Avalon Hospice

Q:  Isn't hospice only for people with cancer?

A:  Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limitng illness, regardless of diagnosis or age.

Q:  Doesn't hospice mean giving up hope?

A:  Not at all.  Dying is a natural part of life.  Hospice helps patients live their remaining days to the fullest, by managing pain and symptoms, while allowing them to remain in the comfort of their homes or a skilled nursing facility.

Q:  When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?

A:  Experts agree that the time to learn about hospice is before a life-threatening illness occurs.  This greatly reduces stress, should the time come when hospice services are appropriate.  That said, at any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice.  By law, decisions about care should be made by the patient.  Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to cure a disease and hospice staff members are highly sensitive to those concerns.  Still, the earlier a hospice team is involved, the more satisfaction patients and families express.  Hospice can best serve the family and patient when there is time to fully assess and understand everyone's needs.

Q:  Is the patient's physician involved in planning the hospice care?

A.  Yes.  The patient's attending physician is part of the hospice team.  He or she provides direction for the patient's medical care and the patient can continue to see them as needed.  Our Hospice Medical Directors  (also licensed, board-certified physicians) will work closely with the Interdisciplinary Team and the patient's personal physician to ensure seamless, comprehensive care.  Every patient's individualized plan of care is approved by his or her physician.

Q:  Who can make a referral to hospice?

A.  Anyone can make a referral to hospice.  Once we receive your request, our team will work with your physician to determine your eligibility for our services.

Q:  Are there any changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

A:  No.  Your hospice provider will determine your needs during an initial assessment visit and recommend any equipment or changes needed in the home environment.  Hospice will also help make arrangements to obtain any necessary medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers or hospital beds.

Q:  How many family members or friends are usually needed to care for a patient at home?

A:  There is no set number.  One of the first things a hospice team will do is work with the patient and family to prepare an inidividualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount and level of care needed.  We also have a team of volunteers who will be available to assist with a variety of daily activities such as laundry, cooking, errands, etc.  Team members visit regularly, and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.  Weekly team meetings are held to coordinate all care for the patient and family.  In addition, as the patient's needs change, the team will reassess and add or remove elements of care as appropriate.

Q:  What happens if a hospice nurse is needed at night or on the weekend?

A:  Hospice nurses are available on-call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Patients and their families are provided with contact information so hospice personnel can be reached no matter what time of day or day of the week.

Q:  Is the home the only place hospice care can be delivered?

A:  No.  Although most hospice services are delivered in private residences, some patients live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or hospital rooms.

Q: How does hospice manage pain?

A:  Hospice staff have extensive expertise managing pain.  Not only are hospice team members up to date on the latest medications and approaches for pain and symptom relief, they also recognize and understand that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real as physical pain.

Q:  Can a hospice patient be re-admitted to the hospital?

A:  In-patient care is provided when approved by the patient's physician and the hospice medical director, for the relief of uncontrolled symptoms, and when treatment available from the hospital will maximize the patient's comfort.  Repite Care is also provided on occasion.  This type of care is a short-term admission to the hospital or other facility when family members will be away, such as on a vacation, for a brief period of time.  When needed, continuous, round-the-clock, care is also provided for eligible patients.

Q:  What happens if the patient's condition improves?

A:  Our interdisciplinary team evaluates the patient's condition frequently.  If we determine that the patient's condition is no longer terminal or is stable, we may recommend that the patient be discharged from hospice.  Of course, the patient may revoke the hospice election at any time.  Any patient whose symptoms recur or worsen can also be readmitted to hospice.

Q:  Are there any age restrictions when it comes to hospice care?

A:  No.  People of all ages may receive hospice care.

Q:  Do I have to pay for hospice services?

A:  No.

Q:  Who pays for hospice?

A:  Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurance companies offer hospice benefits.  To be eligible for hospice benefits, the patient's physician and the hospice medical director must certify that the patient has six months or less to live if the disease runs its normal course.  The patient must also sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare- or insurance-covered services for the terminal illness.  Hospice handles all insurance billing and coordination for its patients.  Charitable contributions allow us to provide care to everyone regardless of ability to pay.