F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. WHAT SERVICES DOES HOSPICE PROVIDE?
Support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families, through skilled nursing care, spiritual counseling, social services, volunteers, and bereavement services. Medical equipment and supplies are provided if they relate to the admission diagnosis. Medications are provided if they relate to the admission diagnosis. These medications would be for comfort measures, pain management or other uncontrolled symptoms.

2. WHO SHOULD MAKE THE REFERRAL TO HOSPICE?
Anyone can request a referral to Hospice. A physician must be willing to admit and follow your care while on the program.

3. WHEN DO YOU MAKE THE DECISION TO ENTER HOSPICE AND WHO WOULD MAKE IT?
Any time there is a life-limiting illness, it would be appropriate to discuss Hospice care with your family and physician. The final decision is always the patient's unless someone else has the legal right to make his/her decision.

4. WHAT IF THE DOCTOR WOULD NOT REFER US TO HOSPICE?
You have the right to discuss alternatives with your physician. You may also call Hospice and ask them to talk with your physician regarding your wishes to be placed on the Hospice program

5. WHERE DO PATIENTS LIVE IF THEY RECEIVE HOSPICE?
Individuals receive care wherever they live. It may be in a private home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or a special Hospice facility.

6. WHY CAN'T YOU ADMIT MY LOVED ONE WHILE THEY ARE ON MEDICARE DAYS IN THE NURSING HOME?
The Medicare benefit allows either the Medicare Benefit A or the Hospice Medicare benefit. You cannot use two benefits at the same time. You may choose to waive Medicare A; you then become a private pay patient in the nursing home and are responsible for the room and board payment.

7. WHAT DOES HOSPICE PROVIDE OR DO IN THE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?
We are a support system to the nursing home staff. Hospice is responsible for designing a written plan of care. The hospice staff works with the nursing home staff to carry out the plan of care.

8. CAN THE PATIENT BE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPICE AND THEN BE ADMITTED LATER ON?
Certainly, if the patient's condition improves or he/she has a remission, he/she can be discharged from Hospice. If at a later date symptoms return, a re-evaluation for hospice services will be provided. If a readmission is appropriate, hospice services will be reinstated at that time.

9. WILL YOU STAY IN MY HOME 24 HOURS A DAY?
No, we are a support organization. We do not provide 24 our care. However, there is a nurse and social worker available to talk with you about any concerns you may have. The staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

10. WHO WILL COME INTO MY HOME AND HOW OFTEN WILL THE STAFF COME?
Hospice provides a staff of skilled professionals. The nurse must see the patient once every 14 days, the home health aide will be assigned as needed, the social worker will visit once a month at a minimum, clergy and volunteers as requested. When you first come onto the hospice program, you may not need a great deal of help, but as time goes on, your visits may need to be increased.

11. DO YOU PAY FOR CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION TREATMENTS?
Yes, but you must not be receiving aggressive or curative treatment. The treatment would be palliative only. Prior to admission this would be discussed with your physician and the Hospice Medical Director.

12. MUST SOMEONE BE IN THE HOUSE ALL THE TIME?
In the beginning most patients are able to be left alone, but as the disease progresses, it is recommended that the patient not be left alone. Volunteers can play a very important role in your hospice care. Volunteers will sit with your loved one so you can leave the home for a few hours at a time.

13. WHAT DOES THE HOSPICE ADMISSION PROCESS INVOLVE?
One of the first things hospice will do is contact your physician to make sure he/she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for you at this time. The patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These are similar to forms you would sign when entering the hospital. These forms indicate that the patient understands that the care is palliative (aimed at providing relief of pain and symptom control) rather than curative. The staff explains the Medicare benefit if appropriate, and what it means to elect the Hospice Medicare Benefit, and how it affects other Medicare coverage.

14. DOES HOSPICE PROVIDE HELP TO THE FAMILY AFTER THE PATIENT DIES?
Hospice provides continuing contact and support for the family for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Hospice sponsors all types of bereavement and support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of family, friend, or a disaster.

15. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION OR TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY SPECIFIC NEEDS?

CALL (352) 527-2020 - ASK FOR THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT.