of life prolonging measures. Hospice serves both the patient and family as a unit caring for their physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR HOSPICE CARE?
Patients whose physician has given a prognosis of approximately six months or less, and who are in agreement with the philosophy of hospice care.
WHAT IF THE PATIENT LIVES LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS?
As long as the patient still meets hospice criteria, hospice care will continue after six months.
HOW IS HOSPICE PAID FOR?
Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.
WHERE IS HOSPICE CARE PROVIDED?
Hospice can be provided in the patient’s home, extended care facility or residential care homes.
DOES HOSPICE COVER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES?
Hospice covers most basic medical equipment like hospital beds and wheelchairs as well as items like dressing changes supplies that are related to the terminal illness.
HOW DO WE GET THE MEDICINE?
We have a pharmacy that delivers those medicines which are related to the patient’s primary diagnosis.
DOES HOSPICE PAY FOR A NURSING HOME?
Room and Board in a nursing home is not covered by hospice (with the exception of patients who have Medicaid).
HOW OFTEN WILL A NURSE VISIT AND HOW LONG DOES THE VISIT LAST?
It will vary according to the patient and family needs. Most patients are seen by a nurse 2-3 times per week and visits are approximately 45 minutes to an hour long.
WHAT OTHER TEAM MEMBERS MAY BE INVOLVED?
Other disciplines who visit include a Home Health Aide, Social Worker, Chaplain, Volunteer, and the Hospice Medical Director.
WHAT IF WE DON’T WANT ALL OF THE DISCIPLINES TO VISIT?
The patient/family are free to decide which services they feel they need.
WHAT KINDS OF THINGS WOULD A VOLUNTEER HELP WITH?
Volunteers do a variety of things including care giver relief, errands, reading, making scrap books, cooking and housekeeping.
MAY THE PATIENT HAVE PHYSICAL THERAPY?
A patient may receive physical therapy to the extent that it would add to the patient’s safety and quality of life.
DOES HOSPICE HAVE PEOPLE WHO STAY WITH THE PATIENT OVER NIGHT?
Hospice is a visiting service and does not provide in home hourly care. If you are interested in hiring hourly care our social worker can provide you with resources.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE HAVE A PROBLEM AFTER HOURS?
Hospice is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our phones are answered by a nurse who will return your call promptly (usually within 15 minutes).
CAN WE CALL 911?
We ask that you call hospice first for all of your urgent needs.
WHAT IF THE PATIENT NEEDS TO GO BACK TO THE HOSPITIAL?
By calling hospice first we may be able to help keep the patient from having to be admitted to the hospital. If we are unable to control the patient’s symptoms at home, hospice will arrange for the patient to be directly admitted to a facility for Inpatient Care.
WHAT IF THE PATIENT GETS AN INFECTION?
It can be treated with oral antibiotics if the patient/family desires. However, antibiotics are not usually covered by hospice. Patients on IV antibiotics do not meet hospice admission criteria.
WILL THE NURSE BE DRAWING BLOOD?
Blood draws are not usually considered comfort care, but will be considered on a case by case basis.
WILL THE PATIENT KEEP HIS OR HER PRIMARY DOCTOR?
Hospice encourages the patient/family to keep their primary physician, if desired. The nurse also communicates with the attending physician on a regular basis. This keeps the doctor updated on the patient’s condition as well as addresses any changes to the plan of care that are needed.
WHAT IF WE DECIDE WE DON’T WANT HOSPICE ANYMORE?
The patient/family can decide to discontinue hospice care at anytime. Hospice will ask you to sign a revocation form.
WHAT IF THE PATIENT IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING AND BECOMES DEHYDRATED? WILL HE/SHE GET IV FLUIDS?
It is a normal part of the dying process for a person to become dehydrated and usually IV fluids are not necessary to keep the patient comfortable. In fact, often times it causes fluid build up which causes discomfort.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE TIME OF DEATH?
You will call hospice and we will send a nurse out. You will not need to call 911.
WHERE CAN WE GET MORE INFORMATION?
Call Faith Hospice, Inc. our 24 hour phone number is: 314-892-4441
