hospice_care
Q: What is hospice care?
A: Hospice is a special type of care for those dealing with a life-limiting illness. The focus is on comfort when cure is no longer an option. At Alpine Hospice, our primary purpose is to help patients maximize their quality of life. We help patients and their families cope with their changing medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The role of hospice is not to take over for the caregiver but to assist the caregiver in meeting the patients care needs in the home.
Q: Where is care provided?
A: Alpine Hospice provides care at the patient's place of residence. This may include the patient's own home or the home of a family member, independent and assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities.
Q: What services are provided?
A: A team of skilled health care professionals and trained volunteers provides hospice care. The team at Alpine Hospice includes physicians, skilled nurses, medical social workers, hospice aides, chaplains, therapists and volunteers.
The hospice's medical director is available for consultation and oversees the medical care provided by the hospice. Our nurses provide hands-on care, teach loved ones how to provide care, and coordinates the care provided by the hospice team. The nurse's visit frequency depends on the patient's status; a nurse is also available 24 hours per day for consultation or visits if necessary. The social worker is available to assist patients and their families in coping with the terminal illness, planning, and bereavement care. The hospice aide assists with personal care such as bathing, personal hygiene and light housework. Our chaplains address the spiritual needs of the patients and their caregivers and assists in connecting the patient with members of his or her own faith. Finally our hospice volunteers provide companionship or respite to patients and their caregivers.
The members of the hospice team provide care through the development of a personalized care plan. The care plan is developed with input from the patient and family and the core team members. This personalized care plan will guide the services provided as well as the frequencies of visits and based upon the patients whishes, which team member will or will not be involved in the case.
In addition to visits from the hospice team, Alpine Hospice also provides patients with approved medications, medical equipment, and medical supplies related to the patient's life-limiting illness.
Q: Can I keep my own doctor?
A: Yes. Your own personal physician continues to guide your care. The hospice team takes direction from you and your doctor and updates him or her on your status. Alpine Hospice medical directors are symptom management specialists; at some point your physician may wish to consult with them about your care.
Q: Who pays for hospice care?
A: Medicare, senior health maintenance organizations (HMOs), Medicaid, and many private insurance plans cover hospice services. Medicare covers 100% of hospice care, leaving the patient with no co-pays. Medicaid may pay up to 100%. Since insurance policies vary, check with your insurance carrier for eligibility and coverage information.
Q: How often will the hospice nurse visit me?
A: The hospice team will develop a plan of care according to your needs and the physicians orders. The hospice nurse typically visits once to twice a week but may come more often, depending on your clinical needs. Visits vary in length, but generally average an hour or less.
Q: Does hospice provide a 24-hour caregiver in the home?
A: No. Hospice does not take the place of a caregiver in the home. Hospice team members make scheduled, intermittent visits, and a nurse is available for phone consultation or visits 24 hours per day. The nurse case manager will teach family and friends about providing care, and the social worker can assist the family in hiring additional help if desired.